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Background: Fracture healing is a complex biological process involving inflammation, callus formation, and bone remodeling. Despite advances in orthopedic management, delayed union, persistent pain, and slower functional recovery remain significant clinical concerns. Ayurveda describes fracture management under Bhagna Chikitsa, wherein formulations possessing Sandhaniya (union-promoting), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), and Asthiposhaka (bone-nourishing) properties are considered beneficial.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic adjuvant therapy comprising Lakshadi Guggul, Trayodashang Guggul, Panchatikta Ghrita Guggul, and a mineral-herbal formulation (Shankha, Shukti, Kapardika, Arjuna, Asthishrinkhala) as an adjunct to conventional orthopedic treatment in fracture healing.

Methods: A prospective comparative clinical study was conducted at Institutional Orthoved Hospital, Dombivli, Maharashtra (January 2023–January 2025). Ninety radiologically confirmed fracture patients (aged 20–55 years) were allocated to Group A (n=45; conventional treatment only) or Group B (n=45; conventional treatment plus Ayurvedic adjuvant therapy for 45 days). Outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, tenderness score, radiological callus formation, mean fracture union time, and functional recovery score.

Results: Group B demonstrated significantly superior outcomes across all parameters. Early callus formation was observed in 91.11% (41/45) of Group B versus 42.22% (19/45) of Group A. Mean radiological union time was 9 weeks in Group B compared to 12 weeks in Group A. Final VAS score (2 vs. 4), tenderness score (1 vs. 3), and functional recovery score (1 vs. 5) were all significantly better in Group B.

Conclusion: Ayurvedic adjuvant therapy alongside conventional orthopedic management appears to accelerate fracture healing, promote earlier callus formation, reduce pain and tenderness, and improve functional recovery with good tolerability.

Keywords: Arjuna, Asthishrinkhala, Ayurveda, Bhagna Chikitsa, callus formation, fracture healing, Lakshadi Guggul, orthopedics, Panchatikta Ghrita Guggul, Trayodashang Guggul