CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF LANGHANA THERAPY IN AYURVEDA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AUTOPHAGY: CELLULAR AND METABOLIC PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Abstract
Ayurveda describes Langhana as a set of therapeutic procedures that induce lightness in the body by promoting movement and restricting or lightening food intake. It includes methods to reduce bodily heaviness and restore internal balance, aiming at detoxification and metabolic correction. Classical texts categorize Langhana into Shodhana (eliminative) therapies—such as Vamana, Virechana, and Basti—and Shamana (palliative) therapies like Pachana, Deepana, Kshuda, and Vyayama. These interventions target the elimination of Ama, stimulation of Agni, and pacification of vitiated Doshas, thus addressing metabolic imbalances. In modern science, autophagy is recognized as a crucial cellular mechanism that eliminates damaged organelles and misfolded proteins, thereby maintaining cellular and metabolic homeostasis. Despite differing conceptual frameworks, Langhana and autophagy share similar physiological objectives: internal detoxification, energy efficiency, and restoration of homeostasis. This study aims to critically review the concept of Langhana in Ayurveda and compare it with autophagy from a cellular and metabolic perspective. A descriptive and analytical review was carried out using classical Ayurvedic sources and recent biomedical research. The study mapped physiological functions and therapeutic goals of Langhana practices with known autophagic mechanisms. Findings reveal that Ayurvedic interventions like Upavasa (fasting), Laghupayoga (light dietary intake), and Vyayama (exercise) correspond to known inducers of autophagy in modern science. Both systems improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular regeneration. Moreover, Langhana’s actions can be conceptually linked with activation of AMPK, inhibition of mTOR, and up regulation of autophagy pathways. Therefore, it can be concluded that, Langhana and autophagy converge as complementary mechanisms for internal cleansing and metabolic regulation. This integrative perspective strengthens the scientific validity of Ayurvedic practices and encourages further interdisciplinary research to harness their combined potential in lifestyle disease management and health promotion.