Prakriti

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.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is one of the oldest medical traditions in the world, offering holistic approaches to health and wellness. Sports medicine is a specialized field that focuses on physical fitness, injury prevention and the management of sports-related conditions. While Ayurveda does not explicitly mention sports medicine as a distinct discipline, its principles can be effectively applied to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries. By carefully analyzing Ayurvedic texts, we can derive valuable insights into the management of sports-related issues through concepts such as Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Ahara-Vihara (diet and lifestyle) and Oushadha (herbal formulations). Additionally, through Dasavidha Pareeksha, particularly Prakriti Pareeksha, Ayurveda can help in selecting suitable sports activities based on an individual's constitution, thereby optimizing performance and reducing the risk of injuries. This review aims to explore hidden references within Ayurveda that contribute to the field of sports medicine and highlight its potential in promoting overall physical and mental well-being in athletes.