Abstract

AYURVEDIC INTERPRETATION OF ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Vd. Anjali A. Shelke*, Dr. Ujwala V. Pawar

Abstract

Background: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple, inexpensive, and widely used laboratory marker of inflammation in contemporary medicine. Although ESR is routinely used in the assessment of infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, and systemic disorders, no direct description of this parameter is found in the classical Ayurvedic texts. This creates a need to interpret ESR through Ayurvedic principles to support integrative clinical understanding. Aim and Objective: To conceptually correlate ESR with Ayurvedic fundamentals such as Agni, Ama, Dosha, Guna, Mahabhuta, and Dhatu, and to explore its possible relevance in Ayurvedic diagnosis and management. Materials and Methods: A narrative conceptual review was carried out using classical Ayurvedic texts, modern pathology and hematology references, and relevant review literature on inflammatory biomarkers and ESR. The available concepts were analyzed comparatively to identify possible Ayurvedic interpretations of ESR. Discussion: Elevated ESR may be interpreted in Ayurveda as an indirect reflection of Agnimandya, Ama formation, Kapha predominance, and pathological involvement of Rasa and Rakta Dhatu. The plasma component contributing to ESR may be correlated with Rasa Dhatu, while the sedimenting erythrocytes may be correlated with Rakta Dhatu. Among the Gurvadi Gunas, Guru, Shita, Snigdha, Manda, Picchila, Sthira, and Sthula appear conceptually associated with increased ESR, whereas Laghu, Ushna, Ruksha, Tikshna, Vishada, Sara, and Sukshma may be viewed as opposing factors. Conclusion: ESR can be understood as a non-specific but useful objective marker that may support Ayurvedic assessment of inflammatory and Ama-associated states. Its interpretation through Ayurvedic principles may help bridge modern laboratory findings with classical Ayurvedic clinical reasoning and may contribute to evidence-informed integrative practice.

Keywords: ESR, inflammation, Ama, Agnimandya, Rasa Dhatu, Rakta Dhatu, Kapha, Ayurveda.