Epigenetics

Background: Genomics has ushered in a new era of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine. Ayurveda and similar medical systems evolved on traditional scientific principles has long emphasized a personalized approach to health and disease management. Integrating the principles of Ayurveda with advances in genomics, as Ayurgenomics holds the potential to bridge this gap and enhance personalized healthcare. Methods: Online databases: Medline, Pubmed, Embase, AMED, CAMbase and Google Scholar were searched with key words ‘Prakriti’, ‘genomics’, ‘Ayurgenomics’, ‘epigenetics’, ‘Ayurveda’, ‘precision medicine’, ‘personalized medicine’, ‘integrated medicine’ and ‘review’ separately and in combination using appropriate Boolean operators AND and OR. Results: Original research articles selected based on keywords were screened for relevancy, redundancy, English language, full text and repetitions. There was a growing trend in incorporating newer molecular techniques in identifying Prakriti in publications. All relevant clinical trials were included. Findings indicate distinct genetic signatures associated with Prakriti. Certain SNPs including those in gene related to immunity, metabolism and inflammatory regulation have been associated with specific Prakriti types. Collectively, these findings substantiate the hypothesis that Prakriti has a genetic basis reflecting both innate constitution and disease susceptibility. Conclusions: Genomic studies on Prakriti provide a scientific foundation for Ayurveda’s personalized approach to health and disease. Establishing robust correlation between genes and Prakriti could transform healthcare by enabling tailored preventive and therapeutic strategies. Larger multi ethnic studies employing advanced omics tools are required to strengthen evidence and enhance the integration of Prakriti based frameworks with modern precision medicine.

The article explores the intersection of Ayurveda and epigenetics, presenting a novel framework for preventive and precision healthcare. Ayurveda, with its holistic principles of Prakriti (individual constitution), Pathya-Apathya (wholesome/ unwholesome), and Swasthavritta (healthy living), provides a rich philosophical and practical base for influencing gene expression. Epigenetics, which studies heritable changes in gene function without DNA sequence alterations, offers mechanistic insights into how environmental factors, lifestyle, diet, and emotional states affect gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs. The article elucidates the epigenetic basis of health and disease, highlighting the role of these modifications in conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. It draws parallels between Ayurvedic concepts such as Beeja (genetic material), Vikriti (deviation from normalcy), and Garbhini Paricharya (antenatal care), and modern understandings of gene regulation. It emphasizes how Ayurvedic practices—like Dinacharya, Ritucharya, and Garbhopaghatakarabhava—can favorably influence epigenetic outcomes. The emerging field of Ayurgenomics is presented as a bridge between traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and modern genomics, supporting personalized medicine. The article concludes by suggesting that integrating Ayurveda with epigenetic science holds immense potential for advancing individualized health strategies and fostering long-term well-being.