ABSTRACT

Background: Ayurveda identifies Purishdhara Kala as one of the seven membranous layers that separates digested nutrients from waste within the intestine. Acharya Dalhana’s interpretation equates Purishdhara Kala with Asthidhara Kala, suggesting a close link between intestinal and bone health. Osteoporosis, a systemic skeletal condition marked by decreased bone density and structural deterioration, is commonly associated with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) issues. This study explored the relationship between osteoporosis and GI symptoms with reference to the Ayurvedic concept that Purishdhara Kala and Asthidhara Kala are functionally connected. Methods: A case-control, observational study was conducted on 196 participants—98 osteoporotic patients and 98 healthy controls. Osteoporosis was diagnosed based on bone mineral density (BMD) (T- score < -2.5). Data collection included BMD tests, serum calcium levels, and symptom-based assessments of Asthivaha Srotas and Annavaha–Purishavaha Srotas Dushti Lakshana. Statistical analysis using Chi- square and Mann–Whitney tests (GraphPad InStat 3.6) considered p < 0.05 as significant. Results: Results revealed highly significant differences between cases and controls in Asthivaha Srotas Dushti (p < 0.0001), Annavaha–Purishavaha Srotas Dushti (p < 0.0001), BMD (p < 0.0001), and serum calcium (p < 0.0001). A strong positive correlation was noted between Asthivaha and Annavaha– Purishavaha Srotas Dushti in osteoporotic subjects (r = 0.5263, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: These findings validate the Ayurvedic concept that intestinal disturbances (Purishdhara Kala) can influence bone health (Asthidhara Kala), establishing a physiological link between GI function and bone metabolism. Therapeutic approaches targeting Purishdhara Kala, such as Basti Chikitsa, may thus offer integrative management for osteoporosis. Keywords: Osteoporosis, Gastrointestinal Tract, Purishdhara Kala, Asthidhara Kala, Asthivaha Srotas, Annavaha Srotas
Publication date: 01/08/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/August/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10400.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.8.10400