Abstract

CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS ON METABOLIC ENERGY AND MITOCHONDRIA WSR TO AGNI

Dr. Mahantswami Hiremath* and Dr. Ashwini I. Honagannavar

Abstract

Agni is a crucial factor in life. Agni has been meant to be sign of healthy life in the body. Diminution of agni is life-threatening. Normal functioning of agni leads to longevity.[1] Sustenance of life, complexion, strength, health, nourishment, luster, ojas, teja (energy) and prana (life energy) depend on the status of agni in the body. The quantity of diet is decided by agni. The digestion of food, metabolism, transformation, and nutrition of tissues depend on status of agni. It is an important factor for the assessment of health and disease. State of equilibrium of agni is an important component of health. All diseases are caused due to impaired agni. Proper metabolism is key to good health. Agni is the energy that drives all metabolic processes.[2] Selection of medicine, route and time of administration is decided based on agni of the individual. The preparatory procedures of panchakarma like oleation therapy (snehana), dose of unctuous medicine, purification protocol and its follow up measures are subjected to assessment of agni. The acceptance of macro and micronutrients in the body depends on the status of agni. It is a crucial factor for nutrition. Apart from gross digestion and metabolism, agni is responsible for bioenergetic and biochemical transformations in the body. Jatharagni especially converts heterogeneous component of food into homogenous and produces energy, which is essential for various vital function in the body.[3] The relation of agni with gut microbiome can be studied to explore new insights in medical treatments. This article describes the concept of agni in Ayurveda texts and its applications in current medical science.

Keywords: Agni, Concept, Metabolism, Mitochondria.