E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Genetics

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 11 December
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Concept of Genetics in Ayurveda w.s.r. to Developmental Anatomical Deformities - A Review

Kumar Yadav A.1*, Marwah R.2, Bhalerao N.3, Kumar Chourasia S.4, Sharma S.5
DOI:

1* Arvind Kumar Yadav, Post Graduate Scholar, PG Department of Rachna Sharir, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurved College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

2 Rita Marwah, HOD, Prof. & Co-Guide, PG Department of Rachna Sharir, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurved College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

3 Nisha Bhalerao, Reader & Co-guide, PG Department of Rachna Sharir, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurved College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

4 Swatanta Kumar Chourasia, Lecturer & Guide, PG Department of Rachna Sharir, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurved College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

5 Shradhha Sharma, Lecturer & Co-Guide, PG Department of Kayachikitsa, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurved College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Ayurveda is science of life from thousands of years. In Ayurveda different concepts of genetics are described. In hereditary diseases are disease which is caused by abnormal Shukra and Shonita. Concept of Beejbhaag also mentioned in Ayurveda scientific study on genetics started since ancient time. Doshas dominating the Shukra and Shonita during the time of conception and also inhabiting the uterus at that time determines the Prakriti of the individual. The Doshas that ultimately emerge as dominant factors actually determine the Prakriti. Season also indirectly serves as one of the important factor for the determination of Prakriti in as much as they also aggravate Doshas in the Shukra Shonita. Ayurveda mentioned different diseases like Sthaulya (obesity), Klaibya (impotence), Prameha (diabetes) etc. which is due to defect in genetic component of a person. Prakriti (different types of personality) is also mentioned as concept of genetics. Present article through some glimpses on various concepts of genetics in Ayurveda. The modern medical science also recognizes these three terms exp:-Adibalapravrtta, Janmabalapravrtta, and Kulaja. Hereditary signifies conditions, transmitting through defects in the DNA of genes, congenital, implies the abnormalities present at birth. In this regards Adibala Pravritta and Janmabala Pravritta are categorized under the heading of Garbhajanya Vikriti. These mainly arise from the maternal or paternal problems and defects in progeny.

Keywords: Prakruti, Doshas, Shukra, Shonita, Beeja, Beejbhaag, Beejadosha, Kulaja

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Arvind Kumar Yadav, Post Graduate Scholar, PG Department of Rachna Sharir, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurved College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Arvind Kumar Yadav, Rita Marwah, Nisha Bhalerao, Swatanta Kumar Chourasia, Shradhha Sharma, Concept of Genetics in Ayurveda w.s.r. to Developmental Anatomical Deformities - A Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(11):100-105.
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https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2171

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-10-22 2022-10-25 2022-11-01 2022-11-08 2022-11-15
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 16%

© 2022by Arvind Kumar Yadav, Rita Marwah, Nisha Bhalerao, Swatanta Kumar Chourasia, Shradhha Sharmaand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Ayurveda has glorious history since ancient era. The two aim of Ayurveda are - prevention of diseases and treatment of diseases. In this regards Ayurveda explained several principles and conducts for healthy progeny and birth of a healthy child. The six factors described as Shadgarbhkarabhavas play important role in healthy progeny and normal child birth. The avoidance or defects in Matrija, Pitrija, Aatmaja, Rasaja, Satmyaja and Sattvaja factors may leads birth defects or anatomical abnormalities.

Hereditary diseases are classified as Matruja and Pitruja. Concept of Beejbhaag also mentioned in Ayurveda scientific study on genetics started since ancient time. Although our ancient literature dose not implicate the pure and literary aspect of it in much detail but had an elementary knowledge of it in applied aspect of life rather than literally in the field of Shrusti Utpatti, Prakriti, inheritance of characters one or more of the two Doshas, which are dominantly associated with the above mentioned factors. Doshas dominating the Shukra and Shonita during the time of conception and also inhabiting the uterus at that time determines the Prakriti of the individual. Food and regimens of the mother, which aggravates Doshas at that time, also determine the physical constitution. The Doshas that ultimately emerge as dominant factors actually determine the Prakriti. Season also indirectly serves as one of the important factors for the determination of Prakriti in as much as they also aggravate Doshas in the Shukra Shonita.

Ayurveda texts have given a detailed description of etiology of various malformation found in the fetus. The concept of hereditary (Sahaj or Adibalapravrtta), congenital (Garbhaja or Janmabalapravrtta) and familial (Kulaja) diseases were clear. Seed parts (chromosomes) in the seed (Shukra Shonita) has been described. The exact specificity of seed part (genes) and their effect has also been considered.

The modern medical science also recognizes these three terms exp:-Adibalapravrtta, Janmabalapravrtta, and kulaja. Hereditary signifies conditions, transmitting through defects in the DNA of genes, congenital, implies the abnormalities present at birth, but not necessarily transmitted through genes, where as familiar denotes that

the disease may be present in many members of the family.

The improper physical, mental and social conducts during pregnancy, environmental factors and genetic factors, etc. may leads unhealthy or defective child birth. The Ayurveda stream of “Sharir Rachana” described many anatomical perspectives of body including disease related to the anatomical abnormalities or birth defects. The vitiation in Beeja & Beejabhag causes anatomical abnormalities.[1,2,3,4]

Common anatomical defects are-

  • Structural defects in organ
  • Absence of organ.
  • Extra development of tissues or organ.
  • Anatomical variations.
  • Improper development of baby or fetus.

In Ayurveda this developmental disorder are known as Garbhaja Vikrati. Garbhaja Vikriti is one of the worst aspects of pregnancy presenting a malformed alive fetus. Due to innate or acquired factors like chromosomal errors (Beejabhagavikriti) or medications during pregnancy, infections etc. The description of Garbhaja Vikrati is scattered in the Ayurvedic Samhitas. The prevalence of these congenital anomalies have increased in this era may be due to environmental factors, changed lifestyle, dietary factors and various new teratogenic drugs and infections. So before knowing to Garbhaj Vikrati are necessary to know about Garbha and Garbha development.

Normal Development of Garbha

Garbha: Acharya Charaka says that the Samyoga of Shukra, Shonita and Jeeva (Atma) inside the Kukshi is named as Garbha.[1] According to Maharshi Sushrut - a combined state of Shukra and Shonita in the Garbhashaya, intermixed with the Prakritis (Mula-Prakriti along with its eight categories) and Vikaras (her sixteen modifications) and ridden in by the Atma is called Garbha.[2]

Garbha Dharana: When unimpaired Shukra and unimpaired Shonita unite in pure womb and lying pure genital tract. Then this definitely results in the formation of Garbha. This is like to transformation of milk into curd after abandoning its previous from just by the addition of a few drops of curds.[3]



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Shukra: The wise call it as ‘Shukra’ which is implanted for the origin of Garbha. It is constituted of four quarters of Vayu, Agni, Prithvi and Ap (Four Mahabhutas) and is originated from six Rasas.[4]

Raja/ Artava: The menstrual blood in women is produced by Rasa (Dhatu), and Rakta named as Raja is formed.[5]

Garbhadhana: Sushruta opines that the Teja or heat generated at the time of coitus activates Vayu, then the Shukra excreted due to the action of both Vayu and Teja reaches Yoni gets mixed up with Artava, thus formed Garbha.[6]

Process of Garbhadhana: During the coitus after Shukrachyuti (ejaculation), Vata carries Shukra through Yoni and deposits it in Garbhashaya. This Shukra unite with Shuddhartava and forms Garbha.[7]

Garbha Sambhav Samagri: Acharya Sushruta says - Four factors i.e., “Ritu” (menstrual period) “Kshetra” (uterus) “Ambu” (Ahara Rasa) & “Beeja” (Shukra and Shonita) are the essential raw ingredients for the production of Garbha, provided Beeja (Shukra and Shonita) should be pure.

In Ayurveda development of fetus is known as Garbhavakrant.

In Ayurvedic science Shadbhavas have important contribution in the development of Garbha. These Shadbhavas as described by Acharya Charaka, Sushruta and Kashyap are Matrija, Pitrija, Atmaja, Satmyaja, Satvaja, and Rasaja. Maharshi Charaka says that the following factors help in the growth of the Garbha in the Kukshi of the mother;

1. Satbhava Sampat
2. Upasneha and Upasweda
3. Ahara, Vihara of mother
4. Kala Parinama
5. Svabhava

Garbha Vikriti: Abnormality of fetus in intra uterine life due to defects of gene, the self, past deeds, uterus, time and mother’s food and behavior; the vitiated Doshas produce various abnormalities in shape, complexion and sense organs.[8]

Charakas view of congenital abnormality are due to specific morbid condition of Beeja (sperm and ovum), Atmakarma (deeds of previous life), Ashaya (uterus), Kala (time factors), and Matuaharvihar (diet and regimen of mother).

[9]

Beeja is further elaborated as Beeja Bhaga and Beeja Bhagabayava. Their abnormalities collectively indicate abnormality of chromosome, gene, and DNA materiel which causes morbidity in different ways. Atmakarma is included in this category which exhibit vulnerability of one’s unknown chance for susceptibility of environmental factors.

According to Susruta birth defects are due to Adibala and Janmabala. Adibala is due to Matrija (maternal) and Pitrija (paternal), and Janmabala is due to Rasakrita (dietary indiscretion) and Dauhrida Bimanan.[10] Vagbhata mentioned Sahaja and Garbhaja in this context.[11] The Adibala and Sahaja exhibit genetic abnormality due to autosomal dominant, auotosomal recessive and sex link dominant while abnormalities cause by Janmabala and Garbhaja are due to morbid nature of diet and regiments of mother during gestational period. Abnormalities due to excessive unrighteous behavior of the mother causes congenital malformation,[12] where fetus exhibit characters like - Sarpa (snake), Vrischika (scorpion), Kusmanda (field of pumpkin) etc. which indicate monster, found in conjoined twin (specifically in monozygotic monochorionic monoamniotic) and parasite twin. Associating parasite limbs are also can be understood under this heading. Some other disorder are caused by Dauhrida Bimanan like Kubja, Kudi, Pangu, Muka & Minmin etc.[13]

Aanuvaanshika Vikriti of Garbha
Hereditary abnormalities depend upon the condition of Beeja, not on the physical status of couple. Or in other words what-so-ever part of Beeja is defective; the body part developing from that portion of Beeja will be abnormal.[14] Charaka mentioned Sandi Yonivyapat which occurs due to Beejadosa.[15] Vandhyaa occurs due to abnormality in Beejabhaga. Trinaputrika occur due to abnormality in Beejabhagabayava and Beejabhaga.[16] In modern trisomy, clinofliter syndrome, down syndrome etc.

According to Acharya Bhavamishra has described Dohsa Vishistha Ahara which led to produce abnormality in foetus[17]

SN Pregnant women consuming Doshas vitiating diet Effect on Progeny
1. Vata Dosha Dumb, hoarse or nasal voice, lame, dwarf, number of body parts.
2. Pitta Dosha Baldness, premature graying of hairs, absence of hairs on face, tawny colour of skin, hair and nail.
3. Kapha Dosha Kushta (leprosy), Kilas (type of skin disorder) and congenital presence of teeth

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Acharya Charak has also described various types of Ahara which led to disease in foetus[18]

SN Pregnant women consuming constantly Effect on Progeny
1. Wine Thirsty, poor in memory and unstable in mind
2. Iguana Gravels, stone or Shanermeha
3. Pork Red eyes, obstructed, respiration and very rough body hair
4. Fish Delayed closure of eye or stiff eyes
5. Madhur Rasa Diabetes (Prameha), Dumb (Mook), or over-obese (Atishoulya)
6. Amla Rasa Internal haemorrhage (Raktapitta), eye disorder (Akshiroga) and skin disorder (Twakroga)
7. Lawan Rasa Wrinkles and grey haris (ValitaPalita) and Baldness (Khaliyta)
8. Katu Rasa Weakness (Durbal), deficient in semen (Alpashukra) and infertile (Anapatya)
9. Tikta Rasa Consumptive (Shosh), weak (Abala), under developed (Anupchita)
10. Kashaya Rasa Blackish colour (Shyav Varna), Anaha and Udavarta.

Shad Garbhakara Bhavas

SN Bhava Features[19]
1. Matrija Twak, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Majja; Nabhi, Hridayam, Kloma, Yakrit, Pleeha, Vrikka, Vasti, Purishadhanam, Amashaya, Pakvashaya, UttaraGuda, Adhara Guda, Kshudrantra, Sthulantra, Vapa, Vapavahanam
2. Pitrija Sukra, Kesha, Smasru, Nakha, Loma, Danta, Asthi, Sira, Snayu, Dhamani
3. Atmaja Taasu Taasu, Yonishu Utpatti, Ayu, Atmagnanam, Vignanam, Prerana of Prana and Apana, Swara, Sukha, Duhkha, Ichcha, Dvesha, Chetana, Dhriti, Buddhi, Smriti, Ahankara, Prayatna, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Bhaya, Harsha, Dharmadharmaseelata, Upachaya, Mana, Indriyas, Akriti, Varna
4. Satmyaja Arogyam, Analasyam, Alolupatvam, IndriyaPrasadanam, Svara Varna Beeja Sampat, Praharsha, Veeryam, Balam, Medha, Ayu, Ojas, Prabha, Uthanam, Santosham
5. Rasaja Sharirasya Abhinivritti Sharirasya Abhivriddhi, Prananubandhata, Tripti, Pushti, Utsaham, Balam, Varnam, Sthiti Hani, Aloulyam, Buddhi, Vritti
6. Sattvaja Bhakti, Sheelam, Saucham, Dvesham, Smriti, Moham, Tyagam, Matsaryam, Souryam, Bhayam, Krodham, Tandra, Utsaham, Taikshnyam, Mardavam, Gambhiryam, Anavasthitatvam

Gharbhaja Vikrati are mainly cause by Shadbhava & diet of mother during pregnancy, during developmental stage of fetus Ayurved explain

Garbhini Parichrya for fetal wellbeing in detail, according to every month. When disturb of Shadbhava they causes Gharbhaja Vikriti respectively related organ and during growth organogenesis required special nutrition for organogenesis. In the 4th month of development, the Garbhini is called as Dauhrida at that time, whose wishes and desires, not being honored and gratified lead to the birth of a paralyzed, hump-backed, crooked-armed, lame, dwarfed, defect-eyed, and a blind child. Other Gharbhaja Vikar like- Pangu, Sheershambu / hydrocephalous, Hraday Rog/ congenital heart disease etc.

Discussion

In Ayurveda Acharya Charaka has given the concept of Matrija (maternal) and Pitrija (paternal) Bhavas and mentioned that embryo is produced from mother father self, suitability, nutrition and psyche and different organs develops due to dominance of these Bhavas.[20] Concept of Beejabhaga is also mentioned in Ayurveda.[21] These Matrija (maternal) and Pitrija (paternal) Bhavas are responsible for different organogenesis like- Twak, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Majja; Nabhi, Hridayam, Kloma, Yakrit, Pleeha, Vrikka, Vasti, Purishadhanam, Amashaya, Pakvashaya, Uttara Guda,Adhara Guda, Kshudrantra, Sthulantra, Vapa, Vapavahanam are deriverd from Matrija (maternal) bhavas and Sukra, Kesha, Smasru, Nakha, Loma, Danta, Asthi, Sira, Snayu, Dhamani are derived from Pitrija (paternal) Bhavas. This organogenesis is controlled by gene or chromosomes. In human being half of chromosome come from maternal and half from paternal chromosomes or genes, that is similarly to Matrija (maternal) and Pitrija (paternal) Bhavas. If any changes in these factors they resulted congenital deformities or Adibala Privratta Rogas. Any changes Matrija (maternal) and Pitrija (paternal) Bhavas are depends on health status of parents.

Conclusion

Whole world is looking towards Ayurveda for better life style and preventive method of congenital anomalies and hereditary disorders. A malformed alive fetus is one of the worst aspects of pregnancy. These diseases affect the life of parents, society & nation. Over government have millions of rupees for child health. But not controlled yet.


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The Ayurveda suggest that the prevalence of congenital or genetic disorders controlled by various approaches like; Dietary regimen related to Garbhini Paricharya, avoiding Garbhopghatkar Bhava and Tridosha vitiating. It is also prevented by better planning for pregnancy like Garbha Sanskar. The healthy progeny may also be achieved by obeying rules of Ayurveda. Different fetal anomaly developed at different stages and prevented or manage easily at initial stage by proper Ausadh (medications/intervention), Aahar (diet) and Vihara (daily routine).

Ayurveda described many information regarding the Sharir Rachana and anatomical abnormalities related to the human body which mainly arises due to the genetic and congenital factors. The Garbhajanya Vikriti arise from the maternal or paternal defects associated with progeny. Defects in Beeja & Beejabhag trigger pathogenesis of such types of diseases. As per Ayurveda Matrija, Pitrija, Rasaja, Satmyaja, Sattvaja and Aatmaja factors play significant role for the healthy progeny and any abnormalities or vitiation in these factors may cause Garbhajanya Vikriti. For knowing proper time and are essential to know about development and how to prevent it. So, an anatomically Garbhaja Vikrtis are prevented by the proper knowledge of genetics in Ayurveda (Beeja & Beejabhag etc.) and Shad Garbha Bhava (Matrija, Pitrija, Rasaja, Satmyaja, Sattvaja and Aatmaja).

Reference

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