Osteoporosis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition characterized by the progressive thinning and weakening of bones, resulting in a higher risk of fractures.

It is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including hormonal imbalances, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and a sedentary lifestyle. If left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to debilitating fractures, chronic pain, and loss of mobility. Fortunately, herbal remedies such as horsetail, ginseng, and black cohosh have been shown to promote bone health and alleviate symptoms.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of osteoporosis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of osteoporosis?

The main causes of osteoporosis are a combination of genetic, hormonal, nutritional, and lifestyle factors.

Primary among these is the loss of estrogen in postmenopausal women, which accelerates bone resorption by up to 3% annually. Additionally, genetic mutations affecting bone density genes such as LRP5 and SOST can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Other contributing factors include inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic conditions like hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease.

Furthermore, the presence of certain medications, including glucocorticoids and thyroid hormone, can also lead to bone loss and osteoporosis.

• Premenopausal Osteoporosis: Premenopausal osteoporosis is a condition where women, typically between the ages of 20 and 50, experience bone loss due to hormonal imbalances, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, which can be caused by factors such as excessive exercise, eating disorders, or certain medical conditions.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, is a common cause of osteoporosis in both men and women, often resulting from conditions such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, or taking certain medications that alter hormone levels.
• Nutritional Deficiency: Nutritional deficiency, specifically a lack of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K, can contribute to osteoporosis as these nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining bone health and density.
• Family History: Genetic predisposition, often linked to family history, can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, as certain genetic mutations can affect bone density and susceptibility to bone loss.
• Thyroid Disease: Thyroid disease, particularly hyperthyroidism, can cause osteoporosis due to the increased production of thyroid hormones, which can lead to bone resorption and decreased bone density.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease, particularly chronic kidney disease, can cause osteoporosis due to the buildup of toxins in the body, which can interfere with bone health and increase the risk of bone loss.
• Medication Side Effects: Medication side effects, particularly those related to corticosteroids, certain anticonvulsants, and some antidepressants, can contribute to osteoporosis by disrupting bone metabolism and increasing bone resorption.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, can increase the risk of osteoporosis due to malabsorption of essential nutrients, particularly calcium and vitamin D.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and gastrectomy, can increase the risk of osteoporosis due to malabsorption of essential nutrients and chronic inflammation.
• Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, can increase the risk of osteoporosis due to the release of inflammatory cytokines, which can disrupt bone metabolism and increase bone resorption.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for osteoporosis?

The main medicinal herbs used for osteoporosis are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Equisetum arvense, Astragalus membranaceus, Curcuma longa, Angelica sinensis, Vitis vinifera, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Ginkgo biloba.

Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin which increases bone density by inhibiting osteoclast activity and stimulating osteoblast function. Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa contain gingerols and curcuminoids which have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce bone resorption and increase bone formation. Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis have been shown to increase bone density by stimulating osteoblast activity and reducing osteoclast activity.

Other herbs such as Vitis vinifera, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera and Ginkgo biloba have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce bone loss and promote bone health.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce bone resorption and promote bone formation by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, cells responsible for bone breakdown.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale has been shown to increase bone mineral density and reduce bone turnover by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts and stimulating the activity of osteoblasts, cells responsible for bone formation.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect bones from oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby promoting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus has been shown to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts and inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, leading to increased bone formation and reduced bone resorption, respectively.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in bones, thereby promoting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis has been shown to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts and inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, leading to increased bone formation and reduced bone resorption, respectively, and also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce bone resorption.
• Vitis vinifera: Vitis vinifera contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that has been shown to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts and inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, leading to increased bone formation and reduced bone resorption, respectively.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng has been shown to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts and inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, leading to increased bone formation and reduced bone resorption, respectively, and also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce bone resorption.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera has been shown to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts and inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, leading to increased bone formation and reduced bone resorption, respectively, and also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce bone resorption.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect bones from oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby promoting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for osteoporosis?

The main herbal preparations used for osteoporosis are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Cream, Gel, Suppository, Powder, Salve, Tablet, Ointment.

Decoction of herbs like alfalfa and nettle root is used to reduce bone loss and increase bone density due to high calcium and iron content. Tincture of herbs like saw palmetto and ginseng is used to improve bone health by increasing bone formation and reducing bone resorption. Capsule preparations of herbs like calcium and vitamin D are used to supplement calcium and vitamin D intake which is essential for bone health.

Various topical preparations like Cream, Gel, Suppository, Powder, Salve, Tablet, and Ointment containing herbs like arnica and aloe vera are used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoporosis.

• Decoction: A decoction of Equisetum arvense (horsetail) helps with osteoporosis by providing a rich source of silica, a key mineral that helps to strengthen bones and improve bone density.
• Tincture: A tincture of Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) helps with osteoporosis by improving blood flow to the bones, which can aid in the delivery of essential nutrients and minerals required for bone health.
• Capsule: A capsule of Boron-rich herbs such as Avena sativa (oats) helps with osteoporosis by providing a readily absorbable form of boron, a mineral that is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing bone loss.
• Cream: A cream made from the roots of Angelica archangelica (angelica) helps with osteoporosis by applying topical nutrients directly to the affected areas, which can aid in the healing and strengthening of bones.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of Equisetum arvense (horsetail) helps with osteoporosis by providing a topical application of silica, which can aid in the strengthening and regeneration of bones.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (baical skullcap) helps with osteoporosis by delivering a concentrated dose of plant compounds directly to the affected areas, which can aid in the reduction of inflammation and promotion of bone health.
• Powder: A powder made from the extract of Boron-rich herbs such as Avena sativa (oats) helps with osteoporosis by providing a concentrated and easily absorbable form of boron, a mineral that is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing bone loss.
• Salve: A salve made from the extract of Arnica montana (arnica) helps with osteoporosis by applying topical anti-inflammatory compounds directly to the affected areas, which can aid in the reduction of pain and inflammation associated with osteoporosis.
• Tablet: A tablet made from the extract of Osteospermum junceum (Cape daisy) helps with osteoporosis by providing a concentrated dose of plant compounds that have been shown to aid in the strengthening and regeneration of bones.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the extract of Equisetum arvense (horsetail) helps with osteoporosis by applying topical silica directly to the affected areas, which can aid in the strengthening and regeneration of bones.