Evo-Ayu: Integrating Ayurveda with Evolutionary Biology
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Evo-Ayu: Integrating Ayurveda with Evolutionary Biology
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Shakeel H Jamakhane
Post Graduate Scholar, Department of PG Studies in Ayurveda Samhita Siddhanta, Shri Vijay Ayurvedic Medical College and PG Research Centre, Ilkal, Karnataka, India
Mahantesh R Sajjanashetty
Professor and HOD, Department of PG Studies in Ayurveda Samhita Siddhanta, Shri Vijay Ayurvedic Medical College and PG Research Centre, Ilkal, Karnataka, India
B.H. Katti
Professor, Department of PG Studies in Ayurveda Samhita Siddhanta, Shri Vijay Ayurvedic Medical College and PG Research Centre, Ilkal, Karnataka, India
V.V. Goudar
Lecturer, Department of PG Studies in Ayurveda Samhita Siddhanta, Shri Vijay Ayurvedic Medical College and PG Research Centre, Ilkal, Karnataka, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Evo-Ayu: Integrating Ayurveda with Evolutionary Biology
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i1.901
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The integration of Ayurveda with evolutionary biology offers new insights into understanding human health and diseases. While Ayurveda, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, presents a comprehensive view of health, it lacks an evolutionary perspective on questions about disease susceptibility and aging. By applying concepts of evolutionary biology such as natural selection, microevolution, and evolutionary medicine, researchers can explore the mechanisms behind health and disease as framed by Ayurvedic principles. This integration aims to unravel the complexities of Ayurvedic theories like Tridosha and Jaraa, while situating them within the broader context of evolutionary processes.
Antagonistic Pleiotropy and Aging
One key concept explored in this integration is the idea of antagonistic pleiotropy, which explains why aging occurs despite the evolutionary advantages of certain genes. The theory posits that some genes may enhance reproductive success early in life while also introducing detrimental effects later on. This evolutionary trade-off leads to the retention of genes that may increase the likelihood of aging and disease later in life. For instance, genes that promote bone healing in youth may simultaneously contribute to cardiovascular issues in older age. Consequently, the evolutionary pressures that prioritize reproductive fitness over longevity help explain the persistence of aging as a natural part of the human life cycle.
The Role of Dosha in Natural Selection
Another significant concept is the connection between Ayurvedic Dosha (humoral theory) and natural selection. Each Dosha exhibits inherent costs and benefits, influencing an individual's susceptibility to diseases. Evolution favors traits that enhance reproductive success, which means that even traits linked to diseases may persist if they offer reproductive advantages. The article posits that the Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are retained by natural selection due to their essential roles in human development and physiological balance. Although the alleles associated with Dosha variations may incur certain health risks, their overall benefits in maintaining bodily functions and adaptability ensure their prevalence in the population across generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of Ayurveda with evolutionary biology enriches our understanding of health and disease. By examining concepts such as antagonistic pleiotropy and the evolutionary significance of Dosha, researchers can explore how these ancient theories align with modern scientific explanations. This interdisciplinary approach not only sheds light on the complexities of health conditions but also emphasizes that many diseases may result from the evolutionary trade-offs inherent in our biological systems. Ultimately, this synergy between Ayurveda and evolutionary biology has the potential to inform future medical practices and enhance holistic health perspectives.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
How does evolutionary biology explain the vulnerability of humans to diseases?
Evolutionary biology suggests that humans are vulnerable to diseases due to trade-offs in traits. Natural selection prioritizes reproductive success, allowing disease-causing traits to persist if they provide some reproductive advantages, implying that suffering is secondary to reproduction.
What are the implications of aging according to evolutionary biology theories?
According to the antagonistic pleiotropy theory, aging results from selection for traits that enhance early-life reproductive success but have detrimental effects later. Thus, traits that increase reproductive fitness often lead to declining health in old age, resulting in inevitable aging.
How might a conflict arise between a mother and her offspring's dosha?
Conflicts can occur when a mother has a Vata dosha and the offspring has a Kapha or Pitta dosha. The higher energy demands of the fetus may exceed what the mother can provide, increasing risks of conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Evo-Ayu: Integrating Ayurveda with Evolutionary Biology”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
In Ayurveda, disease (Vyadhi) is caused when there is an imbalance of Dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) which leads to the disruption of bodily functions. Ayurveda attempts to restore the balance of Dosha to cure diseases.
2) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti refers to an individual's natural constitution or inherent nature, influenced by the combination of Dosha present at birth. It dictates their physical and psychological tendencies. For example, a Kapha Prakriti person would have characteristics dominated by the Kapha Dosha.
3) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha are the fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda that govern physiological activities. There are three primary Dosha: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each contributes to an individual's Prakriti and influencing health and disease when imbalanced.
4) Evolution:
Evolution, in the context of integrating Ayurveda, refers to the genetic changes and adaptations over time. Understanding this helps explain why certain Ayurvedic principles, like Dosha imbalances, persist as they provide reproductive or survival advantages in certain environments.
5) Purusha (Purusa):
Purusha, in Ayurveda, represents a person or a being. Specific types, such as Saara Purusha, describe individuals with certain constitution and characteristics that give them reproductive advantages in particular environments.
6) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vyaadhi]
7) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Dosha that signifies the structures and fluids in the body, providing stability, lubrication, and support. Its imbalance can cause specific diseases, but in balance, it maintains good health.
8) Vata:
Vata Dosha governs movement and communication within the body, controlling the nervous system and bodily functions like blood flow. Its imbalance leads to numerous diseases, primarily in older age (Vriddha-avastha).
9) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient medical system from India focusing on maintaining health through balancing the Dosha. Its integration with evolutionary biology could provide insightful explanations for various health phenomena.
10) Desha (Desa):
Desha in Ayurveda refers to the habitat or ecosystem. Different Prakriti types (e.g., Vata Prakriti) are better suited to specific Desha, like jaangala (dry) or anoopa (wet), which impacts their susceptibility to diseases.
11) Ati:
[see source text or glossary: Aadi]
12) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha is the concept that health is maintained when Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are in balance. Each Dosha has its functions and associated diseases when out of balance, contributing to an individual's Prakriti and health.
13) Nija:
Nija Vyadhi are intrinsic diseases caused by internal factors and Dosha imbalances. Ayurveda aims to prevent and treat such diseases by restoring Dosha equilibrium.
14) Pitta:
Pitta Dosha controls metabolism, digestion, and energy production in the body. Its imbalance can lead to various diseases including inflammatory conditions and ulcers, but in balance, it promotes good digestion and metabolism.
15) Roga:
Roga in Ayurveda refers to diseases or illnesses. Ayurveda considers understanding and balancing the Dosha essential to prevent and cure Roga.
16) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Vatadosha]
17) Anubandha (Anubamdha):
[see source text or glossary: Anubandha]
18) Uttama:
Uttama refers to the highest or best quality. In disease context, Uttama Vikaara-vighaata Bhaava is the highest state of factors preventing the emergence and progression of diseases.
19) Manas (Mano, Manash):
Manas refers to the mind in Ayurveda. It is considered alongside Shareera (body) in the understanding of health and disease, highlighting the importance of mental health in overall well-being.
20) Jara (Jara°, Jará):
[see source text or glossary: Jara]
21) Mana:
[see source text or glossary: Mana]
22) Avastha:
[see source text or glossary: Avastha]
23) Vikara:
[see source text or glossary: Vikara]
24) Sukha:
Sukha, in Ayurveda, refers to the state of well-being and health. It is the desired balance where Dosha are in harmony, and the body and mind function optimally.
25) Medas (Meda, Medash):
[see source text or glossary: Meda]
26) Death:
[see source text or glossary: Death]
27) Katti:
B.H. Katti is one of the contributors to the article discussing the integration of Ayurveda with evolutionary biology in AYUSHDHARA Journal.
28) Bala:
[see source text or glossary: Bala]
29) Madhyama:
[see source text or glossary: Madhyama]
30) Samhita:
[see source text or glossary: Samhita]
31) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
32) Alpa:
[see source text or glossary: Alpa]
33) Kala:
[see source text or glossary: Kala]
34) Food:
[see source text or glossary: Food]
35) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis (a type of auto-immune disease impacting synovial joints) can be linked to the evolutionary conflict associated with joint functionality vs susceptibility to inflammation and damage.
36) Sambandha (Sambamdha):
[see source text or glossary: Sambandha]
37) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
38) Yauvana:
[see source text or glossary: Yauvana]
39) Shukra (Sukra):
[see source text or glossary: Shukra]
40) Cancer:
Certain genes, like P53, can help with reproduction but lead to detrimental effects later in life, including the spread of cancer, which illustrates the trade-offs in evolutionary biology impacting health.
41) Asthi (Ashthi):
[see source text or glossary: Asthi]
42) Hetu:
[see source text or glossary: Hetu]
43) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]
44) Soma:
The Disposable Soma theory suggests that organisms prioritize reproduction over somatic (bodily) maintenance, explaining why we age and become susceptible to diseases later in life.
45) Tuberculosis:
[see source text or glossary: Tuberculosis]
46) Transmission:
[see source text or glossary: Transmission]
47) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Pitta-dosha]
48) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Kapha-dosha]
49) Karnataka:
Karnataka is the state in India where the authors of the article are affiliated with Shri Vijay Ayurvedic Medical College and PG Research Centre.
50) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
[see source text or glossary: Siddhanta]
51) Ekadosha (Eka-dosha, Ekadosa):
[see source text or glossary: Eka-dosha]
52) Mutation:
[see source text or glossary: Mutation]
53) Shighra (Sighra):
[see source text or glossary: Sheeghra]
54) Prasara:
[see source text or glossary: Prasara]
55) Vriddha (Vrddha):
[see source text or glossary: Vriddha]
56) Mrityu (Mrtyu):
Mrityu in Ayurveda refers to death, seen as a natural culmination of life processes. Aging (Jaraa) and diseases (Vyadhi) contribute to Mrityu. Evolutionary perspectives offer insights into these unavoidable life processes.
57) Vataja (Vata-ja):
[see source text or glossary: Vataja]
58) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
59) Labour (Labor):
[see source text or glossary: Labour]
60) Mamsa (Mamsha):
[see source text or glossary: Mamsa]
61) Rakta:
[see source text or glossary: Rakta]
62) Majja:
[see source text or glossary: Majja]
63) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
64) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
65) Krita (Krta):
[see source text or glossary: Krita]
66) Deha:
[see source text or glossary: Deha]
67) Shri (Sri, Sr):
[see source text or glossary: Shri]
68) Tree:
Macroevolution is a part of evolutionary biology that studies the historical constraints and changes in the tree of life, providing context to the appearance and evolution of life forms.
69) Worm:
Worm infestation early in life is shown to reduce the likelihood of autoimmune diseases, illustrating how certain diseases or conditions can provide long-term health benefits, relevant under the concept where 'Roga' could result in 'Sukha.'