Ayurveda approaches and current research evidence for senile osteoporosis in the field of Ayurveda: A scoping review

Senile osteoporosis has become a significant health burden with the expanding aged population. The global prevalence of osteoporosis among people aged 50–85 years was 21.7%. The risk of osteoporotic fracture increases with advancing age, and hip fracture accounts for the highest morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to understand the Ayurvedic approach to senile osteoporosis, analyze the research evidence in this unexplored area, and develop solutions for its effective management. This study examined the background of senile osteoporosis through the lens of Ayurveda, based on a literature review of classical Ayurvedic texts. Recent research on the preventive and curative aspects of senile osteoporosis in the context of Ayurveda and herbal medicine was collected from full-text articles available in databases such as PubMed, AYUSH Portal, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Search included terms, such as senile osteoporosis and Ayurveda, Rasayana and senile osteoporosis, Rasayana for bone health, and Asthi Dhatu Rasayana to derive the current knowledge and research trends in this area. It was observed that limited research has been done in the domain of senile osteoporosis and Ayurveda. Senile osteoporosis can be managed through an Ayurvedic holistic approach, focusing on dietary supplementation, Rasayana and single-herb formulations, mineral formulations, and osteogenic therapies. Further research involving pre-clinical I n vivo, In vitro studies, and clinical randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the effects of Ayurvedic therapeutics on bone cells and bone-related biomarkers, and to generate robust and conclusive evidence.