E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Dhatu Poshan Nyaya

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 3 MARCH
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A review on Dhatu Poshan Nyaya: with the principles of stem cell theory

Tomar P1*, Kumar Lal S2, Arya N3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.3.37

1* Pravesh Tomar, Professor and HOD, Department of Prasuti Tantra Evum Stree Roga, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

2 Sudip Kumar Lal, Department of Swasthwritta, Swami Klayan Dev Ayurvedic College, Mujjafarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

3 Neeta Arya, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Prasuti Tantra Evum Stree Roga, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

The concept of Dhatus in Ayurveda refers to the physiology of basic nutritional and structural factor of the body. The Ahara Rasa is the source of for nourishing the Dhatus and Dhatu nutrients are nourished one after another from Ahara Rasa to Shukra. Acharya used Nyaya to elaborate the concept. Dhatu Poshan Nyaya gives us a clear view about how the Dhatus formed and how the conversion of Ahara Rasa takes place in Saptdhatus. Rakta Dhatu is the primary source of longevity and survival in human beings. Its formation is a continues process that sustains life. To understand tissue formation, it is essential to understand the Ayurvedic principles that explain the transformation of Ahara Rasa into Dhatus. Ahara has to undergo digestion by Pachakagni, Dhatvagni, along with Bhutagni. Dhatu gets nourished by Dhatu and nourishes another Dhatu. Theories of Dhatu Poshan Nyaya are not different all together, connected to a sequential process where one step follows another in a linked manner, as the step-by-step transformation of nutrients into body tissue (Dhatus) or the sequential differentiation of stem cells into specialized cells. Modern science explains the formation of blood cells during the embryonic stage with the involvement of mesenchymal cells and later hematopoietic cells. Acharyas postulated theories of tissue nutrition and transformation of tissue nutrients into body elements through Dhatu Poshan Nyaya as Khseera Dadhi Nyaya (law of transformation), Kedari Kulya Nyaya (Law of Transportation), Khale Kapot Nyaya (Law of selectivity), Ek Kala Dhatu Poshan Nyaya (Simultaneous supply of nutrients to whole body).

Keywords: Dhatu Poshan, Ahara Rasa, Dhatvagni, Tissue, Stem cells

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Pravesh Tomar, Professor and HOD, Department of Prasuti Tantra Evum Stree Roga, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Email: 		Tomar P, Kumar Lal S, Arya N, A review on Dhatu Poshan Nyaya: with the principles of stem cell theory. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(3):236-241.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4475/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-02-16 2025-02-25 2025-03-05 2025-03-15 2025-03-25
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 11.32

© 2025 by Tomar P, Kumar Lal S, Arya N and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(3)236
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAim and ObjectivesDiscussionConclusionReferences
Pravesh T et al. A review on Dhatu Poshan Nyaya

Introduction

In Ayurveda, Acharya Sushruta stated, “Dosha Dhatu Mala Moolam Hi Shariram,”[1] meaning the human body is composed of Dosha (bioenergies regulating bodily functions), Dhatu (structural components), and Mala (waste products), all of which are continuously nourished by Ahara (food). This food is processed by Jatharagni,[2] transforming it into Ahara Rasa (nutritive essence) and Ahara Mala (waste products like urine and stool). Now this Ahara Rasa is acted upon by Dhatwagni likewise- Rasa Dhatwagni, when acting on Ahara Rasa, divides into Sthoola Bhaga and Shukshma Bhaga. Sthoola Bhag nourishes the Rasa Dhatu, whereas Shukshma Bhaga is again divided into Rakta Nirmana Ansh (which further nourishes Rakta Dhatu), Updhatu (Stanya and Artava), and Mala (Kapha), and so on.[3]

Tissue nutrition and differentiation vary across different life stages. During early intrauterine life (before the 8th week of gestation), the embryo receives histotrophic nutrition. As fetal oxygen demand increases, nutrition shifts to haemotrophic, facilitated by maternal-placental circulation.[4]

After birth, oral nutrition begins, where nutrients are obtained through food intake. Similarly, tissue differentiation follows a specific pattern throughout life. This article explores Dhatu Poshan Nyaya to understand the principles governing tissue development andnourishment.

Aim and Objectives

To explain the concept of Dhatu Poshan Nyaya through stem cell theory.

Tissue Nutrition During Intra-Uterine Life[5]

As per Acharya Charak Ahara Ras of mother gets divided into 3 parts - one part nourishes mother’s body, one goes in the formation of Stanya and one part nourishes to Garbha. During organogenesis, manifested organs receive nourishment through the processes of Upsneha and Upsveda. The Dhamanis (vessels) of the maternal body, which transport Rasa (nutrients), extend laterally and longitudinally in all directions, supplying nutrition via Upsneha.[4] According to the commentator Indu, Upsneha and Upsveda refer to Snighatva (unctuousness) and Utkleda (moistening), respectively.

The unctuous components of amniotic fluid, such as lipids and glycogen, contribute to the growth and development of the fetus, resembling the function of Sneha (unctuousness). Meanwhile, the water and electrolyte content of amniotic fluid corresponds to Upsveda, ensuring proper nourishment and hydration for fetaldevelopment. After organogenesis is complete, nourishment is provided primarily through perfusion, mainly via the umbilical cord, though sometimes also through the hair.

Acharya Sushruta states that the Garbha-Nabhi-Nadi (fetal umbilical vessels) connects the fetus’s umbilicus at one end and the placenta at the other. The placenta, in turn, is linked to the mother’s heart through the Rasavaha Nadi (blood vessels), facilitating nutrient exchange.[6]

According to modern science, the developing fetus initially derives nutrition from endometrial secretions or the yolk sac before the placenta forms. At first, nutrition is histotrophic, where the trophectoderm absorbs secretions from the oviduct and later from the uterus, known asuterinemilk.[7]

Tissue Nutrition During Post-Natal Life

Immediately after birth, a baby receives nutrition from Stanya[8] (mother’s milk), which is an Upadhatu[9] (secondary tissue product) of Rasa Dhatu. As the child grows, Ahara (solid food) becomes the primary source of nourishment. The nutrients derived from food, known as Ahara Rasa (nutrient pool), continuously circulate and sustain the body.

When nutrients reach various tissues through their respective Shrotas (channels), they are absorbed and metabolizedbyDhatvagni, which converts them into tissue components or utilizes them for cellular functions.

Throughout digestion and metabolism, Dosha formation occurs in two phases:[10]

1. Avasthapaka (stage of digestion) - The Doshas produced in this phase are Mala
2. Vipaka (post-digestive transformation) - The Doshas formed here can be considered Dhatu Roopi.

This process ensures continuous nourishment, tissue maintenance, and metabolic balanceinthebody. The Mala Roopi Dosha Ahara Mala and Dhatu Mala get nurture by the Kitta (metabolic waste products) portionofAharaRasa.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(3)237
Pravesh T et al. A review on Dhatu Poshan Nyaya

Dhatu Poshan Nyaya

Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya[11] (Law of Total Transformation)

According to this principle, just as milk undergoes a sequential transformation into curd, curd into buttermilk, buttermilk into butter, butter into Ghrita (clarified butter), and Ghrita finally into Ghritamanda, the Dhatus (bodily tissues) also transform similarly. Rasa Dhatu (plasma) is completely converted into Rakta Dhatu (blood), Rakta into Mamsa Dhatu (muscle), and so on, until Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) is formed, which is responsibleforprogeny. This principle emphasizes the gradual transformation of one Dhatu into the next. Additionally, it is referred to as Karma Parinama Paksha Nyaya, as each preceding Dhatu is fully transformed into the succeeding one in a continuous metabolicprocess.

As per Lok Purusha Samya Siddhanta[12]

SubstanceDhatu
Ksheera (milk)Rasa
Dadhi (curd)Rakta
Takra (butter milk)Mamsa
Navneeta (butter)Meda
Ghrita (ghee)Asthi
Ghritmanda (supernatant of ghee)Majja
Shukra - Sarva Dhatu Sara

Dhatu Nirmana Kala from initial Rasa Dhatu to the last Shukra Dhatu is 7 days according to Acharya Charak and 30 days according to Acharya Sushruta.[13]

Kedari Kulya Nyaya[14] (Law of Transportation)

According to this Nyaya -

KedarField under irrigationDhatu
KulyaCanal that helps to irrigate fieldsShrotas
JalWater / Nutritional poolsAhara Rasa

Water is supplied to the fields through canals. As the water flows through the canal, it first reaches the nearest field. After fulfilling the field’s irrigation needs, the remaining water continues to the next field, and this process continues sequentially. Similarly, this principle (Nyaya) illustrates the sequential nourishment and time required for the replenishment of the seven Dhatus. The nourishing fluid, known as Ahara Rasa, initially nourishes Rasa Dhatu.

Essential nutrients for its development are absorbed by the Rasavaha Srotas, where Rasa-Dhatawagni acts upon them to form Rasa Dhatu. Once Rasa Dhatu is replenished, it then nourishes the next Dhatu in the sequence. This process continues until Shukra Dhatu is nourished, completing the entire transformation cycle with in seven days.

Khale-Kapota Nyaya[15] (Law of Selectivity)

This concept is explained using the analogy of Khale (field grains) and Kapota (pigeons). After harvesting, grains are piled in the field, and pigeons from different places come to collect them beforeflyingbackto their nests. The time taken to return varies based on the distance and direction they travel. As this law explains how Ahara Rasa nourishes different dhatus through specific Srotasa. As Srotasa extend further, their diameter decreases, slowing the nutrient flow which affect the time taken for nourishment distribution.

Ahara RasaPaddy field
Sthayi DhatuNests
Poshak DhatuPigeons
Dhatuvaha ShrotasTravelling routes of pigeons

Ek Kala Dhatu Poshan Nyaya[16] (law of simultaneous supply of nutrients to whole body) theory explains that with help of Vyan Vayu, Ahara Rasa nourishes all Dhatus uniformly at same time.

Application in Dhatu Nourishment

Similarly, each Sthayi Dhatu selectively absorbs the necessary nutrients from Ahara Rasa through its respective Dhatuvaha Srotas, ensuring proper nourishment. According to Acharya Sushruta, Rasa Dhatu serves as the transporter of nutrients to the stable Dhatus. It spends 3015 Kala (approximately five days) in each Dhatu before moving to the next. Thus, the complete transformation and nourishment of all six Dhatus take aboutonemonth.

Dhatus are classified into two types:[17]

1. Asthayi (Poshaka) Dhatu - These are unstable or circulating tissues, primarily Rasa and Rakta Dhatu.
2. Sthayi Dhatu (Stable Tissue) - All other Dhatus, which are permanent and require nourishment from Poshaka Dhatu.

Stem Cells: The Master Cells of the Body[18]

Each type of cell in the body has a specialized structure and function, distinct from its unspecialized precursor cells.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(3)238
Pravesh T et al. A review on Dhatu Poshan Nyaya

These precursor cells are known as stem cells, often referred to as “master cells” due to their ability to differentiate into specialized cell types.

Key Properties of Stem Cells:

Stem cells are defined by two fundamental characteristics:

1. Self-Renewal - They can continuously divide, producing identical stem cells to maintain the stem cell pool.
2. Differentiation Potential - They can generate all cell types within the tissue from whichtheyoriginate.

To be classified as a stem cell, a cell must meet three main criteria:

  • Unlimited Division - It can divide indefinitely, even after long periods of inactivity.
  • Renewal of the Stem Cell Pool - Upon division, each daughter cell can either remain a stem cell or differentiate into a specialized cell, such as a muscle cell, red blood cell (RBC), or brain cell.
  • Tissue-Specific Differentiation - Under certain physiological or experimental conditions, stem cells can transform into cells specific to particular tissuesororgans.

Classification of Stem Cells Based on Potency[19]

Stem cells are categorized based on their differentiation potential:

1. Totipotent Stem Cells - Can develop into all cell types, including embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues (e.g., a fertilized egg).
2. Pluripotent Stem Cells - Can differentiate into any cell type and give rise to 3 germ layers - ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm but are unable to generate extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta.
3. Multipotent Stem Cells - Can give rise to multiple cell types within a limited number of cell types based the origin of tissue. They are not pluripotent because they lost the ability to become cells of all three germ layers and are present in almost all the tissues.

  • (e.g. Haematopoietic stem cells give rise to different types of blood cells.
  • Mesenchymal stem cells give rise to fat, bone, muscles, and cartilage.
  • Neural stem cells give rise to neurons and oligodendrites.)

4. Oligopotent Stem Cells - Can differentiate into a few closely related cell types- Myeloid stem cells.
5. Unipotent Stem Cells - Can only produce cells of their own type but retain self-renewal ability (e.g., musclestemcells).

jaims_4475_00.jpg
Chart 1: Pluripotent stem cell presentation present in bone marrow of Blood cell formation.[20]

Discussion

Dhatu Poshan Nyaya, which translates to tissue nutrition and differentiation, explains the formation and maintenance of the seven Dhatus (body tissues) throughout life. While the formation of Dhatus begins during the embryonic stage (Garbha), their nourishment and upkeep continue lifelong. The type of stem cells determines the differentiation of tissues in the developing fetus at various stages.

Application of DhatuPoshanNyaya in Stem Cell Differentiation

1. Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya (Law of Transformation)

This principle states that one type of cell undergoes complete transformation into another, similar to milk (Kshira) turning into curd (Dadhi). It signifies total differentiation, where an initial cell type loses its original form to develop into another specialized form. This can be compared to the differentiation process of pluripotent stem cells and extra-embryonic (placental) stem cells.

These cells, though not immortal, possess a high division potential and sequentially differentiate into specific cell types, forming various tissues during embryogenesis and continuing to contribute to nourishment post-birth. This theory suggests the existence of a common parent cell for all bodilyelements.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(3)239
Pravesh T et al. A review on Dhatu Poshan Nyaya

2. Kedari Kulya Nyaya (Law of Transportation)

This principle can be compared to multipotent and oligopotent stem cells, which differentiate into multiple, but limited, cell types depending on their location. For example, hematopoietic stem cells (multipotent) give rise to different blood cell lineages, such as myeloid stem cells and lymphoid stem cells (oligopotent). These, in turn, sequentially produce red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. This theory illustrates how nutrients are selectively transported and utilized by specific tissues and cells based on their functionalrequirements.

3. Khale Kapot Nyaya (Law of Selectivity)

This concept aligns with unipotent stem cells, which are capable of differentiating into only one specific cell type while retaining self-renewal properties. Examples include epidermal stem cells (which regenerate skin) and spermatogonial stem cells (which produce sperm). According to this Nyaya, each Dhatu independently derives nourishment from Ahara Rasa (nutrient essence of food), ensuring targeted tissue development. This principle also suggests the direct nourishment of Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) from milk due to the presence of Shukra Poshak Amsha (nutritional essence beneficial for Shukra), based on the Ayurvedic Guna Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta (principle of similarity and dissimilarityinnutrition).

4. Ek Kala Dhatu Poshan Nyaya (law of simultaneous supply of nutrients to whole body)

The concept aligns with the circulation of all nutrients through blood by the heart. It is delivered to all tissues with each systolic contraction of the heart, simultaneously nourishing them.

Nyaya’sModern TheoryExplanation
Ksheera Dadhi NyayaPluripotent stem cell or extra-embryonic stem cellTheory that explains the total transformation
Kedari Kulya NyayaMultipotent stem cellTheory that explains sequential differentiation
Khale Kapot NyayaUnipotent stem cellTheory that explains selectivity
Ek Kala Dhatu Poshan NyayaCirculation of cellsTheory that explains simultaneous supply of nutrients to whole body

Conclusion

Nyaya, in the context of Ayurveda, refers to the principles that explain the process of tissue nourishment and differentiation through various channels. No single Nyaya alone can fully explain this complex process; instead, all Nyayas must be considered together to understand the sequential nourishment and transformation of Dhatus. Tissue nutrition and differentiation is a continuous process that begins immediately after conception and persists throughout life. However, the stages of tissue differentiation vary at different developmental phases.

Based on this understanding, Ayurveda provides a comprehensive explanation of tissue nourishment and differentiation, which closely aligns with modern scientific concepts. During early embryonic development, totipotent and pluripotent stem cells differentiate into the three germ layers - endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. This transformation follows the Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya (Law of Complete Transformation), where one form completely changes into another.

Similarly, Kedari Kulya Nyaya (Law of Transportation) describes how nutrients flow in a sequential manner, similar to water moving through canals. This is comparable to the behavior of multipotent and oligopotent stem cells, which differentiate into specific cell types while retaining their self-renewal properties. Thus, different types of stem cells contribute to the formation of various structures in the body, reflecting the Ayurvedic principles of tissue nutrition and differentiation.

References

1. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita, Ayurvedatatvasandeepika Vol I. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2017. Sutra Sthan 15/3. p. 73 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

2. Charaka. Charak Samhita, Ayurved Deepika Vol II. Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2022. Chikitsa Sthan 15/6-8. p. 372 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

3. Charaka. Charak Samhita, Ayurved Deepika Vol II. Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2022. Chikitsa Sthan 15/15. p. 382 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(3)240
Pravesh T et al. A review on Dhatu Poshan Nyaya

4. Burton GJ, Cindrova-Davies T. Histotrophic nutrition and the placental endometrial dialogue during human early pregnancy. [Journal name if available]. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

5. Tewari P. Ayurveda Prasuti Tantra Evam Stri Roga. Reprint 2016. Ch. 4. p. 147 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

6. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita, Ayurvedatatvasandeepika Vol I. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2017. Sharira Sthan 3/29. p. 33 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

7. Chauhan S, Bijlwan A, Saini A, Sawhney S. Understanding Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in the Light of Stem Cell Theory. Ayushdhara [Internet]. 2024 Jul 10 [cited 2025 May 10];11(3):85-9. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

8. Tewari P. Ayurveda Prasuti Tantra Evam Stri Roga. Reprint 2016. Ch. 10. p. 613 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

9. Charaka. Charak Samhita, Ayurved Deepika Vol II. Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2022. Chikitsa Sthan 15/17. p. 384 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

10. Charaka. Charak Samhita, Ayurved Deepika Vol II. Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2022. Chikitsa Sthan 15/9-11. p. 379-380 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

11. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita, Ayurvedatatvasandeepika Vol I. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2017. Sutra Sthan 14/14. p. 65 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

12. Sharma GG, Sharma P. Conceptual Study of Formation of Blood Cells From Tissue Nutritional Laws With Its Clinical Impact—An Ayurvedic Perspective. Int J Ayurveda Pharma Res. 2019;7(8):63-70. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

13. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita, Ayurvedatatvasandeepika Vol I. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2017. Sutra Sthan 14/15. p. 66 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

14. Charaka. Charak Samhita, Ayurved Deepika Vol II. Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2022. Chikitsa Sthan 15/16. p. 384 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

15. Sharma GG, Sharma P. Conceptual Study of Formation of Blood Cells From Tissue Nutritional Laws With Its Clinical Impact—An Ayurvedic Perspective. Int J Ayurveda Pharma Res. 2019;7(8):63-70. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

16. Vagbhata. Asthang Hridhyam with Sanskrit commentary by Arundutta and Hemadri. Chaukhamba Subharti Prakshan; 2011. Sharira Sthan 3/62. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

17. Charaka. Charak Samhita, Ayurved Deepika Vol II. Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2022. Chikitsa Sthan 15. p. 379-80 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

18. Sharma V, Chaudhary AK. Concepts of Dhatu Siddhanta (theory of tissue formation and differentiation) and Rasayana; probable predecessor of stem cell therapy. Ayu. 2014;35:231-6. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

19. Chauhan S, Bijlwan A, Saini A, Sawhney S. Understanding Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in the Light of Stem Cell Theory. Ayushdhara [Internet]. 2024 Jul 10 [cited 2025 May 10];11(3):85-9. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

20. Guyton AC, Hall JE. Textbook of Medical Physiology. 12th ed. Unit 6. Ch. 32. p. 431 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

Disclaimer / Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of Journals and/or the editor(s). Journals and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(3)241