Ayurveda system is governed by three principles or doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Senior Scientist K. Thangaraj CCMB and CCMB director Mohan Rao (right ) addressing the media on Three dosas of Aurveda at CCMB. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: The several thousand years-old concepts enshrined in the ancient Indian medical science, Ayurveda, have a clear molecular and genetic basis, scientists have found. Researchers have identified a gene in the human DNA that is directly associated with one of the three major phenotypic classifications of humans as is described in ancient text, Charaka Samhita -- one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda.
The expansive study to dig into the molecular and genetic basis of medicinal practices of Ayurveda was carried out by researchers from Hyderabad- based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Manipal University, Indian Institute of Science and other institutes.
CCMB scientists announced that they have identified the gene PGM1 associated with the Pitta dosha. Pitta dosha is one of the three doshas defined in the Charaka Samhita -- the other two being Vata and Kapha.
Scientists explained that 3,416 patients from across the country were assessed by Ayurvedic doctors engaged in the study. Of them, 262 were predominantly characterised by one of the three doshas. "The analysis resulted in formation of three groups with each of the doshas. And, we have found that the three doshas have a molecular basis," CCMB director Dr Ch Mohan Rao said, adding, "We found that about 52 gene-markers are important in deciding which dosha group a person will belong to. And, one gene in particular is associated with the Pitta dosha."
Ancient texts have described Pitta dosha as one dominating all heat, metabolism and transformation. The associated gene, PGM1, is also known to be central to controlling the Basal Metabolism Rate (BMR). Scientists are looking to identify the genes associated with the other two doshas. CCMB senior principal scientist and co-author of the study
Dr K Thangaraj explained, “We have identified the gene associated with Pitta but further studies are required for the remaining two.” Dr Mohan Rao said the findings are extremely important and should inspire others to take up similar studies. He also said the findings are crucial to the development of personalised medicine in the future.
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story
