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<p style="text-align:justify;">Varna means colour or complexion and is referred to assess skin colour. It is important biologically, cosmetically, and socially. Modern literature considers that differences in skin colour among individuals is caused only by variation in pigmentation. This is a result of genetics (inherited from one's biological parents and or individual gene alleles), exposure to the sun, natural and sexual selection, or all of these. Apart from these factors, [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] considers other factors too like daily regimen, excxellence of [[Sharira|body]] tissues, constitution ([[Prakriti|prakriti]]) of the person, etc as the factors affecting varna. Equilibrium of [[Dosha|dosha]] is essential for healthy varna. Derangement in the homeostasis of [[Dosha|dosha]] often causes discoloration of varna. Bhrajak [[Pitta dosha|pitta]][Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 21/10] [Ast. Hri. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 12/14] and udanavayu[A. Hri. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 12/5] carry the physiological functions for maintaining varna. Several medicinal formulations for the enhancement of varna are mentioned in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] texts. E.g. group of ten herbs for improving colour of skin (varnyadashemani) includes [[Chandana|Chandana (Santalum album)]], Tunga (Calophylluminophyllum), [[Padmaka|Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides)]], Ushira (Vetiveriazizanioides), [[Madhuka|Madhuka]] (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), [[Sariva|Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)]], Payasya (Pueraria tuberosa), Sita (Cynodondactylon) and Lata (Cynodon linearis). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 4/8] This article describes the physiological and pathological aspects of varna and its importance in healthcare.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">Varna means colour or complexion and is referred to assess skin colour. It is important biologically, cosmetically, and socially. Modern literature considers that differences in skin colour among individuals is caused only by variation in pigmentation. This is a result of genetics (inherited from one's biological parents and or individual gene alleles), exposure to the sun, natural and sexual selection, or all of these. Apart from these factors, [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] considers other factors too like daily regimen, excxellence of [[Sharira|body]] tissues, constitution ([[Prakriti|prakriti]]) of the person, etc as the factors affecting varna. Equilibrium of [[Dosha|dosha]] is essential for healthy varna. Derangement in the homeostasis of [[Dosha|dosha]] often causes discoloration of varna. Bhrajak [[Pitta dosha|pitta]][Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 21/10] [Ast. Hri. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 12/14] and udanavayu[A. Hri. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 12/5] carry the physiological functions for maintaining varna. Several medicinal formulations for the enhancement of varna are mentioned in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] texts. E.g. group of ten herbs for improving colour of skin (varnyadashemani) includes [[Chandana|Chandana (Santalum album)]], Tunga (Calophylluminophyllum), [[Padmaka|Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides)]], Ushira (Vetiveriazizanioides), [[Madhuka|Madhuka]] (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), [[Sariva|Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)]], Payasya (Pueraria tuberosa), Sita (Cynodondactylon) and Lata (Cynodon linearis). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 4/8] This article describes the physiological and pathological aspects of varna and its importance in healthcare.</p>

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

|title =  Sharira

|title =  Contributors

|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic

|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic

|data1 = Concepts / [[Varna]]   

|data1 = Concepts / [[Varna]]   

|data2 = Bhojani M.K.¹, <br/>Yadav Vandana ¹

|data2 = Bhojani M.K.¹, <br/>Yadav Vandana ¹

|label3 = Reviewer  

|label3 = Reviewer  

|data3 =  Basisht G.²

|data3 =  [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]²

|label4 = Editor  

|label4 = Editor  

|data4 = Deole Y.S.³

|data4 = [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]³

|label5 = Affiliations

|label5 = Affiliations

|data5 = ¹ Department of Kriya Sharira, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India <br/>² Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. <br/>³Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India  

|data5 = ¹ Department of Kriya Sharira, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India <br/>² Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. <br/>³Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India  

<p style="text-align:justify;">A healthy daily regimen helps in maintaining a healthy varna. These regimens include following: <br/>Consumption of food in proper quantity[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 5/8] <br/>Applying udvartana (massaging the [[Sharira|body]] with soft, fragrant powder) [Ast. Hri. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 2/15] <br/>Maintaining  the three supports of life viz. food, sleep and brahmacharya (avoidance of sexual act physically, mentally and verbally in all ways under any circumstances) in life[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 11/35] <br/>Use of rasayana[Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|ChikitsaSthana]] 1/1/7] (the drug, food or therapy which has capacity to prevent ageing, improve longevity, provide immunity against the [[Vyadhi|diseases]], promote mental competence, increase vitality and lustre of the [[Sharira|body]]) <br/>Jatharagni (digestive capacity) is also responsible for complexion [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|ChikitsaSthana]] 15/3], hence such diet should be consumed which establishes a healthy jatharagni. Importance of diet in imparting good complexion is mentioned.[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 27/349] [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 27/3]. The food that is consumed is digested by jatharagni. This digestion produces nourishment to the [[Dhatu|dhatus (tissues)]] of the [[Sharira|body]]. Healthy tissues are responsible for maintenance of healthy skin, thus indicating role of jatharagni in varna.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">A healthy daily regimen helps in maintaining a healthy varna. These regimens include following: <br/>Consumption of food in proper quantity[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 5/8] <br/>Applying udvartana (massaging the [[Sharira|body]] with soft, fragrant powder) [Ast. Hri. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 2/15] <br/>Maintaining  the three supports of life viz. food, sleep and brahmacharya (avoidance of sexual act physically, mentally and verbally in all ways under any circumstances) in life[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 11/35] <br/>Use of rasayana[Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|ChikitsaSthana]] 1/1/7] (the drug, food or therapy which has capacity to prevent ageing, improve longevity, provide immunity against the [[Vyadhi|diseases]], promote mental competence, increase vitality and lustre of the [[Sharira|body]]) <br/>Jatharagni (digestive capacity) is also responsible for complexion [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|ChikitsaSthana]] 15/3], hence such diet should be consumed which establishes a healthy jatharagni. Importance of diet in imparting good complexion is mentioned.[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 27/349] [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 27/3]. The food that is consumed is digested by jatharagni. This digestion produces nourishment to the [[Dhatu|dhatus (tissues)]] of the [[Sharira|body]]. Healthy tissues are responsible for maintenance of healthy skin, thus indicating role of jatharagni in varna.</p>

== Ojas & varna ==

== [[Ojas|Ojas]] & varna ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">Ojas is the essence of the [[Dhatu|body tissues (dhatus)]] [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 15/24]. As healthy state of all dhatu keeps the skin healthy.Thusone of the functions of ojas is to maintain varna.[Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 15/25] The qualitative deterioration (ojavyapat) causes impairment of complexion.[Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 15/29]</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">[[Ojas|Ojas]] is the essence of the [[Dhatu|body tissues (dhatus)]] [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 15/24]. As healthy state of all [[Dhatu|dhatu]] keeps the skin healthy. Thus one of the functions of [[Ojas|ojas]] is to maintain varna.[Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 15/25] The qualitative deterioration (ojavyapat) causes impairment of complexion.[Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 15/29]</p>

== Varna as an atmaja bhava ==

== Varna as an atmaja bhava ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] believes that six procreative factors affect the formation of foetus. One among these factors is atmaja (atma=soul, ja=emerging from) factor. Atmaja factor is belived to affect varna.[Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana|SharirSthana]] 3/10]</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">[[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] believes that six procreative factors affect the formation of foetus. One among these factors is atmaja ([[Atma|atma=soul]], ja=emerging from) factor. Atmaja factor is belived to affect varna.[Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana|SharirSthana]] 3/10]</p>

== Importance of concept ==

== Importance of concept ==

=== Clinical diagnosis based on varna ===

=== Clinical diagnosis based on varna ===

<p style="text-align:justify;">Some [[Vyadhi|diseases]] often have an impact on varna. Thus varna can be used as one of the diagnostic criterias for identification of [[Vyadhi|diseases]]. Examples are as follows:  

<p style="text-align:justify;">Some [[Vyadhi|diseases]] often have an impact on varna. Thus varna can be used as one of the diagnostic criterias for identification of [[Vyadhi|diseases]]. Examples are as follows:  

* Pandu (anaemia); Pale colour. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|ChikitsaSthana]] 16/11]

* [[Pandu Chikitsa|Pandu (anaemia)]]: Pale colour. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|ChikitsaSthana]] 16/11]

* Kamla (jaundice): Yellowish [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|ChikitsaSthana]] 16/35]

* Kamla (jaundice): Yellowish [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|ChikitsaSthana]] 16/35]

* Vitiligo: Depigmented patches over skin.

* Vitiligo: Depigmented patches over skin.

=== Melanin vis-a-vis varna: ===

=== Melanin vis-a-vis varna: ===

<p style="text-align:justify;">Melanin is produced by melanocytes in a process called melanogenesis. Melanin is made within small membrane–bound packages called melanosomes. As they become full of melanin, they move into the slender arms of melanocytes, from where they are transferred to the keratinocytes. Under normal conditions, melanosomes cover the upper part of the keratinocytes and protect them from genetic damage. One melanocyte supplies melanin to thirty-six keratinocytes according to signals from the keratinocytes. They also regulate melanin production and replication of melanocytes.<ref name="ref8">Jablonski, Nina (2012). Living Color. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-25153-3.</ref>Individuals have different skin colours mainly because their melanocytes produce different amount and kinds of melanin. The genetic mechanism behind human skin colour is mainly regulated by the enzyme tyrosinase, which creates the colour of the skin, eyes, and hair shades.<ref name="ref9">Sturm, R. A. (2006). "A golden age of human pigmentation genetics". Trends in Genetics. 22 (9): 464–469. doi:10.1016/j.tig.2006.06.010. PMID 16857289</ref>^,<ref name="ref10">Sturm, R. A.; Teasdale, R. D.; Box, N. F. (2001). "Human pigmentation genes: Identification, structure and consequences of polymorphic variation". Gene. 277 (1–2): 49–62. doi:10.1016/s0378-1119(01)00694-1. PMID 11602344</ref> Differences in skin colour are also attributed to differences in size and distribution of melanosomes in the skin.<ref name="ref11">Jablonski, Nina (2012). Living Color. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-25153-3.</ref>Both the amount and type of melanin produced is controlled by a number of genes that operate under incomplete dominance.<ref name="ref12">Schneider, Patricia (2003). "The Genetics and Evolution of Skin Color: The Case of Desiree's Baby". RACE—The Power of an Illusion. Public Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 6 May 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2015.</ref> One copy of each of the various genes is inherited from each parent. Each gene can come in several alleles, resulting in the great variety of human skin tones.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">Melanin is produced by melanocytes in a process called melanogenesis. Melanin is made within small membrane–bound packages called melanosomes. As they become full of melanin, they move into the slender arms of melanocytes, from where they are transferred to the keratinocytes. Under normal conditions, melanosomes cover the upper part of the keratinocytes and protect them from genetic damage. One melanocyte supplies melanin to thirty-six keratinocytes according to signals from the keratinocytes. They also regulate melanin production and replication of melanocytes.<ref name="ref8">Jablonski, Nina (2012). Living Color. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-25153-3.</ref>Individuals have different skin colours mainly because their melanocytes produce different amount and kinds of melanin. The genetic mechanism behind human skin colour is mainly regulated by the enzyme tyrosinase, which creates the colour of the skin, eyes, and hair shades.<ref name="ref9">Sturm, R. A. (2006). "A golden age of human pigmentation genetics". Trends in Genetics. 22 (9): 464–469. doi:10.1016/j.tig.2006.06.010. PMID 16857289</ref>^,<ref name="ref10">Sturm, R. A.; Teasdale, R. D.; Box, N. F. (2001). "Human pigmentation genes: Identification, structure and consequences of polymorphic variation". Gene. 277 (1–2): 49–62. doi:10.1016/s0378-1119(01)00694-1. PMID 11602344</ref> Differences in skin colour are also attributed to differences in size and distribution of melanosomes in the skin.<ref name="ref11">Jablonski, Nina (2012). Living Color. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-25153-3.</ref>Both the amount and type of melanin produced is controlled by a number of genes that operate under incomplete dominance.<ref name="ref12">Schneider, Patricia (2003). "The Genetics and Evolution of Skin Color: The Case of Desiree's Baby". RACE—The Power of an Illusion. Public Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 6 May 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2015.</ref> One copy of each of the various genes is inherited from each parent. Each gene can come in several alleles, resulting in the great variety of human skin tones.</p>

=== Ultraviolet radiation & Varna: ===

=== Ultraviolet radiation & Varna: ===

<p style="text-align:justify;">Melanin controls the amount of ultraviolet radiation penetrating the skin. Moderate amount of ultraviolet radiation is required for production of vitamin D. Its excessive exposure is injurious to health. Thus, people living near equator, like natives of South Asia, Africa,etc, where the intensity of sunlight and ultraviolet radiation is more, have more melanin, hence darker skin. On the other hand, person living near pole are less exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, leading to less melanin production and hence lighter skin.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">Melanin controls the amount of ultraviolet radiation penetrating the skin. Moderate amount of ultraviolet radiation is required for production of vitamin D. Its excessive exposure is injurious to health. Thus, people living near equator, like natives of South Asia, Africa, etc, where the intensity of sunlight and ultraviolet radiation is more, have more melanin, hence darker skin. On the other hand, person living near pole are less exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, leading to less melanin production and hence lighter skin.</p>

=== Haemoglobin and carotene on varna: ===

=== Haemoglobin and carotene on varna: ===

== Current researches ==

== Current researches ==

<ol style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Cosmetic approach of varna in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]<ref name="ref14">Sonam, Meena KS, (2019). Cosmetic Approach of Varna in Ayurveda. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences and Technology  Vol. No. 8, Jul-Dec e-ISSN: 2455-5134, p-ISSN: 2455-9059 555.</ref><br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The research article discusses the process and principles of varnotpatti (development of varna). Normal varna of an individual has to be considered under two headings: Sahaja (the colour and complexion, which is since birth, falls under this category) and Jatottara (due to exposure external factors like sun-exposure, hot atmosphere, humidity, pollution, etc sometimes the complexion of an individual becomes different from the one he was born with). </span></li>

<ol style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Cosmetic approach of varna in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]<ref name="ref14">Sonam, Meena KS, (2019). Cosmetic Approach of Varna in Ayurveda. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences and Technology  Vol. No. 8, Jul-Dec e-ISSN: 2455-5134, p-ISSN: 2455-9059 555.</ref><br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The research article discusses the process and principles of varnotpatti (development of varna). Normal varna of an individual has to be considered under two headings: Sahaja (the colour and complexion, which is since birth, falls under this category) and Jatottara (due to exposure external factors like sun-exposure, hot atmosphere, humidity, pollution, etc sometimes the complexion of an individual becomes different from the one he was born with). </span></li>

<li style="font-weight:bold">Understanding the concept of varnotpattiin [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]<ref name="ref15">Bhaurao, D.S. (2017). Understanding the Concept of Varnotpatti in Ayurveda. International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical Science, 2(09), 1341 to 1345. https://doi.org/10.23958/ijirms/vol02-i09/20</ref><br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The research article discusses the factors contributing in the formation of varna in foetal life (role of [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhuta]], semen, procreative factors, state of mind of mother, food and behaviour of mother, topography, race and genetics) and factors contributing in the process of varnotpatti after birth (role of digestive capability, food and method of consumption of food, body tissues, biological humors, metabolic wastes, ojas and age).</span></li>

<li style="font-weight:bold">Understanding the concept of varnotpattiin [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]<ref name="ref15">Bhaurao, D.S. (2017). Understanding the Concept of Varnotpatti in Ayurveda. International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical Science, 2(09), 1341 to 1345. https://doi.org/10.23958/ijirms/vol02-i09/20</ref><br/><span style="font-weight:normal">The research article discusses the factors contributing in the formation of varna in foetal life (role of [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhuta]], semen, procreative factors, state of mind of mother, food and behaviour of mother, topography, race and genetics) and factors contributing in the process of varnotpatti after birth (role of digestive capability, food and method of consumption of food, body tissues, biological humors, metabolic wastes, [[Ojas|ojas]] and age).</span></li>

<li style="font-weight:bold">The concept of varna an Ayurvedic prospective<ref name="ref16">Brahma S, Sharma MK (2018). The Concept of Varna An Ayurvedic Prospective. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Volume 7, Issue 18, 450-460. ISSN 2277–7105.</ref><br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Apart from other factors, this article also discusses the relation of varna with stress,ACTH and adrenocortical secretion. Almost any type of physical and mental stress can lead within minutes to greatly enhanced secretions of ACTH and consequently cortisol as well (> 20 folds). When ACTH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, several other hormones like melanocytes stimulating hormone (MSH), lipotropin, and endotrophin that have similar chemical structures are secreted simultaneously. The reason for this is the gene transcribed to form the RNA molecule that causes ACTH synthesis initially causes the formation of a considerably larger protein, a preprohormone called proopiomelanocortin (POMC), which is the precursor of ACTH and several other peptides, including MSH, beta-lipotropin, beta-endorphin and few others. Under normal condition, most of these hormones are not secreted in enough quantity by the pituitary. But when the rate of secretion of ACTH is high, some of the POMC derived hormones may also be increased. The POMC gene is actively transcribed in several tissues, like cells of dermis and lymphoid tissue. In melanocytes, located abundantly between the dermis and epidermis of the skin, MSH stimulates formation of black pigment melanin and disperses into the epidermis. On the other hand within minutes the entire sequence leads to large quantities of cortisol in blood. It circulates through blood to reach skin cells. It slows down the skin cells and make cells take long time to get to the surface and peel off. Therefore, the dead skin cells enhance, resulting lifeless and looks of the skin. Along with that overstress situation moves the blood away from the skin, and a little amount of blood moves around, which turns again insufficient supply of oxygen through the skin. In this process, the skin doesn’t get the required nourishment, which results in pale and dull skin.</span></li></ol>

<li style="font-weight:bold">The concept of varna an Ayurvedic prospective<ref name="ref16">Brahma S, Sharma MK (2018). The Concept of Varna An Ayurvedic Prospective. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Volume 7, Issue 18, 450-460. ISSN 2277–7105.</ref><br/><span style="font-weight:normal">Apart from other factors, this article also discusses the relation of varna with stress,ACTH and adrenocortical secretion. Almost any type of physical and mental stress can lead within minutes to greatly enhanced secretions of ACTH and consequently cortisol as well (> 20 folds). When ACTH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, several other hormones like melanocytes stimulating hormone (MSH), lipotropin, and endotrophin that have similar chemical structures are secreted simultaneously. The reason for this is the gene transcribed to form the RNA molecule that causes ACTH synthesis initially causes the formation of a considerably larger protein, a preprohormone called proopiomelanocortin (POMC), which is the precursor of ACTH and several other peptides, including MSH, beta-lipotropin, beta-endorphin and few others. Under normal condition, most of these hormones are not secreted in enough quantity by the pituitary. But when the rate of secretion of ACTH is high, some of the POMC derived hormones may also be increased. The POMC gene is actively transcribed in several tissues, like cells of dermis and lymphoid tissue. In melanocytes, located abundantly between the dermis and epidermis of the skin, MSH stimulates formation of black pigment melanin and disperses into the epidermis. On the other hand within minutes the entire sequence leads to large quantities of cortisol in blood. It circulates through blood to reach skin cells. It slows down the skin cells and make cells take long time to get to the surface and peel off. Therefore, the dead skin cells enhance, resulting lifeless and looks of the skin. Along with that overstress situation moves the blood away from the skin, and a little amount of blood moves around, which turns again insufficient supply of oxygen through the skin. In this process, the skin doesn’t get the required nourishment, which results in pale and dull skin.</span></li></ol>