Unveiling The Role of Free Radicals

ISSN (Online): 2455-3662
EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) - Peer Reviewed Journal

Volume: 10| Issue: 5| May 2024|| Journal DOI: 10.36713/epra2013 || SJIF Impact Factor 2024: 8.402 || ISI Value: 1.188
CONCEPT OF AMA: UNVEILING THE ROLE OF FREE

RADICALS
K Meera1, P Pretty2
Scholar, 1.P.G.
2.Associate
Professor,
Department of Shareera Kriya,
Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Hassan-573201, Karnataka, India
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of Ayurveda is to maintain health of a healthy person and to cure the diseases of sick
people. As per Ayurveda, a healthy person will be having equilibrium of Dosha, Agni, Dhatu and regular excretion of Mala. The
derangement of Agni in any case will hamper the proper conversion of Ahara rasa into Prasada (sara) and Kitta (mala) parts. This
improper metabolism leads to the accumulation of undigested waste products called Ama in the body. A Free radical can be defined
as any molecular species capable of independent existence that contain unpaired electrons in the atomic orbital. They are highly
reactive species that are capable of damaging DNA, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To understand the concept of Ama with special reference to free radicals.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modern texts, review articles, and authenticated sources were scrutinized for understanding
the concept of free radicals and Ayurvedic texts were referred for further understanding.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As per Ayurveda there are 13 types of Agni (Jatharagni, Bhutagni, Dhatwagni). Its
improper functioning can lead to production of various dimensions of Ama. At the present era, free radicals which are responsible
for various diseases, can be identified as Ama at the level of Bhutagni i.e at the molecular level. Therefore understanding the concept
of Ama and free radicals leads to the scope of using Ayurvedic remedies which may be helpful in prevention and care of free radical
medicated diseases.
KEYWORDS: Ama, Free radicals, Agni
INTRODUCTION
Agni is one of the important factors which helps in the MATERIALS AND METHODS
maintenance of health of an individual and in prevention of Modern texts, review articles, and authenticated sources were
diseases. Ordinarily ‘Ama’ means unripe, uncooked, undigested scrutinized for understanding the concept of free radicals and
substance. Ama is that which arises as a result of derangement Ayurvedic texts were referred for further understanding.
in Agni, mainly by Agnimandya. The hypo functioning of Agni
causes the accumulation of undigested or waste products called CONCEPT OF AMA
Ama in the body. It is the root cause of various diseases. For the Due to Alpa bala of Agni, the first Dhathu (rasa) is not properly
management of this, knowledge of Ama is essential. Free digested, instead the Annarasa undergoes fermentation being
radicals are highly reactive atoms or molecules with unpaired retained in the Amashaya leading to the formation of Ama1. It
electrons in the outermost orbit. These free radicals can cause is also said as the matter which has not undergone Vipaka,
damage to cell and tissue leading to various diseases. In the leading to Durgandha (bad smell), which is in large quantity,
contemporary science Ama can be compared with free radicals which is Pichila(sticky) and that which leads to Gatrasadana is
that are formed in the body. Understanding the relationship called as Ama2.
between Ama and free radicals is crucial for maintaining the The factors which cause Mandagni are responsible for the
overall health and wellbeing. production of Ama. Ama and Agnimandhya are interdependent
to each other.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
• To review the concept of Ama as per Ayurvedic
literatures.
• To review the concept of Free radical in relation with
Ama.
2024 EPRA IJMR | http://eprajournals.com/ | Journal DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra2013 -------------------------------------------------------------647

Disease formation due to Ama:

Agni dushti (Kayagni, Bhutagni, Dhatwagni)
Ama (mixed with Dosha, Dushya and Mala)
Circulates in all Srotas and Kha Vaigunya at particular site

(Samavastha)
Vyadhi (Shakhaghata, Koshtagata, Marmasthisandhi)

Symptoms produced due to Ama includes, Srotorodha phenomenon called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress persisting
(obstruction in channels), Balabhramsha(lowering of for a long term causes various diseases (free radical mediated
immunity), Gaurava(feeling heaviness), Alasya(unwillingness disorders) like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
to perform duty in spite of capability), Apakthi(indigestion), disease, multiple sclerosis, memory loss, depression, arthritis,
Nishtiva(accumulation of excessive saliva in mouth), Mala asthma, glomerular nephritis, IUGR, cataract, cardiomyopathy,
sangha(constipation), Aruchi(tastelessness), Klama , Vitmutra ischemia, inflammation, atherosclerosis etc7.
Nakha Chakshupitata/rakthatha/krishnatha,
Shiroruk(headache), Mukhavairasya, Jwara(fever), DISCUSSION
Atisara(loose motion), Romaharsha3. It is already known that Ama is formed due to the impairment
of Agni. This can be at Jataragni level (gastrointestinal level),
FREE RADICALS Bhutagni level (molecular level), Dhatwagni level (tissue
Free radicals are atoms or molecules which are highly reactive level), so the formation of Ama can also take place at these
due to the presence of unpaired electron in its outermost orbit. levels. The Ama formed at Jataragni level i.e. molecular level
It has a constant tendency to become stable by acquiring can be considered as free radicals.
electron from nearby stable atom leading to free radical chain
reaction which inturn leads to increase in the formation of new According to Acharya Susruta, there is a six-step process for
free radicals4. disease development: Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara,
Sthanasamsrya, Vyakti, and Bhedavastha. In the case of
Free radicals are always present and formed in the body but diseases caused by Ama, the initial step is the accumulation of
excess of production than normal limit causes various ill effects Ama (Sanchaya) due to impaired Agni function. Similarly, free
in the body. In the body they are produced either by normal cell radicals accumulate when the action of free radical scavengers
metabolism (lysosomes, peroxisomes, nuclear endoplasmic is impaired at a specific site, leading to increased production.
reticulum, plasma membrane, phagocytic cells) or from Initially, this accumulation may not cause harm, but without
external sources (pollution, cigarette smoking, radiation, treatment, it can surpass a threshold, leading to minimal
medication)5. Most of the free radicals present in the body are symptoms (Prakopa). Subsequently, Ama or free radicals enter
reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species circulation, helping the progression of the disease.
(RNS). They include superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide,
hydroxyl radical, peroxyl radical, pernitrous acid, nitric oxide, Ama requires a specific site with Khavaigunya
nitrous oxide, nitroxyl anion. They are highly reactive as it has (sthanasamsraya), to initiate disease by affecting weak body
the potential to oxidise biological molecules like proteins, tissues where it may accumulate or adhere. Similarly, free
lipids, nucleic acids etc6. radicals seek out weak sites for electron exchange.
Consequently, diseases manifest differently depending on the
Endogeneous and exogeneous antioxidants act as ‘free radical location of Khavaigunya, arising from the same root cause of
scavengers’ by preventing and repairing the damage caused by Ama or free radicals. This marks the stage of Sthanasamsrya,
the accumulated free radicals thereby increasing the immune where disease symptoms become evident. Following
defense. Endogeneous antioxidants include superoxide Sthanasamsrya, pathology becomes visibly apparent at a
dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase macroscopic level (Vyakthavastha). If even in this stage
(GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx). Superoxide dismutase is treatment is not given, it will lead to the occurrence of
the first line defense against free radicals. Exogeneous Upadrava (Bhedaavstha)8.
antioxidants includes vitamin E, vitamin C, flavonoids, omega
3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids etc. From the above discussion, it can be considered that the process
of formation of disease is described is similar manner in
The imbalance between the production and accumulation of Ayurveda and modern.
free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralise them leads to a
While considering the treatment part, the treatment of Ama

includes 3 procedure- Langana, Deepana, Pachana. Similarly
antioxidant therapy also works in three ways- first by inhibiting
the formation of free radical species which can be achieved by
removing causative factors and this can be taken as Langana
therapy. Secondly by increasing the action of antioxidant like
SOD or catalase which is achieved by providing certain drugs.
This can be taken as Deepana therapy. Thirdly by action of
certain substances (vitamin E, vitamin C) which can neutralize
free radical by donating or accepting electrons. This can be
considered as Pachana. Hence in treatment aspect also there is
similarity between Ama and free radicals.
CONCLUSION
From the above explanation, it can be concluded that the main
factor responsible for the formation of Ama is Mandagni. Ama
is produced by the accumulation of byproducts of metabolism
as well as metabolic waste that are not eliminated from the
body. Ama can be considered as free radical which are also
byproducts of metabolism having tendency to block the
microchannel in different locations leading to various diseases.
Increase in normal value of blood sugar, urea, uric acid, etc can
be understood as Ama. The whole discussion concludes the
various similarities between Ama and free radicals. By
understanding these similiarity, there starts a new scope for
Ayurveda in the management of free radical mediated diseases.
REFERENCES
1. Gupta Atrideva. Ashtanga hridya.Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Sanskrit Sansthana; 2005.p.99
2. Uphadhaya Yadunandana. Madhava Nidana. Varanasi:
Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2006.p.446
3. Gupta Atrideva. Ashtanga hridya. Varanasi: Chaukhambha
Sanskrit Sansthana; 2005. p.98.
4. Tripathi JS, Singh RH. Possible correlates of free radicals
and Free Radical mediated disorders in Ayurveda with
special referance to bhutagni vyapara and Ama at molecular
level. Anc Sci Life. 1999;19(1–2):17–20.
5. Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health Lien Ai
Pham-Huy et al. Int J Biomed Sci. 2008;
6. Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. Free radicals,
antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health.
Pharmacogn Rev [Internet]. 2010;4(8):118–26.
7. Phaniendra A, Jestadi DB, Periyasamy L. Free radicals:
properties, sources, targets, and their implication in various
diseases. Indian J Clin Biochem [Internet]. 2015;30(1):11–
26.
8. Munish Kumar, Parvesh Kumar. Concept of Ama Dosha
WSR to Free Radicals. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical
Research,2016,4(4):1-4

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ISSN (Online): 2455-3662

EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) - Peer Reviewed Journal

CONCEPT OF AMA: UNVEILING THE ROLE OF FREE

2024 EPRA IJMR | http://eprajournals.com/ | Journal DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra2013 -------------------------------------------------------------647

Disease formation due to Ama:

Ama (mixed with Dosha, Dushya and Mala)

Circulates in all Srotas and Kha Vaigunya at particular site

Vyadhi (Shakhaghata, Koshtagata, Marmasthisandhi)

While considering the treatment part, the treatment of Ama

2024 EPRA IJMR | http://eprajournals.com/ | Journal DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra2013 -------------------------------------------------------------649

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