Prakrit system of Ayurveda validated scientifically

A team of Indian scientists has provided scientific evidence for the Ayurvedic classification of Prakriti or the unique nature or constitution of an individual, a statement said on Thursday.

A genetics-based study led by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad has revealed a genomic basis for adosha Prakriti' or constitutional types of humans - a key concept of Ayurveda.

Prakriti or constitutional types of human beings is a basic concept in Ayurveda because they determine one's predisposition and resistance to diseases and response to treatment.

"Demonstration of a genomic basis of the ancient concept of Prakriti provides a new tool to investigate questions such as the prevalence of diseases in communities and the personalisation of medical therapy," said M.S. Valiathan, one of the authors of the study in a statement.

A central doctrine of Ayurveda postulates that human beings consist of three dosha prakriti or primary constitutional types which are fixed at the time of conception.

"After extensive genetic and statistical analyses, 52 genetic markers, out of nearly one million, were identified which were sufficient to significantly differentiate the three dosha Prakriti - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - despite their recruitment from different ethnic, linguistic and geographical backgrounds," said K. Thangaraj the lead author of the study and senior principal scientist, CCMB, Hyderabad.

The researchers recruited 3,416 normal healthy males, between 20-40 years for the study from Pune, Bangalore and Udupi. Prakriti of subjects was determined by traditional physicians on the basis of the traits associated with each Prakriti.

This was followed by an independent determination of their Prakriti by using Ayusoft, a software, which was developed by quantifying the traits of Prakriti listed in Ayurvedic texts, said the researchers.

The study was carried out in collaboration with Manipal University, Manipal, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune, Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions, Bangalore, University of Pune and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

"This study suggests that the Prakriti-based practice in vogue for many centuries resonates with personalised medicine and the present findings provide a basis for future Ayur-genomics studies," said Ch. Mohan Rao, Director, CCMB.