Research studies on the role of homeopathic medicines in bone mineralization & osteoporosis

·       Symphytum officinalis & calcarea preparations

     Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones weak and brittle due to decreased bone mass and strength. It develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes. This reduced strength and bone loss can increase the risk of bone fractures.

  Bones can grow strong or weaker, and break when subjected to the application of excessive force. If any damage occurs bones can regenerate without an obvious scar. It is evident in bone fracture healing after a fall or injury. Similarly minor spontaneous cracks within bones also are repaired. These cracks develop with ageing, poor diet; hormonal imbalances etc. Genes also play a pivotal role in bone changes.

   To maintain structural integrity, the skeleton of human body needs to constantly remodel and repair these minor cracks that develop in the bones of vertebrae, pelvis, and of long bones. This remodeling process occurs in osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes, cells within the bone remodeling cavity.

   Bones are highly specialized connective tissue with a potential to remodel. The primary cell which helps for building bone is the osteoblast. Osteoblasts normally secrete a fluid osteoid, which is rich in a protein known as type I collagen. Another component of the osteoid is the ground substance, composed of osteocalcin and chondroitin sulfate.  The osteoid will undergo the process of mineralization with inorganic components such as calcium and phosphate obtained from diet. This mineralization process is important for bone hardening or bone strength.

  Vitamin D is crucial for bone mineralization. Therefore it is important to consume calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D rich foods for bone strength. Include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fish, cod liver oil, eggs and meat in your diet for maintaining bone health.

  Osteocytes within the bones play a major role in controlling the process of remodeling. The osteocytes are typically found in lacunae arranged concentrically around a central opening known as a Haversian canal, which provides the blood supply for the bone cells. They can sense the mechanical strain and the developing micro cracks of bones, and also respond to hormonal changes, such as estrogen deficiency, triggering bone remodeling, in association with bone-lining cells.

   The process of Bone remodeling begins by the initiation of bone resorption or loss of old or damaged bone by osteoclasts, cells with in the bone. The osteoclasts, multinucleated cells derived from macrophages found in Howship’s lacunae on the surface of the bones. They are under the control of the osteoblasts.

   The role of homeopathic medicines in osteoporosis is discussed here citing the results of some animal studies so far conducted. These studies elucidate the significance of homeopathic drugs in osteoporotic treatment and the dire need for extensive clinical trials in this regard.

    A study was conducted in chickens reared in poultry sheds. Bone mineralization is usually low in battery chickens reared in commercial poultry-sheds, creating a weakness of the whole animal supporting apparatus. Homeopathic preparations with bone-tissue tropism may improve their health quality. Bone mineralization becomes an important factor reflecting the status of skeletal health where calcium holds a pivotal role in maintaining it.

 The study [1]concludes that Symphytum. officinalis (9CH), C. carbonica (30CH) and Tricalcarea (4CH), administered to chickens in homeopathic dilution, caused a significant increase of calcium-hydroxyapatite concentration in their sternum spongy-bone.

 Moreover, these groups treated with S. officinalis (9CH) or C. carbonica (30CH) or Tricalcarea (4CH) had increased calcium-hydroxyapatite concentration that did not seem dependent on sample age but rather on the presence of these substances in homeopathic dilution. These substances already cause a modest increase of calcium-hydroxyapatite concentration in sternum spongy-bone of the younger groups, confirming that they produce accelerate bone mineralization.

Homeopathic  preparations of S. officinalis are said to accelerate bone healing, reducing the time to consolidate bone fractures.

·       Study on the role of symphytum officinalis & bone mineral density

   Another study by Sakakura et al. also showed that homeopathic solution (6CH) of Symphytum. officinalis administration increased radiographic bone density and area of bone gain around titanium implants placed in the tibia of 48 rats at 14 and 7 weeks postsurgery[2].

·       Study on the role of calcrea phosphorica in bone repair

   Calcarea. phosphorica, is one of the homeopathic medicines prescribed for bone disease treatment, late bone callus formation, problems with fracture union, bone-deficient and abnormal growth, and for fractures followed by pain and paresis.

Senra et al. observed that hypertensive castrated rats treated with C. phosphorica had a higher optical density in the bone repair area than with risedronate and C. fluorica.

 The full impact of osteoporosis on the consolidation of bone fractures is still not completely understood, and it is possible that the conventional medications may interfere with the repair process.

Therefore extensive research and clinical trials on alternative treatments for osteoporosis is crucial. Probably it can contribute to a better understanding of the disease and may improve the quality of life of osteoporotic individuals. Further extensive studies in human and animal models are required to confirm the role of homeopathic medicines in osteoporosis in human beings although homeopathic medicines are still given as an adjuvant therapy in such cases.

References

1.    Bone computed tomography mineral content evaluation in chickens: effects of substances in homeopathic concentration Homeopathy Volume 105, Issue 1, February 2016, Pages 92-95 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1475491615000582

2.    C.E. Sakakura, R.S. Neto, M. Bellucci, A. Wenzel, G. Scaf, E. Marcantonio Jr.Influence of homeopathic treatment with comfrey on bone density around titanium implants: a digital subtraction radiography study in rats Clin Oral Implants Res, 19 (6) (2008), pp. 624-628

3.    G.S. Senra, C. Werkman, R.F. Rocha, A.A.H. Brandão Estudo radiográfico do reparo ósseo em ratos SHR com osteoporose utilizando homeopatia e risedronato. Programas e Resumos da 5ª Mostra de pós-graduação da Universidade de TaubatéUniversidade de Taubaté, Taubaté (2004), p. 30 [Google Scholar]