Abstract

UNDERSTANDING THE GENETICS AND HEREDITARY DISORDERS THROUGH AYURVEDA A. REVIEW

Dr. Rakhi Moon*, Dr. Madhava Diggavi and Dr. Ramaling Hugar

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Abstract

Genetics is the science of inheritance; the blossom of scientific revolution in human genetics has been started since ancient period. Heredity, the sum of all biological processes by which particular characteristics are transmitted from parents to their offspring. There is a high prevalence of genetic disorders in India. An estimated 495,000 infants with congenital malformations, 390,000 with G6PD deficiency, 21,400 with Down syndrome, 9,000 with ß-thalassaemia, 5,200 with sickle cell disease, and 9,760 with amino acid disorders are born each year. The Ayurveda acharyas had fundamental knowledge of genetics much before the modern genetic scientist. Ayurveda has taken up its applied aspect scientifically i.e the role of tridosha, prakruti and panchamahabhuta in formation of different organs. The concept of basic unit of genetics like Beeja–Beejabhaga–Beejabhagavayava, mutation, inheriting factors, fertilization, and description of congenital diseases like Madhumeha, Arsha, Kustha due to shukra and shonitadushti and how to prevent birth of a physically and mentally handicapped child. Sahaja, kulajavikaras are outcome of a beejadosa and intrauterine environment which are Asadhya in nature. Charaka in this context explained due to vikriti of beeja, bijabhaga and bijabhagavayava of the couple, there will be vikriti or vyapada in the child depending on gender. Hence Ayurveda advised shodhana and rasayanato restore health which prevents the appearance of genetic disorders.

Keywords: Genetics, Heredity, Beeja, Beejabhag, Beejabhagavayava.