Several drugs of plant origin have been described in the literature on Indian medical practice and have been used since long in Ayurveda medicine for fracture repair. Bone healing using plant extracts is a common practice in traditional medicine.

Cryptolepis buchananii is a medicinal plant used to treat bone fracture. The plant’s root, stem, and leaves are commonly used for fracture healing. The herb has antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective activity. It has also been shown to relieve muscle and joint pain.

Cissus quadrangularis, popularly known as hadjod, has been known centuries for its bone healing potential. The herb is naturally rich in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and β-carotene. Roots and stems of the plant are most useful for fracture healing. It is also used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Hadjod has been shown to accelerate fracture healing. It also has an analgesic effect. It can also counteract the cortisone delayed effect on the bone recovery. The herb has strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties that can be attributed to the presence of β-carotene. Phytosterols present in C. quadrangularis possess anabolic activity which plays a key role in bone repair. Hadjod accelerates all the phases of recovery - fibroblastic phase, collagen phase, and osteochondral phase and stimulates all the cells of mesenchymal origin - fibroblasts, chondroblasts, and osteoblasts - with the maximum effect on osteoblast proliferation.

Bambusa arundinacea (Bamboo) decreases inflammation and helps in fracture healing. It contains benzoic acid, traces of cyanogenic glycoside, and silicon substances which help in fracture healing.

Symphytum officinale (knit bone) removes inflammation surrounding the fracture and induces union of the affected part.

Use of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan Sheng) is known to result in early formation of dense callus and increases the activity of osteoblasts. Terminalia arjuna is also used orally for healing of fractures. Tinospora cordifolia stem paste is applied as a bandage to treat bone fracture and dislocation of bone. Commiphora wightii is also used for the treatment of fracture and dislocation of bones and stiff joint.

These are only a few natural remedies that have the potential to treat bone fractures, osteoporosis, arthritis, etc. There is a comprehensive armamentarium of herbs that have bone healing properties in traditional Indian medicine. These remedies can be put to use alongside standard treatment regimen to effectively treat bone fractures as well as other bone disorders.