International Journal of AYUSH; 2022: 11 (2); 37-46

Review Article Volume 11 Issue 02 March – April 2022

CRITICAL ANATOMICAL REVIEW OF CARTILAGE TISSUE IN AYURVEDA

Dr. Umakant Sudhakar Chaudhari1, Dr. Samadhan Madhukar Patil2,

Dr. Mayur Murlidhar Jadhav3

1Principal & Professor, HOD Rachana Sharir Dept., Shri Gulabrao Deokar Aayurved College,
Jalgaon, India.

2M.D. (Ayurved Rachana Sharir) Assistant Professor, Dept. of Rachana Sharir, Eva College of
Ayurved, Supedi, Tal. Dhoraji, Dist. Rajkot, India.

3MD (Ayu) Swastharitta and Yoga, Chaitanya Ayurved College, Sakegaon, Dist Jalgaon, India.

Abstract:

Shareera Rachana's (Shareera Rachana) human anatomy is essential for allied

health disciplines. It is a fundamental subject in the field of health science. Rachana
Shareera's wisdom was valued by Acharyas such as Sushruta, Charaka, and Vagbhata.
Tarunas, which are considered bones in Ayurvedic medicine, are equivalent to cartilages
described in current medical research. It is one of the five varieties of Asthi. Ghrana, Karna,
Greewa, and Akshikosh are the localities described in Ayurvedic texts. Tarunasthi's
description is irregular and spread throughout Ayurvedic books. This review of
Tarunasthi's applied component and its significance in Sharira has been debated.

Key words: Asthi, Tarunasthi, cartilage tissue.

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INTRODUCTION

According to Life Acharya Sushruta, the goal of explaining "Shareera Sthanam" is to have a
comprehensive understanding of the Shareera. The constituents of the body are
categorized by Ayurveda into three basic components: Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. These three
entities are in charge of maintaining the body's structural and functional integrity. They
stated that the bone does not degrade after death and remains as such for a longer period
of time. The Asthi is generated by the Prithvi and Apamahabhuta and is the Pitrujabhava
Avayava. The shape of the body is caused by the articulation of the skeletal framework,
which supports the body in the same way as trees stand on the support of their inner wood.
Asthis are categorized into five groups in Ayurvedic science: Kapalasthi, Ruchakasthi,
Tarunasthi, Valayasthi, and Nalakasthi. Various Ayurvedic writings express similar views
on the five forms of Asthi. Taruna (meaning and origin), Komal, Mulayam, Navin, Taja, and
Saras. [1] Tarunasthi is a combination of Komal (soft) and Asthi (bone). Tarunas are
plentiful and in short supply. The Twacha is the source of nails and teeth. Hard bones are
classified into four types: Kapalasthi, Valayasthi, Nalakasthi, and Vishamasthi. Tarunasthi
are not among the four categories described above. Tarunasthi, for example, are found in
the vertebral column in the form of intervertebral discs, as well as joints, the chondral
section of the ribs, the nasal wall, the pinna of the ear, and the trachea, bronchi, and their
branches.

Locations of Tarunasthi in the body [2]

Tarunasthis may be found in Ghrana, Karna, Greeva, and Akshikosh. 'Buddhindriya' (Sense
organ). It has a lot of 'Parthiv Tatva.' Because it retains and recognizes the fragrance, it is
known as 'Ghrana.' Pruthivi is the substance, Nasika is the place, Gandha (smell) is the
matter, and Smell sense is 'Indriyabuddhi.' It is a place of Bahirmukh Srotasa (external
apertures), and there are two nasal openings that are considered 'Bahirmukh Srotasa'. It is
also one of Kaphadosha's locations. It is known as the olfactory region of the nose. Ghrana
is a specific region in the nose, and this exact area is known as 'Ghranendriya - Adhishthan.'
[3] 'Nasa' or 'Nasika' with a 'Ghranendriya' position also give a secure and direct path for

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air conduction to the lungs. So it is included in area of ‘Nasaputa’ is one Anguli. It is also
stated that including Tarunasthi the measurement of Nasaputa is two Anguli. [4]

2. Karna (ear): It is a sensory organ located in the 'Jatrurdhva' location. Karna is a

'Shrotrendriya' place. It is around four Angula in length. It is sometimes pierced in children
and women for jewellery purposes. The ear is also known by the names Karna, Shravana,
Shrotra, and Shabdapath. It is the home of 'Shrotrendriya.' It is also known as the hearing
organ. In 56 Pratyangas, Acharya Charak specifically mentions 'Karnashashkuli' or 'Karna-
shashkulika' (Pinna) (organ). [5] Karnashashkuli is made of Tarunasthi and is coated with a
thin layer of Twacha and Mamsa. It connects to the lateral side of the 'Shankhasthi,' or
temporal bone. Because it is pinna-shaped, it is also known as an auricle or pinna of ear. [6]
Karnaputraka (Bahyakarna): It is a Pratyanga of the body that is a portion of the external
ear. These come in twos, one on each side. Karnaputrika is a tiny, curving, triangular flap
that extends rearward across the meatus opening. Tragus is another name for it. [7]
Karnapali, also known as the ear lobule, is the lowest hanging component of the external
ear. It is pierced through the 'Daivakruta' hole to be used as jewellery.

3. Greeva: Greeva is a Pratyanga of body; it is also called as ‘Manya’. It represents

Kaphasthana. The distance between Greeva and ‘Drushtimandala’ is four Angula. It is
situated inferior to head. Sushrutacharya mentions twenty Angulas circumference of Greeva
and it is one in number. The number of bones in Greeva and above its i.e. head is 63.[8]

4. Akshi-Kosha: The terms listed below are found in several Ayurvedic literatures. These
are either synonyms for or related to eyelids. Akshikosh, Akshiputa, Akshibandhani,
Akshivartma, Akshivartma-Kosh, Netrakosh, Netracchadan, Netraputa, Vartma, Vartma-
kosh, Vartma-patala, Vartma-mandala, Vartma-mandala, Vartma-mandala, Sushrutacharya
mentioned the word 'Akshikosh' while describing Tarunasthi's locations. The term
'Akshikosh' refers to a sheath or saccular structure. Tarsal cartilage is one cartilaginous
structure found here since it is a Tarunasthi location. Akshikosh is nothing more than an
eyelid if it is a saccular and cartilaginous structure.

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5. Tarunasthi-Marma: [9] The two ‘Nitamba Marma’ are placed under Tarunasthis
attached on the each side of the ribs, which covers the organs above the ‘Kshronikarna’. If it
is hurt then oedema develops over lower body parts, gradually loses power and finally
death occurs.

CHIKITSA OF JOINT PAIN AS PER AYURVEDA

The primary course of therapy entails rebalancing vitiated components such as agni, ama,
and vata. Herbs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are extensively utilised in the
treatment of disorders associated with joint pain [5-7]. Langhanam, swedanam, tiktam,
deepana, katu medicines, and sodhana technique are the mainstays of therapy for disorders
associated with joint pain, such as amavata

● Rasnasaptaka kashayam, Maharasnadi kashayam, Dhanwantara kashayam, and

Sahacharadi kashayam are effective in relieving joint discomfort.

● Ksheera bala taila, Narayana taila, Gandha taila, and Maha narayana taila provide
joint lubrication and cartilage, muscle, ligament, and bone strengthening.

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● Niruha (decoction-based) vastis are advised; herbal medications dashmoola and

guduchi are widely used in niruha vastis, which have a favourable impact on joint
discomfort.

Herbs/formulation helps in joint pain:

● Castor Oil

● Gugguls

● Guduchi

● Nirgundi

● Turmeric

● Ashwagandha

● Shatavari

● Triphala

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● Dashmool

● Shallaki

● Eucalyptus

● Devadaru

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis):

Castor oil has astringent rasa, warm virya, and pungent vipaka, as well as purgative and
analgesic properties. It aids in the normalisation of exacerbated pitta and kapha, making it
ideal for the treatment of vata sickness. The application of oils to aching joints aids in the
exacerbation of inflammatory illnesses.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul):

Guggul has anti-inflammatory, dipana, and pachana characteristics, which aid in the
reduction of ama, vata, and kapha. Guggul also aids in weight loss, which lessens the extra
stress on joints and so reduces discomfort. It also has anti-microbial and analgesic qualities
that aid in symptomatic alleviation of joint discomfort.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):

Guduchi balances all doshas and acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. This plant acts
as a preventative anti-infective agent, lowering the risk of joint problems caused by
infections. Guduchi offers relief in joint pain associated with pitta-type arthritis.

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)

Has a bitter, astringent, and pungent rasa as well as a warm virya. It is light and abrasive,
beneficial to the kapha dosha while also calming the vata dosha. It has anti-inflammatory
and analgesic properties and can help with arthritis, nerve pain, and back discomfort.

Nirgundi is one of the most often utilised herbs in joints; it decreases swelling, controls
inflammatory responses, has anti-oxidant qualities, and the heated potency of Nirgundi
strengthens joints and muscles.

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Turmeric (Curcuma longa):

Turmeric has a bitter rasa and a warm virya; it is light and gritty in texture. Turmeric
functions as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substance, assisting in the reduction of
joint pain aetiology and symptoms. It reduces prostaglandin synthesis, slowing the
inflammatory cascade, and boosts cortisol production, alleviating arthritic symptoms.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha contains anti-inflammatory qualities, aids in vata balance, and nourishes

muscle and bone structure. Ashwagandha has adaptogen properties and relieves pain
caused by joint stiffness and persistent stress.

Shatavari Shatavari has very effective healing and anti-inflammatory characteristics that
aid to lessen joint pain symptoms and improve joint flexibility.

Triphala

Triphala contains anti-inflammatory (Hreshtha shothaghna) properties and aids in the

healing process by providing nutrients that strengthen bones and detoxifying impurities
(uric acid) that may induce inflammation. Triphala's combined effects give significant relief
from gout, arthritis, and other joint pain-related issues.

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza Glabra):

Mulethi or licorice relieves joint discomfort by providing a lubricating action that supports
joint tissues and increases flexibility. After using Mulethi, there is a considerable reduction
in joint discomfort during movement.

Dashmool

Dashmool is made from the roots of many plants, including patala, gambhari, brihati, and
shalparni. It has an anti-inflammatory action and cures Vata Roga. Its anti-oxidant,
analgesic, and sedative characteristics also aid in the treatment of joint pain symptoms.

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Shallaki

Shallaki plant strengthens joints, relieves joint pain, reduces swelling, promotes mobility,
and pacifies the doshas that cause joint disorders.

Eucalyptus

The tannins included in plant material aid to decrease swelling and stiffness of joints,
making eucalyptus oil useful for arthritis treatment. The aroma of oil offers calming effects
and relieves joints pain.

Devadaru

It having Shothahara & vedana sthapan properties, therefore indicated in jeerna sandhivata
& Amavata.

Role of medicine in joint pain pathogenesis:

● Control deterioration of the cartilage and sub-chondral bone.

● Herbs help to pacify Vata and Kapha doshas, lessen srotovarodha, relieves pain,
swelling, heaviness, stiffness and tenderness of joint.

● Use of Tikta-Katu Aushadis promotes agni, srotoshodana, reduces kapha and

produces lightness in body.

● Deepana and Pachana medicines prevent formation of ama and nourish dhatu.

● Herbal medicine not only restores nutrition to diseased cartilage cells but also help
to repair damage cartilage.

● Herbal drugs help to improve synovial fluid viscosity & concentration and
strengthens bones; brumhanam effect.

DISCUSSION

Elastic cartilages are used in current research to position where vibrational functions are
required. Tarunasthis may be connected to modern-day cartilages. Cartilages are broadly
classified into three types: hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage. Hyaline
cartilage is found in 'Ghrana' and Greewa cartilage. The external ear is made up of yellow
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elastic cartilage. 'Akshikosh' does not have fibro-cartilage, but it does have a cartilage-like
structure made of fibrous tissue. It is known as the tarsal plate, and it aids in the creation of
the eyelid skeleton. As a result, all three forms of cartilage, namely hyaline cartilage,
fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage, can be included in the Ayurvedic word 'Tarunasthi.'

Applied part of Tarunasthi

Tarunasthi droops as a result of an accent, which also breaks Nalakasthi, ruptures

(Shatteres) Kapalasthi, and disbands Ruchakasthi and Valayasthis. When the curable
'Kushtha' (Leprosy) is disregarded, the vitiated kaphadosha contributes to the creation of
worms. Twacha, Rakta, Mamsa, Lasika, Sira, Snayu, and Tarunasthi are all eaten by these
worms at the same time. [10] Raktaj Krumi multiplies rapidly and begins to consume
numerous tissues of the body, including Twacha, Sira, Snayu, Mamsa, and Tarunasthi. [11]
Inhaling irritating odours, sunrays, thread, grass, and other Vayu wreathing concentrates
when scrapes the nasal Tarunasthi, vitiates the local Vayu. Furthermore, it produces
irritation of the nasal cartilages, and any remaining Vayu that becomes trapped is
transferred to 'Shrungatak.' As the transferred Vayu comes back it causes sneezing, such a
pathological condition is known as ‘Bhrushkshava’.[12] Both the type of Kshara
(Bahyaparimarjan and Antah-parimarjan) should not be applied over vital parts like
Marma, Sira, Snayu, Sandhi, Tarunasthi, Sevani, Dhamani, Gala (Throat), Nabhi (umbilicus),
inside nails etc.

CONCLUSION

According to Ayurveda, Tarunasthi is a form of Asthi. In modern science, it is synonymous

with cartilage. Tarunasthi is the only kind of cartilage that is soft and flexible. When
compared to current science, all three sites, i.e. Hyaline and elastic cartilages may be found
in Ghrana, Karna, and Greewa.

REFERENCES

1. Bhattacharya, Taranath Tarkavachaspat. editor, Vachaspatyam: Edition: 4th ed.a

comprehensive Sanskrit dictionary, Vol.4 Publisher: Varanaasi : Chowkhamba
Sanskrit Series Office , 1990,Page 252
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2. Aathavale PG, editor, (2nd ed.). Sushrut Samhita of Sushruta; Sharir Sthana, Chapter
5, Verse20, Nagpur: Godavari publishers and book promoters, 2008;478

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Verse3. Varanasi: Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series, 2009; 364.

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8. Shukla V, editor, (2nd ed.). Charaka Samhita of Charak, Sutrasthana: Chapter 20,
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9. Dr. Ravidutt Tripathi, editor, Ashtanga Samgraha of Vridha Vagbhata, Sharirsthan,

4th chapter sloka no 20-21, Chaukhamba publication, 2003, page no 399.

10. Shastri Girijashankar Mayashankar, (3rd edition) Acharya Charaka, Charaka

Samhita, Nidansthana: Chapter 5, Verse10. Ahmedabad: Sastu Sahitya Vardhaka
Karyalaya, 1981;369

11. Shastri Girijashankar Mayashankar, (3rd edition) Acharya Charaka, Charaka

Samhita, Vimanstthan: Chapter7, Verse 11. Ahmedabad: Sastu Sahitya Vardhaka
Karyalaya, 1981;234

12. Dr. Ravidutt Tripathi, editor, Ashtanga Samgraha of Vridha Vagbhata, sutrasthan
23rd chapter, shloka no 10, Chaukhamba publication, 2003, page no 197.

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