CONCEPT OF JATHARAGNI IN AYURVEDA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ENZYMES

Abstract

In Ayurvedic system of medicine, Agni maximally represents digestive & metabolic fire in the body. It is the substance in the secretions of the body which are directly responsible for digestive and chemical changes in the body. Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated, which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life, and is performed by the Agni. According to the functions and site of action, Agni has been divided into 13 types, i.e. one Jatharagni (digestive enzymes), five bhutagni and seven dhatvagni (metabolism at tissue level). Jatharagni is the chief among all types of agni’s because function of bhutagni and dhatvagni depend on this. Ag-gravation or diminution of jatharagni results in aggravation or diminution of bhutagni and dhatvagni. All the diseases are caused due to impaired function of Agni. According to modern science, Gastric juice and enzymes functioning at gastro intestinal level, all are responsible for digestion, absorption and metabolism. Altered function of the enzymes secreted from gastro in-testinal tract is responsible for production of gastro intestinal diseases. Function of Agni is likely to be compared with gastric juice and different enzymes at gastro intestinal level.