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International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research

ISSN (Online) 2249 – 6084

ISSN (Print) 2250 – 1029
Int.J.Pharm.Phytopharmacol.Res. 2012, 2(1): 50-52
(Review Article)

An Understanding of Rasa Dhatu as Described in Ayurveda in the Light of Modern Science

Dr. Archana Gupta1 and Dr. P. S. Byadgi*2
1
Junior Resident, Department of Vikriti Vigyan, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi -221005 ([email protected])
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Vikriti Vigyan, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi -221005

Received on: 19/07/2012 Accepted on: 22/08/2012

ABSTRACT
Ayurveda says that the origin of body is from anna. After proper metabolic process the food materials changes into anna-rasa or
adhyarasa dhatu, which helps in the formation and nutrition of the other dhatus of the body. The main role for the formation of
rasa and mala is agni, which resides in the stomach. Two types of rasa dhatu present in the body, one is sthayi dhatu and another
is poshaka dhatu. Heart has been the main place of rasa dhatu. When rasa dhatu is functioning properly helps in the formation of
other dhatus, nourishes the body and also improves skin texture. If rasa-dusti present either due to vriddhi (increase in quantity)
or due to kshaya (decrease in quantity) of rasa dhatu then various diseases has been occurred.

Key Words: Rasa dhatu, Agni, Rasa-vriddhi, Rasa-kshaya

INTRODUCTION rasa, posses either the two or the eight types of potencies
According to ayurveda, “dosha dhatu mala mulam hi and has many properties, when eaten, digested and
shariram”1 it means doshas are the biological forces which metabolised property and later nutritious essence of food
work through the medium of dhatus and malas. Dhatus and which is absorbed from intestine after digestion which is
malas are the structural units and the doshas are the energy extremely fine, is called rasa3. So the main role for the
forms. Hence the doshas are called as asrayees and dhatus formation of rasa and mala, is agni, which has resides in the
called as asrayaas. “Sharira Dharanat Dhatvah” that is those stomach.
which nourish and support the body are known as dhatu. In Ayurveda the concept of agni is described in brief. There
Some author says that from the Ayurvedic point of view the are three types of agni – namely jatharagni, bhutagni and
origin of body is from anna (food substance that the people dhatwagni. Aggravation or diminution of jatharagni results
or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb to maintain life in aggravation or diminution of bhutagni and dhatwagni.
and growth). As per metabolism process, the food material Therfore by all means one has to protect jatharagni by
which is taken, after digestion is divided into two parts – consuming suitable dietetics and behavior because power of
useful part and unuseful part. The unuseful parts are agni or normal condition of agni is responsible for strength,
eliminated from the body in the form of sweat, urine and health , longevity and vital breath4. Liver which is main seat
stool and useful parts is known as anna-rasa, or Adhya rasa, of bhutagni? As we earlier say that body is made up of
which helps in the formation and nutrition of the other pancha mahabhuta vikara and all the dravya present in the
dhatus of the body. Acharaya Sushruta explain that the earth is panchabhautica. So material which we have taken in
shareera/body is the “pancha maha bhuta vikaara the form of food is also panchbhutica material. Because of
samudayatmakam”2 –it means that the dosha, dhatus and presence of bhutagni, the proper digestion and metabolism
malas contribute for the formation of different organs and of food material firstly occur in the liver. Modern science
tissue of the body. All these are made up of panchabhuta’s says that the liver is main organ for metabolism. As the food
and hence are known as “pancha maha bhuta vikara”. Main enters into the stomach and small intestine
bhuta of rasa dhatu is jala (ap) due to this predominance, (carbohydrates/protein/fat) is degraded into small digestible
rasa dhatu has tendency to circulate in whole body. particles due to presence of mainly pancreatic and stomach
enzymes (which work as jatharagni as per Ayurveda). In
FORMATION OF RASADHATU small intestine absorption of water by diffusion, ions by
In Ayurvedic point of view, the food substances which is active transport and the nutrients (glucose, amino acid, and
composed of the five primordial elements, is of four type lipid) via portal vein and through systemic circulation
(masticable, potable, electuaries and eatables), contain six reaches up to the whole body tissue and muscles for
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Dr. Archana Gupra et al..................................................................................Int.J.Pharm.Phytopharmacol.Res. 2012, 2(1): 50-52
formation and growth. 80% of blood supply to the liver is case of dehydration (i.e excessive loss of water from the
through hepatic portal vein which brings directly body) causes signs like loss of skin turgor, mucosa become
deoxygenated blood (annarasa) from stomach, spleen, dry, extremities become cold and decrease in sweating etc.
pancrease and intestine and blood from hepatic artery (20%)
mixes with blood from portal vein in sinusoids. The hepatic RASA V/S DISEASE
cells obtain oxygen and nutrients from sinusoids. The Acharyas described that the disease which are caused by the
substances synthesised by hepatic cells, the waste products dusti of rasa are either due to vriddhi (increase in quantity)
and carbon dioxide are discharged into sinusoids, then or due to kshaya (decrease in quantity) or
through hepatic vein comes into inferior vena cava and into avarana(obstruction) as in case of rasavrita vata.The
heart. Liver cells performs many vital metabolic and symptoms which are described in the case of rasa
homeostatic functions as metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, vriddhi11,12 are dyspepsia, nausea, laziness, flaccidity,
vitamin, many hormones, storage function like glycogen, dyspnoea, cough, narcolepsy are very much similar with
amino acid, iron, fatty acid; synthetic function as all plasma symptoms occur in case of acidosis i.e. H+ ions increases in
protein and other clotting , complements factors, body (deep and rapid breathing, peripheral vasodilatation,
haemopoitic function; bile secretion and also perform increase intracranial pressure); or hyperkalaemia i.e K+ ions
excretory function that is excretes cholesterol, bile pigments, increases, in case of acidosis/severe
heavy metals, toxins etc5. Here an important Ayurvedic hyperglycaemia/increased potassium diet ( sign and
statement also given in Charaka6 i.e.“kittam rasashya tu symptoms are- cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, nausea,
kapho” because of cholesterol excretion by the liver cells. intestinal colic, diarrhoea, muscular irritability, flaccid
Hence rasa dhatus is the main dhatu which is directly paralysis); or hypercalcaemia i.e Ca+ ions increases, in c/o
formed from annarasa and contain all nutrients which are hyperparathyroidism/increases vitamin D/thyrotoxicosis
required for development of remaining dhatus of the body. (sign and symptoms are- polydipsia, lethargy, anorexia,
nausea, dyspepsia, drowsiness and impaired cognition); or in
RASA V/S TISSUE FLUID chronic liver diseases (as in cirrhosis- clinical features are-
Rasa or fluid present in the body contains 60-65% of water weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, anorexia, nausea,
and 35-40% solids (organic and inorganic). According to vomiting) etc.
Chakrapani7, “Dwividho rasah sthayi poshakashcheti” Similarly, the symptoms present due to rasa kshaya13,14,15 are
that means rasa dhatu is divided into two parts, one is static dryness of skin, exhaustion, dehydration, malaise &
i.e sthayi dhatu like the tissue fluid and intestinal fluid and photophobia described in Ayurvedic texts are very much
another is flowing i.e. poshaka dhatu just like plasma and similar with symptoms of alkalosis i.e H+ ions decreases in
lymph, which help the nutrients to reach the whole body the body (severe & prolonged vomiting , over breathing
tissue. Total water present in the body is about 40 litres. It is etc); hypokalaemia i.e K+ ions decreases (clinical features
mainly divided into two parts; ICF (22 lit) contain large are- typically muscular weakness & associated tiredness,
quantity of k+, Mg+, Po4- , So4- and proteins and ECF (18 lit) cardiac ventricular arrhythmias, polydipsia); hypocalcaemia
contain large quantity of Na+, Cl-, HCo3-, glucose, fatty acid, i.e Ca+ ions decreases in c/o hypothyroidism (symptoms are-
oxygen. ECF again subdivided into five parts; Intestinal tingling of hand & feet, tetany); hyponatremia associated
fluid and lymph (20%), Plasma (7.5%), Fluid in bones with hypovolaemia (clinical features are- thirst, dizziness,
(7.5%), Fluid in dense connective tissue like cartilage weakness, dry mouth, postural hypotension, confusion);
(7.5%), and trans-cellular fluid (2.5%). Hence from above, hypomagnesemia i.e Mg+ ions decreases (clinical features
we can conclude that rasa dhatu is very much similar to are- cardiac arrhythemias, tetany, hypertension) etc.
whole ECF, not only with lymph and plasma5.
RASAPRADOSHAJA VIKARA AND
STHANA OF RASA DHATU – SEAT OF RASA COMPLICATIONS (DISEASES AND
DHATU COMPLICATIONS OF RASADHATU )
Heart has been the main place of rasa dhatu. It may be so If kshaya or vriddhi of rasa dhatu is not soon brought into
because all the nutrients of anna (food) after metabolism are normal or equilibrium state then it produces rasaja vikara or
absorbed from intestine via portal vein and this reaches into other complications of diseases16. Diseases caused by the
heart. Then after purification of blood, oxygenated blood vitiation of rasadhatu are viz; disinclination for food,
with nutrients circulates into the whole body via systemic anorexia, disgeusia, ageusia, nausea, heaviness, drowsiness,
circulation. Again deoxygenated blood comeS back into and fever with malaise, fainting, anaemia, obstruction of the
through veins and reaches the heart. This process remained channels of circulation, impotency, asthenia, emaciation,
continue like a chakra8. Sushruta says that rasa circulate into loss of the power of digestion and premature appearance of
the body whole time i.e day and night which nourishes, winkles and grey hairs17. These same clinical features are
develops, maintains and keeps the entire body functioning seen in case of chronic liver diseases as in liver metastasis
constantly9. and in cirrhosis (i.e. weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps,
weight loss and nonspecific digestive symptoms such as-
RASA V/S HEALTH anorexia, nausea, vomiting; jaundice, loss of libido, hair
Ayurveda10 says that normal rasadhatu brings skin texture loss, hepatic encephalopathy etc). Similar clinical features
smooth and soft; person becomes full of happiness along are also present in case of pancreatitis and in pancreatic
with proper functioning of sensory faculties. Similarly the carcinoma. Obstruction of the channels of circulation due to
body fluid helps to maintain homeostasis, temperature of the the formation of occlusive thrombus at the site of rupture or
body and nourish all body tissue by transport mechanism so erosion of an atheromatous plaque is the main causative
it’s proper functioning is very necessary for characteristic factors for Myocardial infarction (clinical features are
form & texture of various body tissues. For example- in the breathlessness, vomiting, nausea, pallor, syncope due to
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Dr. Archana Gupra et al..................................................................................Int.J.Pharm.Phytopharmacol.Res. 2012, 2(1): 50-52
hypotension etc). If the abnormal doshas enter into the 6) Agnivesha. Grahani dosha chikitsam adhyaya ,In Acharya
rasadhatu then it create abnormality into the rasadhatu and Trikamji Jadavaji. Charaka Samhita (Charaka and
causes symptoms as cracks and roughness of skin due to Dridhabala with Chakrapani), Reprint. Varansi, India:
vata dosha, visphota due to pitta dosha, and stiffness and Chowkhamba Prakahsan; 2007; 456.
7) Agnivesha. Grahani dosha chikitsam adhyaya ,In Acharya
whitish discolouration of skin due to kapha dosha. Trikamji Jadavaji. Charaka Samhita (Charaka and
Dridhabala with Chakrapanitika), Reprint. Varansi, India:
IMPORTANCE OF RASA DHATU IN THE BODY Chowkhamba Prakahsan; 2007; s 16.
Thus, rasa is the main dhatu in the body which produce 8) Agnivesha. Grahani dosha chikitsam adhyaya ,In Acharya
directly from annarasa and it is one of the vital tissues for Trikamji Jadavaji. Charaka Samhita (Charaka and
the nourishment and development of body. Because of this Dridhabala with Chakrapanitika), Reprint. Varansi, India:
remaining dhatus are formed, nourished and it helps for the Chowkhamba Prakahsan; 2007; 457.
overall development of the body. Many diseases occur in the 9) Sushruta. Shonitvardaneeya Adhyaya,In Ayurveda-Tattva
body due to rasadusti. So the fluid present in the body, is Sandipika. Susruta Samhita (by Kaviraja Ambikadutta
Shastri), Reprint. Varanasi, India: Chowkhamba
rasayukta and this is main factor for the development &
Prakahsan; 2010; 61.
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Trikamji Jadavaji. Charaka Samhita (Charaka and
CONCLUSION Dridhabala with Chakrapanitika), Reprint. Varansi, India:
Rasa is the primary important dhatu in the body which Chowkhamba Prakahsan; 2007; 278.
helps in the formation of other dhatus of the body. It 11) Sushruta. Dosha Dhatu Mala Kshaya Vriddhi Vigyaneeya
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nourishes, develops, maintains and keeps the entire body (by Kaviraja Ambikadutta Shastri), Reprint. Varanasi,
functioning constantly. Rasa dhatu is divided into two parts, India: Chowkhamba Prakahsan; 2010; 78.
12) Vagbhatta. Doshadivijaniyam adhyaya. In Kaviraja
one is static i.e sthayi dhatu like the tissue fluid and
Atrideva, Astanga Hrdayam (by yadunandana Upadhyaya),
intestinal fluid and another is flowing i.e poshaka dhatu just Reprint. Varansi, India: Chowkhamba Prakahsan; 2009;
like plasma and lymph, which help the nutrients to reach 183.
upto the whole body tissue. Total water present in the body 13) Agnivesha. Kiyantah-shirsiya adhyaya ,In Acharya
is about 40 litres. It is mainly divided into two parts; ICF Trikamji Jadavaji. Charaka Samhita (Charaka and
(22lit) and ECF (18 lit). The symptoms which are described Dridhabala with Chakrapanitika), Reprint. Varansi, India:
in the case of rasa vriddhi are very much similar with Chowkhamba Prakahsan; 2007; 103.
symptoms occur in case of acidosis or hypercalcaemia or in 14) Sushruta. Dosha Dhatu Mala Kshaya Vriddhi Vigyaneeya
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(by Kaviraja Ambikadutta Shastri), Reprint. Varanasi,
much similar with symptoms of alkalosis or hypokalaemia
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