Goverdhanam Vani & J.S.R.A. Prasad / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm.

7(Suppl 2), Mar - Apr 2016

Review Article
www.ijrap.net
CONCEPT OF DHTVGNIPAKA IN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE IN COMPARISON WITH
TISSUE METABOLISM
Goverdhanam Vani 1* & J.S.R.A. Prasad 2
1Ayurvedic Physician and Research Scholar, Department of Sanskrit studies, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad,
India
2Associate Professor & Head, Department of Sanskrit Studies, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
Received on: 27/04/15 Revised on: 13/01/16 Accepted on: 15/02/16

*Corresponding author
E-mail: [email protected]
DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.07264
ABSTRACT
Dhatwagni paka (Tissue metabolism) is a uniq concept in Ayurveda. It includes total nourishment and development of the body structures. Agni
(substance responsible for the metabolic transformations) is the basic functional entity in the Dhatwagnipaka. Dhatwagnipaka refers to the sequencial
changes undergone by the essence of food consumed through the medium of seven dhatwagni entities. In dosha dhatu mala shaareeram (Ayurvedic
Physiology) dhatus (tissues) are the structural and functional units, which act as seats of Doshas and malas. There exist a lot of associations and
interactions between these factores. Keeping dhatus in front line the other factores make all changes in the body. This Paper tries to validate this
theory scientifically.
Keywords: Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Dhatwagni, Dhatwagipaka

INTRODUCTION
Agni is key factor in transformation of consumed aharadi
dravyas (food articles) of vijatiya (heterogenous) origin to
sajatiya (homogenous) nature. Agni is derivative of Tejas
mahabhuta (fire element). It carries metabolic transformations in
which the inherent feature is change. Agni is having 13
categories. Jatharagni (1 type) looks after the functions of food
digestion and absorption. Bhutagni (5 types) turns all the
vijatiya panchabhautika dravyas consumed to sajatiya
panchabhautika dravyas, i.e. conversion of heterogonous to
homogenous. Dhatvagni (7 types) performs Synthesis and
breakdown of tissues. The term Dhatu is derived from Sanskrit
root Du dhatru which means Dharana (to support) & Poshana1
(to nourish) which promotes the growth of shareera (body) is
dhatu. Dhatus (tissues) are seven in number, Rasa
(Chyle/Plasma/Lymph), Rakta (blood), Maamsa (muscle), Medo
(Fat/Adipose tissue), Asthi (bone), Majja (Marrow), Sukra
(Reproductive tissue). Sapta dhatus gets Preenanam
(nourishment) from Aahararasa (chyle). Aahararasa is the end
product of Jatharagni paka (Intestinal digestion). Each dhatu is
of two kinds, Asthayi (mobile or non static) is poshaka dhatu
(meant to nourish). Sthayi (fixed, static) is Poshya dhatu
(already formed and existing). Srotas do not transport Sthayi
dhatus. Dhatus that are formed consecutively from the asthayi
dhatus one after another2. Seven categories of Dhaatwagnis
(Rasagni, Raktagni, Mamsagni, Medogni, Asthyagni, Majjagni,
Sukragni), & Sapta dhatus (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medo, Asthi,
Majja, S ukra), undergo Paaka (Metabolic transformation) in
two different ways for the sustainers of the body. One is
Prasaada paaka and other is the Kittapaaka4. The prasaada paaka
is stated to yield the seven kinds of poshaka or Asthayi dhatus.
Kitta paaka is the waste products. In Ayurveda the concept of
dhatwagni and dhatwagni paaka (Metabolic transformation)
provides an extensive field of research in the present day.

Basically this article is review of various Ayurvedic classical

texts. Materials related to Agni, Dhatwagni, Dhatwagni paaka
(Metabolic transformations) in Ayurveda and other related
topics have been collected from various Ayurvedic classical
texts. The references were compiled, analyzed and discussed for
a thorough and in-depth understanding of the concept of
Dhatwagni, Dhatwagni paaka (Metabolic transformations) in
Ayurveda. The samhitas used in the present study were Charaka
samhita, Shushruta samhita and Astanga Hridaya with
commentaries on them. The modern medical literatures as well
as other various related information were collected from related
websites.
DHATHWAGNI PAAKA
Concept of Dhatu
The term Dhatu is derived from Sanskrit root Du dhatru which
means Dharana (to support) & Poshana (to nourish), Which
promotes the growth of shareera (body) is dhatu. Dhatus are
seven in number, Rasa, Rakta, Maamsa, Medo, Asthi, Majja,
sukra. Sapta dhatus get Preenanam (nourishment) from
Aahararasa (chyle). Aahararasa is the end product of Jatharagni
paka (Intestinal digestion).
Dhatwagni
Dhatwagnis are seven. Rasagni, Raktaagni, Maamsagni,
Medogni, Asthyaagni, Majjaagni, Sukraagni. Dhatwagnis are
located in its own dhatus5 (tissues). After Jaharaagni paaka &
Bhootagni paaka aadya aahaara rasa (chyle) circulates in the
body to reach all tissues. Seven categories of Dhaatwagnis
(Rasaagni, Raktaagni, Mamsaagni, Medogni, Asthyagni,
Majjagni, Sukragni), & Sapta dhatus (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa,
Medo, Asthi, Majja, Sukra), undergo Paaka (Metabolic
transformation) in two different ways for the sustainers of the
body. One is Prasaada paaka and other is the Kittapaaka.

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Prasaada paaka
The prasaada paaka is stated to yield the seven kinds of poshaka
or Asthayi dhatus. Kittpaka is the waste products. The nutrient
fraction of rasa (plasma) provides nourishment to rakta (blood),
that of rakta (blood) to mamsa (muscle tissue), that of mamsa to
medas (fat), that of medas to asthi (bone), that of asthi to majja
(bone marrow), and the nutrient fraction of majja provides
nourishment to Sukra (Reproductive tissue). The foetus (garbha)
is the product of nutrient fraction of Sukra6.
The Poshaka rasa dhatu is transformed in to Rakta dhatu by the
heat generated by ranjaka pitta and Rasagni in the body. The
Poshaka Rakta dhatu is transformed in to Mamsa dhatu by the
Vayu, Jala, tejas and heat generated by Raktagni in the body.
The Poshaka Mamsa dhatu is transformed in to Medas dhatu by
the Prudvi, Jala, and Mamsagni. The Poshaka Medas dhatu is
transformed in to Asthi dhatu by the Prudvi, Vayu, and
medasagni. The Poshaka Asthi dhatu is transformed in to
Majjadhatu by the Prudvi, Jala Vayu, and Asthyaagni. The
Poshaka Majja dhatu is transformed in to Shukra dhatu7.The
time period of prasada paaka is 6 days and nights. This process
is a continuous one like a moving wheel8. Each one of the seven
kinds of poshaka or Asthayi dhatus is stated to be transported, as
it is formed, to the respective poshya (sthayi) dhatus, through
srotases (channels), specific to each such sthayi dhatu for being
built up as part of the latter. These srotases are known as
dhatuvaha srotamsi. These srotases are seven in number, Rasa
vaha srotas, Raktavaha srotas, Mamsa vaha srotas, Medo vaha
srotas, Asthi vaha srotas, Majjavaha srotas, and Sukra vaha
srotas. The nutrient fraction of Rasa, Rakta, Maamsa, Medo
dhatus helps in formation of Upadhatus (subsidiary tissue).
Upadhatus (Subsidiary Tissue)
The upadhatus or subsidiary tissue elements do not provide
nourishment to subsequent dhatus or upadhatus, but simply
sustain (nourish) the body. These are derived from dhatus,
because of which these are called upadhatus9.
Kitta paaka
During the metabolic transformations malas (waste products) are
produced from each dhatu (tissue elements) as part of kitta
paaka. Malas (waste products) are Stool, Urine, Kapha, Pitta,
Kha mala (waste products excreted from the cavities like ears,
eyes, nose, mouth, and genital organs), Sweat, Kesa (big hairs)
and loman (small hair) and the unctuous substance present in the
eyes, stool & skin10.
Some extent the associations and interactions of dhus in
Dhatwagnipaaka can be correlated with Tissue Specific
metabolism.
TISSUE-SPECIFIC METABOLISM
Blood tissue
Blood is a circulating tissue. It transports nutrients like glucose,
fatty acids and aminoacids which absorbed from GIT and
distributes to all the tissues of the body and excretes wastes from
body. Gaseous exchange of oxygen from lungs to tissues and
carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs takes plays through blood
only. It transports various endocrine hormones. It maintains
body PH and temperature etc functions are carried by blood. It
consists of Plasma proteins, immune globulins, albumins,
lipoproteins etc12.
Muscle Tissue
Muscle is the largest single tissue and contributes 25-40% of the
body weight. Main function of muscle tissue is converting
chemical energy released by the breakdown of ATP to
mechanical energy in the form of muscle contraction. Sarcomere

is the basic contractile unit of the muscle which is made up of

interdigitating filaments. They are thick and thin filament, thick
ones are made up of myosin and thin ones are made up of actin.
When it gets stimulated by nerve impulse and supply of energy
by braking down of ATP, the thin filaments slide down deeper
into the array of the thick filaments and thus Sarcomere length
will be reduced. Muscle is made up of number of longitudinal
muscle fibres. Muscle fibres inturn made up myofibrils.
Myofibrils are formed by number of Sarcomeres arranged in end
to end form. Muscle contraction takes plays by the result of
coordinated stimulus on all the Sarcomeres, causes the
shortening of the length of the muscle. In the relaxed state, the
sarcoplasm has high concentrations of ATP and Mg++. The Ca++
concentration is below the threshold level. The Free Ca++ is
released in to sarcoplasm by the incoming of nerve impulse, and
then it is taken up by the calcium binding site. Relaxation
brought about when the Ca++ moves back from the sarcoplasm to
the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Thus muscle contraction and muscle
relaxation requires energy from ATP. ATP is produced by
reactions of Glycolysis, citric acid cycle and Beta oxidation of
fatty acids as in general metabolism13.
Adipose tissue
Adipose tissue stores lipids and supplies to tissues as they need.
The free fatty acids are absorbed from GIT and resynthesized
into triglyceride and stored in adipose tissue. The carbohydrates
mean glucose also converted in to fatty acid and stored as
triglyceride in the adipose tissue. These processes are enhanced
by the action of hormone insulin. Adipose tissue is made up 15
percent of body mass, out of this 2/3 are triacylglycerols only
and it present about 5-6 kilograms per person. It can be found
under skin. Triglycerides are continuously broken down into
fatty acids and liberated in to plasma to meet different types of
tissues requirement. Several hormones like epinephrine,
Norepineprine etc stimulate the release of fatty acids from
adipose tissue14.
Bone tissue
Bones consist of Osteoblasts, Osteo clasts and matrix in which
mineral salts are present. Bone cavity consists of bone marrow
which is rich of lipids, mostly triglycerides. Matrix contains
group of proteins and minerals which are of cations, calcium,
sodium, potassium, magnesium and anions, phosphate,
carbonate, citrate, chloride, fluoride. The osteoblasts are also
rich in glycolytic enzymes. For the normal activity of osteoblast
vitamin C and A requires. Tooth consist of three layers, dentine,
Cementum, Enamel. Dentine is hard and dense, consist 75% of
mineral. It surrounds pulp cavity and extends throughout the
portion of tooth. Cementum is a layer covering the portion of
tooth which buried in the gum. Enamel is a white hard material
covering the portion of tooth which projected above the gum.
Vitamin A, C and all are necessary for proper development of
bone and tooth15.
Liver Tissue
Liver is one of the most metabolically active tissues. It is having
very important role in blood circulation as it is a junction point
in between the portal and systemic circulations. The bile
pigments, bile salts, cholesterol, heavy metals and the enzyme
alkaline phosphatase are excreted through bile. It is a very
important organ in detoxification mechanisms. It has important
functions in the carbohydrate, lipids and proteins metabolism. It
plays major role in the synthesis of plasma proteins. Liver plays
a major role in synthesis and storage of carbohydrates as
glycogen form. By glycogenolysis it releases glucose. It
synthesizes glycoprotein. Liver is concerned in the synthesis,

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esterification, oxidation and excretion of cholesterol. The
normal cholesterol in the blood is 150-250mg /100ml16.
Nerve tissue
Nerve tissue constitutes approx 2.4% of the body weight. Nerve
tissue consists of brain, spinal nerves, spinal cord and cranial
nerves. Nerve tissues are rich in lipids. Brain contains six times
more amino acids as plasma and it is rich in aspartic, glutamic
acids. The blood capillaries of the brain surrounded by an extra
layer of glial cells that limits passage of organic and inorganic
charged molecules. At rest brain of the body utilizes 25% of O2.
Carbohydrate is the main substrate for the brain metabolism.
Very less 0.1% of carbohydrates present in the brain, so it needs
continuous supply of glucose from blood to maintain all the
functions of vital tissues. Glucose is readily permeable through
blood brain barrier. Decreased O2 and glucose supply causes
decreased metabolism, ATP and creatininphosphate levels of the
brain. Glycolysis, citric acid cycles are main pathways of
metabolism in brain17.

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION

Agni converts food in the form of energy, which is responsible
for all the vital functions of our body. Agni is the invariable
agent in the process of ahara paka (metabolic transformations).
Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated, which
is unavoidable for the maintenance of life, and is performed by
the Agni. Rasa can be compared with Chyle/Plasma/Lymph,
Rakta with Blood, Mamsa with Muscle Tissue, Medas with
Adipose tissue, Asthi with Bone tissue, Majja with Bone
marrow and Sukra with Reproductive tissue in modern
medicine. Connective tissue is a group of tissues includes
ligament, cartilage, bone, tendons, adipose tissue, Muscle
sheaths, the dermis of the skin, capsules of joints, supporting
tissue around the blood vessels, nervs and lymphatics. So Part of
Sapta dhatus except Shukra dhtu comes under connective tissue
only. Ayurveda gives at most importance in maintaining dhatu
samyata. Sushruta said that any derangement of doshas, if not
corrected in proper time, they go deeper in to the dhatus and it
becomes more difficult to correct it. Increasing any dhatu should
be comtrolled by particular measures, otherwise it affects
uttarottara dhatus. According to Chakrapani Kayachikitsa means
antaragneshu chikitsa, it indicates that chikitsa means correct the
antaragni and establishing of well formed dhatus. In dhatwagni
paka, Prasada paka can be compared with anabolic pathways
and Kitta paka with catabolic pathways.

Table 1: Dhatus & Its Functions3

Dhatu
Rasa
Rakta
Mamsa
Medas
Asthi
Majja
Sukra

Modern aspect
Chyle/Plasma/Lymph
Blood
Muscle Tissue
Adipose tissue
Bone tissue
Bone marrow
Reproductive tissue

Function
Preenana (Nourishing property).
Jeevana (Provides physical strength and color to the body)
Lepana (Covers Asthi)
Snehana (lubricates the body))
Dharana (Gives support to the body)
Poorana (Fill up the Asthi)
Garbhothpadana (Helps in reproduction)

Table 2: Dhatus & Its Upadhatus

Dhatu
Rasa
Rakta
Mamsa
Medo

Upadhatu
breast milk and menstrual blood
Kandara(tendons) and vessels
vasa(muscle fat) and six layers of skin
snayus (sinews)
Table 3: Malas

Sl. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Ana/Dhatu
Anna (Food)
Rasa(Chyle)
Rakta (blood)
Mamsa (muscle tissue)
Medas (Adipose tissue)
Asthi (bone)
Majja (bone marrow)

Mala(Waste product)
Vitmootram (Urine & Stool)
Kapha
Pitta
Kha mala(waste products excreted from the cavities like ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and genital organs)
Sweda (Sweat )
Kesa (big hairs) and loma (small hair)
Sneha in Akshi,vit, Twacha (unctuous substance present in the eyes, stool & skin)

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Figure 1: Dhatwagni paka correlation with modern science17

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Goverdhanam Vani & J.S.R.A. Prasad / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 7(Suppl 2), Mar - Apr 2016

Figure 2: Total schematic representation of paka11 (Jatharagnipaka, Bhutagnipaka, Dhatwagnipaka)

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Cite this article as:

Goverdhanam Vani & J.S.R.A. Prasad. Concept of
dhtvgnipaka in Ayurvedic perspective in comparison with
tissue metabolism. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. Mar - Apr
http://dx.doi.org/10.7897/22772016;7(Suppl
2):92-97
4343.07264

Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared

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