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|title=Agni

|title=Agni

|titlemode=append

|titlemode=append

|keywords=Agni, Agni Meaning, concept of agni, digestion in ayurveda, metabolism, factors affecting digestion, digestive health, digestive disorders, prakriti and agni, Grahani Chikitsa, Pitta dosha, Jatharagni, Bhutagni, Dhatvagni,Deole Y.S., Basisht G., Bhojani M. Joglekar A., Kabadwal Charak Samhita, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, Indian system of medicine, alternative medicine

|keywords=Agni, Agni Meaning, concept of agni, digestion in ayurveda, metabolism, factors affecting digestion, digestive health, digestive disorders, prakriti and agni, Grahani Chikitsa, Pitta dosha, Jatharagni, Bhutagni, Dhatvagni,Deole Y.S., Basisht G., Bhojani M. Joglekar A., Kabadwal D., Charak Samhita, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, Indian system of medicine, alternative medicine

|description=Agni includes digestive or metabolic factors.

|description=Agni includes digestive or metabolic factors.

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

This agni is responsible for all amylolytic, proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes secreted by various exocrine glands in the gut, which actually cause digestion, i.e., breaking down different macromolecules into their constituent units.<ref>Patwardhan K/ Vidhi Vimarsha of Grahani Chikitsa. In Charak Samhita New Edition. Available from https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Grahani_Chikitsa#Areas_of_Further_Research</ref>   

This agni is responsible for all amylolytic, proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes secreted by various exocrine glands in the gut, which actually cause digestion, i.e., breaking down different macromolecules into their constituent units.<ref>Patwardhan K/ Vidhi Vimarsha of Grahani Chikitsa. In Charak Samhita New Edition. Available from https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Grahani_Chikitsa#Areas_of_Further_Research</ref>   

2. Bhutagni has five fundamental elements, corresponding to respective mahabhuta. Those are: parthiva ([[prithvi mahabhuta]] dominant), apya ([[jala mahabhuta]] dominant), tejasa (teja or [[agni mahabhuta]] dominant), vayavya ( [[vayu mahabhuta]] dominant) and nabhasa ( [[akasha mahabhuta]] dominant). They act on the corresponding substrate based on [[mahabhuta]] composition to make them homologous to body constituents. This includes factors responsible for digestion and metabolism at the organic level. Five types of bhutagni act after jatharagni, but before dhatvagni on the food and its metabolites. This represents the basic metabolism of various food components and minerals at hepatic level like carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.  

2. [[Bhutagni]] has five fundamental elements, corresponding to respective mahabhuta. Those are: parthiva ([[prithvi mahabhuta]] dominant), apya ([[jala mahabhuta]] dominant), tejasa (teja or [[agni mahabhuta]] dominant), vayavya ( [[vayu mahabhuta]] dominant) and nabhasa ( [[akasha mahabhuta]] dominant). They act on the corresponding substrate based on [[mahabhuta]] composition to make them homologous to body constituents. This includes factors responsible for digestion and metabolism at the organic level. Five types of [[bhutagni]] act after jatharagni, but before [[dhatvagni]] on the food and its metabolites. This represents the basic metabolism of various food components and minerals at hepatic level like carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.  

This agni carries out the absorption of nutrients in the liver, which plays an essential role in metabolism. Several processes such as trans-amination, de-amination, beta-oxidation of fatty acids, glycolysis etc. take place in the liver. Therefore, the overall intermediary metabolism (involving fats, carbohydrates and proteins) can be understood as the functioning of the bhutagni.  

This agni carries out the absorption of nutrients in the liver, which plays an essential role in metabolism. Several processes such as trans-amination, de-amination, beta-oxidation of fatty acids, glycolysis etc. take place in the liver. Therefore, the overall intermediary metabolism (involving fats, carbohydrates and proteins) can be understood as the functioning of the [[bhutagni]].  

[[File:Three classes of agni.jpg|thumb|right| '''Fig.2: Three classes of agni''']]

[[File:Three classes of agni.jpg|thumb|right| '''Fig.2: Three classes of agni''']]

3. Dhatvagni is present in the seven body tissue components ([[rasa dhatu]], [[rakta dhatu]] , [[mamsa dhatu]], [[meda dhatu]], [[majja dhatu]], [[asthi dhatu]] and [[shukra dhatu]]) and is responsible for transformation of one dhatu into another namely rasagni, raktagni, mamsagni, medo-agni, majjo-agni, asthi agni and shukra agni. This includes factors responsible for digestion and metabolism at [[dhatu]] (various tissues). This includes the endocrine and exocrine secretions, neurotransmitter and other chemical factors.  

3. [[Dhatvagni]] is present in the seven body tissue components ([[rasa dhatu]], [[rakta dhatu]] , [[mamsa dhatu]], [[meda dhatu]], [[majja dhatu]], [[asthi dhatu]] and [[shukra dhatu]]) and is responsible for transformation of one dhatu into another namely rasagni, raktagni, mamsagni, medo-agni, majjo-agni, asthi agni and shukra agni. This includes factors responsible for digestion and metabolism at [[dhatu]] (various tissues). This includes the endocrine and exocrine secretions, neurotransmitter and other chemical factors.  

The small portions of agni are present in each [[dhatu]].  The increase or decrease of these agni leads to depletion or overproduction of [[dhatu]] respectively. [A.Hri. Sutra Sthana 11/24] This suggests the negative feedback and autoregulatory mechanism of agni.   

The small portions of agni are present in each [[dhatu]].  The increase or decrease of these agni leads to depletion or overproduction of [[dhatu]] respectively. [A.Hri. Sutra Sthana 11/24] This suggests the negative feedback and autoregulatory mechanism of agni.   

All hormones (such as insulin, growth hormone, thyroid hormones, testosterone etc.) that promote the transportation of various nutrients into the cells, along with the enzymes participating in the Kreb’s cycle, are to be included under the term dhatvagni.  

All hormones (such as insulin, growth hormone, thyroid hormones, testosterone etc.) that promote the transportation of various nutrients into the cells, along with the enzymes participating in the Kreb’s cycle, are to be included under the term [[dhatvagni]].  

All three classes with thirteen agni are interconnected and interdependent. The energy mechanism takes place in every body cell. This shows agni is present in every cell. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. The release of adenocine tri phosphate (ATP) to give energy is an example of agni working at cellular level.

All three classes with thirteen agni are interconnected and interdependent. The energy mechanism takes place in every body cell. This shows agni is present in every cell. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. The release of adenocine tri phosphate (ATP) to give energy is an example of agni working at cellular level.

'''1. Vitiation of jatharagni:''' Disorders of digestive system, indigestion, acid peptic diseases, irritable bowel syndrome  

'''1. Vitiation of jatharagni:''' Disorders of digestive system, indigestion, acid peptic diseases, irritable bowel syndrome  

'''2. Vitiation of bhutagni:''' Disorders in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism at hepatic level, disorders due to fluid and electrolytes imbalance  

'''2. Vitiation of [[bhutagni]]:''' Disorders in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism at hepatic level, disorders due to fluid and electrolytes imbalance  

   

   

'''3. Vitiation of dhatvagni:''' Disorders of tissue metabolism and systems related to various dhatu and srotasa

'''3. Vitiation of [[dhatvagni]]:''' Disorders of tissue metabolism and systems related to various dhatu and srotasa

The respective biomarkers and diagnostic assessment tools can be utilized to understand pathophysiology of these diseases.  

The respective biomarkers and diagnostic assessment tools can be utilized to understand pathophysiology of these diseases.  

=== I. Lowered state of agni ===  

=== I. Lowered state of agni ===  

The lowered functions of agni can be managed by administration of low dose of unctuous substance (sneha) to kindle it. Deepana (stimulation) of agni is the main therapy.  Various dietary recipes, lifestyle modifications, panchakarma therapies and medicines are prescribed in management of grahani are prescribed for restoring equilibrium state of agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15] The food, beverages and medicines with hot potency, sour and pungent taste are prescribed to kindle agni.  [[Langhana]] (therapeutic fasting) is an important measure in the management of vitiation of agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/276]  

The lowered functions of agni can be managed by administration of low dose of unctuous substance (sneha) to kindle it. [[Deepana]] (stimulation) of agni is the main therapy.  Various dietary recipes, lifestyle modifications, panchakarma therapies and medicines are prescribed in management of grahani are prescribed for restoring equilibrium state of agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15] The food, beverages and medicines with hot potency, sour and pungent taste are prescribed to kindle agni.  [[Langhana]] (therapeutic fasting) is an important measure in the management of vitiation of agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/276]  

=== Food and beverages to kindle agni ===

=== Food and beverages to kindle agni ===

=== Therapeutic procedures ===

=== Therapeutic procedures ===

* Therapeutic purgation (virechana) [Cha.Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana]] 1/18]

* Therapeutic purgation ([[virechana]]) [Cha.Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana]] 1/18]

* Therapeutic enema with decoction (niruha basti) [Cha.Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana]] 1/42]

* Therapeutic enema with decoction (niruha [[basti]]) [Cha.Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana]] 1/42]

===Treatment for excess agni ===

===Treatment for excess agni ===

    

    

Excess agni is generally caused due to vitiation of pitta dosha. Hence treatment of pitta dosha is prescribed. The other condition is obstruction of vata dosha by excess fats (medasavritta vata), it causes excess stimulation of agni and polyphagia. This condition is treated with reducing therapy for fats (meda dhatu). It normalizes vata dosha and reduces appetite.  

Excess agni is generally caused due to vitiation of [[pitta dosha]]. Hence treatment of [[pitta dosha]] is prescribed. The other condition is obstruction of [[vata dosha]] by excess fats (medasavritta vata), it causes excess stimulation of agni and polyphagia. This condition is treated with reducing therapy for fats ([[meda dhatu]]). It normalizes [[vata dosha]] and reduces appetite.  

* Paravata fruit (Garcinia cowa ROxb.) is used to reduce agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/134]  

* Paravata fruit (Garcinia cowa ROxb.) is used to reduce agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/134]  

* The alangy / ankota phala (alangium salviifolium (Linn.F.) Wang.) is used to reduce excess heat caused by agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/159]  

* The alangy / ankota phala (alangium salviifolium (Linn.F.) Wang.) is used to reduce excess heat caused by agni. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/159]  

* Peya (thin gruel)

* Peya (thin gruel)

* Therapeutic purgation (virechana) [Cha.Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana]] 1/18]

* Therapeutic purgation ([[virechana]]) [Cha.Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana]] 1/18]

==Current researches==

==Current researches==

'''Jatharagni and Prakriti of young Indian adult population: A descriptive cross-sectional study'''  

'''Jatharagni and Prakriti of young Indian adult population: A descriptive cross-sectional study'''  

Agni is dynamic in nature and hence is responsible for all types of transformations in the body. It plays a very important role in the growth, development and maintenance of the body. There is a definite type of jatharagni for a particular [[prakriti]] and this is pre-determined at the time of conception. Understanding one's own agni and [[prakriti]] helps individuals choose a specific diet and regimes for a healthy life. One Observational study was planned on this concept. The study establishes the association between agni and dvandvaja (mixed with two dosha) [[prakriti]]. It was observed that vata-pitta prakriti individuals had teekshnagni, vata-kapha prakriti individuals had mandagni, and kapha-pitta prakriti had vishamagni. Although the results were promising, they should be proven with a larger sample size in different populations.<ref>Kuttikrishnan M, Sridhar R, Varghese EJatharagni and Prakriti of young Indian adult population: A descriptive cross-sectional study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2022 Jan-Mar;13(1):100438. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.04.008. Epub 2022 Jan 29. PMID: 35101333; PMCID: PMC9034458.</ref>

Agni is dynamic in nature and hence is responsible for all types of transformations in the body. It plays a very important role in the growth, development and maintenance of the body. There is a definite type of jatharagni for a particular [[prakriti]] and this is pre-determined at the time of conception. Understanding one's own agni and [[prakriti]] helps individuals choose a specific diet and regimes for a healthy life. One Observational study was planned on this concept. The study establishes the association between agni and dvandvaja (mixed with two dosha) [[prakriti]]. It was observed that vata-pitta [[prakriti]] individuals had teekshnagni, vata-kapha [[prakriti]] individuals had mandagni, and kapha-pitta prakriti had vishamagni. Although the results were promising, they should be proven with a larger sample size in different populations.<ref>Kuttikrishnan M, Sridhar R, Varghese EJatharagni and Prakriti of young Indian adult population: A descriptive cross-sectional study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2022 Jan-Mar;13(1):100438. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.04.008. Epub 2022 Jan 29. PMID: 35101333; PMCID: PMC9034458.</ref>

   

   

'''Formation and validation of questionnaire to assess jatharagni '''

'''Formation and validation of questionnaire to assess jatharagni '''

The assessment of the state of agni is very crucial in the practice of [[ayurveda]]. It acts as a window first to understand the individual's digestive system. Secondly the metabolism (digestion and absorption) of the food and medicine in an individual is based on the state of agni. There are very few or no tools based on Ayurveda to assess agni. Interviewing an individual based on a questionnaire will serve as effective tool in analysing the state of agni.<ref name=Eswaran/>  

The assessment of the state of agni is very crucial in the practice of [[ayurveda]]. It acts as a window first to understand the individual's digestive system. Secondly the metabolism (digestion and absorption) of the food and medicine in an individual is based on the state of agni. There are very few or no tools based on Ayurveda to assess agni. Interviewing an individual based on a questionnaire will serve as effective tool in analysing the state of agni.<ref name=Eswaran/>  

'''Efficacy of samsarjana krama in a patient with agnimandya due to vyadhi sankar: A case study'''

'''Efficacy of samsarjana krama in a patient with agnimandya due to [[vyadhi]] sankar: A case study'''

The case mentioned above was diagnosed with vyadhi sankara (complicated disease condition) in terms of [[ayurveda]], patient’s condition was deteriorating, because of the agnimandya. The dietary advice was given on the line of sansarjana krama in order to improve the status of agni, which was the root cause for multiple ailments. The agni improved and also nutritional status showed a little improvement with relief of symptoms like nausea, palpitation, pallor and cracking of lips after treatment.<ref>Mukta, Rao MV, Arora J.Efficacy of Samsarjanakrama in a patient with Agnimandya due to vyadhi sankar: A case study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021 Jan-Mar;12(1):182-186. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.01.004. Epub 2021 Feb 27. PMID: 33648827; PMCID: PMC8039330.</ref>   

The case mentioned above was diagnosed with [[vyadhi]] sankara (complicated disease condition) in terms of [[ayurveda]], patient’s condition was deteriorating, because of the agnimandya. The dietary advice was given on the line of sansarjana krama in order to improve the status of agni, which was the root cause for multiple ailments. The agni improved and also nutritional status showed a little improvement with relief of symptoms like nausea, palpitation, pallor and cracking of lips after treatment.<ref>Mukta, Rao MV, Arora J.Efficacy of Samsarjanakrama in a patient with Agnimandya due to vyadhi sankar: A case study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021 Jan-Mar;12(1):182-186. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.01.004. Epub 2021 Feb 27. PMID: 33648827; PMCID: PMC8039330.</ref>   

=== Theses done ===

=== Theses done ===

1. S.N.Tiwari. Correlation of Jaṭharagni and Dhatvagni. Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Banaras Hindu university, Varanasi,1969

1. S.N.Tiwari. Correlation of Jaṭharagni and [[Dhatvagni]]. Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Banaras Hindu university, Varanasi,1969

2. A.K.Mishra. Relation of Jaṭharagni and Dhatvagni clinical and experimental study. Dept. of Kayacikitsa, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1972.

2. A.K.Mishra. Relation of Jaṭharagni and [[Dhatvagni]] clinical and experimental study. Dept. of Kayacikitsa, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1972.

3. Tiwari Ashutosh. Concept of Jaṭharagni. Dept of Basic Principles, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1980.

3. Ashutosh Tiwari. Concept of Jaṭharagni. Dept of Basic Principles, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 1980.

4. Govind Ram Paysi. Agni Vivecana.  Dept. of Basic Principles, N.I.A. Rajasthan University Jaipur, 1985.

4. Govind Ram Paysi. Agni Vivechana.  Dept. of Basic Principles, N.I.A. Rajasthan University Jaipur, 1985.

5. Madhavilatta G. Bhatt. Concept of Dhatu and Dhatvagni W.S.R. to Asṭhi dhatu and Asṭhyagni. Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar,1995.

5. Madhavilatta G. Bhatt. Concept of Dhatu and [[Dhatvagni]] W.S.R. to Asṭhi dhatu and Asṭhyagni. Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar,1995.

6. Srividya Iyer. Concept of Bhaishajya Kaala and its applicability in relation to Agni w.s.r. to Amlapitta. Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar,2003.

6. Srividya Iyer. Concept of Bhaishajya Kaala and its applicability in relation to Agni w.s.r. to Amlapitta. Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar,2003.

7. Manish Dhanani. Kale cha Arabhate Karma Yattat Sadhyati Dhruvam in context of Jatharagni-Mandya. Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar,2005.

7. Manish Dhanani. Kale cha Arabhate Karma Yattat Sadhyati Dhruvam in context of Jatharagni-Mandya. Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar,2005.

8. Doşadhātumalakşayavŗddhivijñānīya Adhyāya of Suśruta Saṃhitā & Assessment of the principle “Pūrvah pūrvoativŗddhatvātvardhayeddhi param” in context of Raktakşaya by Vaibhav Dadu, Dept. of Basic principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar, 2007.

8. Vaibhav Dadu.  Doşadhātumalakşayavŗddhivijñānīya Adhyāya of Suśruta Saṃhitā & Assessment of the principle “Pūrvah pūrvoativŗddhatvātvardhayeddhi param” in context of Raktakşaya . Dept. of Basic principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar, 2007.

9. Kishor G Satani. An Applied Study of Interrelationship of Jatharagni and Dhatvagni in Context to Dhatuvriddhi, Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar, 2011.

9. Kishor G Satani. An Applied Study of Interrelationship of Jatharagni and [[Dhatvagni]] in Context to Dhatuvriddhi, Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar, 2011.

10. Deshmukh Saylee H- 2014 : Fundamental and Applied aspect of Lifestyle in Ayurveda classics and its role in Agnimandya, Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar, 2014.

10. Saylee H Deshmukh . Fundamental and Applied aspect of Lifestyle in Ayurveda classics and its role in Agnimandya, Dept. of Basic Principles, I.P.G.T.& R.A. Jamnagar, 2014.

== Future areas of research ==

== Future areas of research ==