Role of Finger Millet, Pearl Millet and Foxtail Millet in Osteoporosis

Objectives- Osteoporosis is a chronic, metabolic, progressive bone disease which is characterized by decrease in bone density and increased bone fragility resulting in increase the risk of fracture. It is the most common bone disease affecting one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 years Worldwide.The study is aimed to decrease such conditions using dietary suppliments like Finger milletand Pearl millet.Methodology- This review study is carried out using scientific material related to millets used in osteoporosis, Asthikshaya. Ayurveda literature, journals, research papers, online database regarding Millets, osteoporosis and other relevant topics are reviewed for the study. Result- To prevent osteoporosis and osteopenia, calcium and vitamin D suppliments are required. Dietary based calcium and vitamin D suppliments are easier to practice. Finger millet ( ragi, Eleusine coracana), Pearl millet ( bajra, pennisetum glaucum) and Foxtail millet (kangani, Setaria italica) are rich source of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorous, vitamin B12 etc. and also they are easily digestable. Madhur, tikta, kashaya rasa, ushna virya, madhur vipak of ragi, bajra and kangani are also mentioned in ayurvedic text which helps in balancing vata dosha which is helpful in asthikshaya. Conclusion- Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures leads to significant decrease in quality of life with increased morbidty, mortality and disability in individual. Finger millets, pearl millet and foxtail millet contributes to high calcium retention and high bioavailblity of calcium and could be useful for healthy bone growth and decrease depletion of bone tissue i.e. asthikshay.