Expanding the scope of Agni: Principles and clinical applications in modern digestive and metabolic perspectives

Abstract BACKGROUND: Agni is a key factor responsible for digestion, metabolism, and biotransformation. Ayurveda describes three types of Agni : Jatharagni (JA), Bhutagni (BA), and Dhatvagni (DA), based on their specific substrates and levels of function. Knowing the basic pathogenesis of Agni impairment in clinical practice is essential to designing a precise treatment protocol. PRESENT KNOWLEDGE AND GAPS: Contemporary understanding of digestion and metabolism encompasses a range of biochemical entities and their respective roles. According to the Ayurvedic principle of Agni , factors such as temperature, heat, and energy, along with their regulatory mechanisms, can influence digestion and metabolism. Connecting the dots of Ayurveda principles of Agni with digestive and metabolic pathways is essential to understand Agni and treating Agnivikriti (impairment). SCOPE OF EXPANSION AND OBJECTIVES: A set of principles based on Agni, considering contemporary assessment tools and biomarkers, can be helpful in connecting traditional medicine with conventional science. Physicians can precisely apply biomarkers to treat diseases and generate scientific evidence effectively. For example, JA acting in the gastrointestinal tract involves factors responsible for digestion and metabolism at the level of the gastrointestinal tract. It is responsible for all amylolytic, proteolytic, and lipolytic enzymes secreted by various exocrine glands in the gut. BA represents the basic metabolism of various food components and minerals. DA acts at the cellular and tissue level. RESULTS: The content on Agni is organized to create sets of factors responsible for the functions of JA, BA, and DA. For better understanding, Agni is coded according to the sites of its functions. The related mechanisms of Koshtha (bowel patterns), intensity, Dosha , Awasthapaka (state of digestion), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), and nutrition are considered. The importance of application in contemporary dietetics, pathophysiology, and pharmaco-therapeutics is discussed with reference to autophagy, gut microbiota, and energy metabolism. The article explores new possibilities of research on principles of Agni , its assessment, and applications in healthcare practices for precise diagnosis and treatment.