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 International Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharma Research 

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Open Access                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Review Article

 

Physiological Aspect of Agni and its Role in Metabolic Activities: A Review

Dr. Sampada Dattatray Thakur

Assistant Professor, Kriya Sharir, Dr. G.D. Pol Foundations YMT Ayurved Medical College and PG Institute, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India.

 

 

Introduction:

The digestion, absorption, and assimilation of ingested food, crucial for sustaining life, these all process physiologically govern by the Agni. Based on their functions and sites of action, Agni is classified into 13 types: one Jatharagni, five Bhutagni, and seven Dhatvagni. Jatharagni assumes utmost importance, digesting foods and transforming them into Rasa and Mala. The five Bhutagnis operate on specific elemental components of food, simultaneously, seven Dhatvagnis act on the respective tissues. This entire transformative process yields two types of products; Prasad for nourishment and Kitta for expulsion ^1-3. 

The Agni is considered crucial element not only at the physiological but also at pathological levels. Agni is primarily identified as the digestive and metabolic fire within the body. It manifests as a substance in bodily secretions directly responsible for initiating digestive and chemical changes. The indispensable process of digesting, absorbing and assimilating ingested food, performed by Agni. The majority of health disorders stem from the improper functioning of Agni, making it a central factor in health considerations. Agni's role extends beyond the absorption of both macronutrients and micronutrients; it also plays a crucial role in the destruction of microbes and pathogens. According to Ayurvedic principles, the improper functioning of the digestive fire is identified as the root cause of clinical diseases ^3-5. 

According to Ayurveda our body is composed of the five fundamental elements known as Pancha mahabhutas. Within this Panchabautika sharira, various metabolic transformations, or Paka, are continually occurring. All bodily transformations are catalyzed by Agni, and any impairment in Agni can disrupt the proper transformation of food. The metabolic activities of body also governed by Agni which includes digestion, transformation, heat generation and production of energy.

Agnis are performs their functions with different intensity and based on this they are categorizes as Tikshnagni, Mandagni, Vishamagni and Samagni ^5-7. Sushruta also identifies five types of Agnis as depicted in Figure 1. These various types of digestive fires perform different activities as mentioned below:  

• Pachakagni is associated with digestion.
• Ranjakagni is concerned with coloration of bile pigments. 
• Alochakagni is associated with vision. 
• Sadhakagni is concerned with digestion. 
• Bhrajakagni is related with brain.

 

 

Figure 1: Five types of Agnis as per Sushruta

 

 

Physiological Role of Agni:

• Agni plays a pivotal role in regulating thermodynamic and chemodynamic activities in the body. 
• In a normal state, it contributes to proper digestion, joy, happiness and the maintenance of normal bodily heat and complexion. 
• Agni exhibit Dahana and Pachana Karmas and respond similarly to Sheetala and Ushna.
• Agni possesses Sushka and Ruksha Guna thus primarily maintains Pakadi karmas. 
• Agni is responsible for the absorption of nutritious substances during the digestive process. 
• In the absence of Aahar, it also addresses Ama pachan by effectively metabolizing improper metabolites. 
• Agni plays a pivotal role in converting food into energy, which is essential for all vital functions in the body. 
• It serves as the constant agent in the process of Ahara paka, overseeing metabolic transformations. 

Role in Metabolic Transformation:

Digestion and Metabolism are intricately connected processes crucial for the proper functioning of the body. Metabolism encompasses the chemical processes that occur within the body to transform food into energy. The process of Digestion initiates in the mouth with both mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. As food traverses the digestive system, it undergoes further breakdown and processing facilitated by digestive enzymes, bile, and stomach acid. Nutrients derived from the food are subsequently absorbed into the bloodstream, transported to various body parts, and utilized for energy, growth, and repair. Metabolism, on the other hand, constitutes a series of chemical reactions within cells to convert food into energy. These reactions involve breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to generate energy and synthesizing new molecules from these nutrients to support diverse bodily functions ^6-8. 

Agni play vital role in these process which collectively referred to as Awastha paka categorized into three phases; Amavstha (Madhuravastha) Paka, Pachymanavastha (Amlavstha) Paka and Pakavstha (Katuavstha) Paka. Amavstha Paka occurs in the stomach. Pachymanavastha Paka takes place in the Grahani. Pakavstha Paka occurs in the small and large intestine. These phases represent the changing nature of Rasa during different stages of digestion. At the conclusion of digestion, the digested food retains its original Rasa, in alignment with the Rasa of the ingested food. The metabolic transform (Vipaka) of different Rasa differ from each other, Madhur rasa and Lavan rasa exhibit Madhura Vipaka, Amla rasa has Amla vipaka and Katu & Kashaya rasa showcase Katu vipaka. These metabolic transformations of ingested Rasa exhibited in final stage of digestion.  

The intricate processes of digestion and metabolism are overseen by Agni, this digestive fire which is vital for effective digestion, metabolism and the elimination of waste products from the body. Jatharagni is responsible for digestion while Bhootagni and Dhatvagni play important role in metabolism. Bhootagni is responsible for the metabolism of the five basic elements (Bhootas) constituting the body and the universe; earth, water, fire, air, and ether. It transforms these elements from ingested food into energy. Dhatvagni, on the other hand, oversees the metabolism of the Dhatus including Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja and Shukra. Dhatvagni converts nutrients from food into the foundational components for these tissues ^7-9.

Health and Agni:

Maintaining the health of Agni is imperative for proper metabolism and overall well-being. Imbalances in these Agnis can lead to digestive issues, inadequate nutrient absorption, and an accumulation of toxins in the body, impacting metabolism and other bodily functions. Ayurveda provides diverse dietary and lifestyle recommendations to foster healthy Agni including adhering to a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and practicing stress-management techniques. Additionally, Ayurvedic herbs and treatments are utilized to support optimal digestion and metabolic function ^8-10.

Conclusion

Agni plays a pivotal role in regulating thermodynamic and chemodynamic activities in the body. Agni exhibit Dahana and Pachana Karmas and maintains Pakadi karmas. Agni is responsible for the absorption of nutritious substances; Agni plays a pivotal role in converting food into energy and it governs metabolic transformations inside the body. Acharya Charaka elucidates the digestive and metabolic functions of Agni, emphasizing that various dietary substances are processed by their respective Agni. This process is facilitated and augmented by Jatharagni, leading to further digestion and metabolism by Dhatvagni. The ultimate outcome is the nourishment of the body, contributing to its nutritional strength, complexion, and overall well-being. Simultaneously, this process imparts energy to the seven Dhatus, promoting a harmonious and contented life.

References 

1. Sharma R. K. and Bhagwan Dash, Charaka Samhita (English translation), Volume 1st, Reprint, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, cha. sut., 2008; 12/11: 240- 41. 
2. Sharma P. V., Sushruta Samhita (English translation), Vol I, Reprint, Chaukhamba Vishwabharati, Varanasi, Su. Sut, 2010; 14/3: 142-43. 
3. Byadgi P S.Agni.Parameswarappa‟s Ayurvediya vikriti vigyan & roga vigyan, 1st edition, volume 1. Varanasi, chaukhamba sanskrit sansthan, 2007; 67- 77. 
4. Sharma PV: Editor, Sushruta Samhita of Dalhana, Sutrasthana; Vranaprashna Adhyaya: Chapter 21, Verse 10, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vishvabharati, Oriental Publishers and Distributors, Ed., 2010; 1(I): 227. 
5. Upadhyaya Y: Editor, Astangahrdaya of Vagbhata, Sutra Sthan; Dosabhedeeya Adhyaya: chapter 12, Verse 12-13, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan, Ed., 2007; 1: 90-91. 
6. Srivastava S: Editor, Sharngadhar Samhita of Acharya Sharngadhar, Purva Khand; Kaladikakhyanam: Chaptor 5, Verse 30-32, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia, Ed., 2005; 1: 41-42. 
7. Sharma RK, Das VB: Editor, Caraka Samhita of Agnivesa, Vol. IV Chikitisa Sthan; Grahani Dosa Adhyaya: Chapter 15, Verse 39-40, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy, Ed., 2009; 1: 22-23. 
8. Charak Samhita Chikitsa sthan 15/51, Dr.Brahmanand Tripathi, Reprint-2006, Chowkhamba Surbharati prakashan, Varanasi. 
9. Kaviraj Dr. Ambikadattashaatri, Sushrut Samhita Sutra Sthan 21/5, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan , Varanasi, 2007.
10. Charak Samhita Sutra sthan 28/15, Dr.Brahmanand Tripathi, Reprint-2006, Chowkhamba Surbharati prakashan, Varanasi.