Concepts of prakriti (Human constitution) and its association with hematological parameters, body mass index (bmi), blood groups and genotypes

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda is an ancient system of personalized medicine, documented and practiced in India since 1500 B.C. According to this system an individual’s basic constitution to a large extent determines predisposition and prognosis to diseases as well as the therapy and life-style regime. Ayurveda describes seven broad Prakriti (Physical constitution) Prakriti is defined as the sum of physical, physiological, psychological traits of an individual which represents genotypes. Objective: In this article we have attempted to narrate concepts of Prakriti and its relation with hematological parameter, body mass index, blood groups and genotypes. Material and Method: Present article is based on critical review of Ayurvedic textual information, published research works, modern literature and research works conducted at various institutes. The possible correlation has been made between collected information and has been presented in systematic way. Result: In Pitta Prakriti individual’s hematological parameters like Hemoglobin (Hb%), Packed cell volume (PCV), and Red blood corpuscles (RBC) count are significantly on the higher side of normal range in comparison to Vata and Kapha Prakriti. Higher level of cluster of differentiation (CD) 14 markers in Pitta Prakriti, CD25 and CD56 in Kapha Prakriti individuals. Vata Prakriti individuals have “A” blood group, maximum Pitta Prakriti individuals have “O” blood group while maximum Kapha Prakriti individuals have “B” blood group and genotype correlation shows that HLA DRB1 ((human leukocyte antigen, dimer beta chain) gene polymorphism, CYP2C19 (Cytochrome P450 2C19) gene polymorphism and PGM1 (Phosphoglucomutase 1) polymorphism have scientific variations with the human Prakriti concept. Conclusion: Prakriti of individual has strong relation with Hematological parameters (CBC, lipid profile, Liver function test (LFT)), Body mass index (BMI), anthropometry, blood groups and genotypes.