Pre and post test clinical trial to assess the efficacy of tila (sesamum indicum linn.) Rasāyana in osteoporosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a condition that deteriorates the micro architecture of bone often resulting in fracture. It makes the density of bone low. It affects quality of life of the patients. According to recent research data the prevalence rate of osteoporosis in Indian women is 29% and worldwide, 1:3 women and 1:5 men over age 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures. The treatment options available in contemporary medicine also are not that available or affordable to majority of Indian population. Hence an easily available, affordable treatment which can be taken rather as a food than as a medicine is very much needed in current scenario. Hence “pre and post” efficacy study of Tila Rasāyana in osteoporosis was done.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre and post-test clinical trial of tila Rasāyana was done on osteoporotic patients whose bone density was more than -2.5 in peripheral DEXA and who were aged between 35-65 years. The intervention includes a Virechana (therapeutic purgation) followed by intake of sesame for one month. Both before and after the trial assessment were done on t score, Serum ALP, Serum Calcium and Quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS: The study showed statistically significant improvement in QOL and Serum ALP and insignificant result in Serum Calcium and t scores within this one month of Tila rasayana

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Tila helps in reducing Vata (a biological humour). The tila Rasāyana brings nourishment to body and improve bone health. An in-vitro study result states that sesamin a major lignan in sesame stimulate osteoblast differentiation through p38 and ERK ½ MAPK signalling pathways. Hence this trial can be concluded as an effective management in the treatment of osteoporosis.