Discussion
Once overlooked, free radicals have now emerged as key biological entities, vital to normal cellular function yet implicated in the onset and progression of numerous pathological conditions. Free radicals are usually by-products of normal cellular metabolism. At low levels, have beneficial effects and on excessive accumulation have deleterious effects on molecular target sites like nucleic acids, proteins, lipids.[8]
The Ahara and Vihara in the today’s era, that are potential endogenous sources for free radical formation, can be viewed from the Nidanas mentioned for Ama. Bhutagni and Dhatwagni are dependent on Jataragni (digestive fire). Jataragni is maintained from proper Indhana (fuel, that is Ahara).[9] Improper Ahara and Ahara Vidhi (dietary regimen) leads to Agnimandya and Ama. Free radicals also share same etiology.
Etiological Factors and its interpretation [10]
Ajeerna Ashana (eating before previous meal is digested), Ati-Bhojana (over eating) can be understood as high calorie intake, which increases free radical. Asatmya Ahara (inconducive) as Westernized diet; Guru Ahara (heavy food) as refined foods, fried foods; Sheeta (cold), Ruksha Ahara (dry) as frozen foods; Sandushta Bhojanat (contaminated food) as, processed foods, artificial colouring, flavouring, pesticides etc., which all have potential to increase free radical production the body. Diwaswapna (day sleeping), Ratrijagarana (keeping awake at night) are causative factors for Ama, similarly, Sleep pattern influences free radical production.[11]
Desha Kala Ritu Vaishamya (abnormality in geographical region, time, season) as a causative factor can be understood as exogenous sources of free radicals like high temperature, air and water pollution.
Therefore, Ama which is a sequela of Agnimandya due to above mentioned Nidanas is a by-product of metabolism. So is the free radical which is the by-product of metabolism produced from endogenous and exogenous sources. As Madhukosha explains Ama as Mala, the Mala in the context of Ahara Paka leading to Prasada Bhuta and Mala Bhuta, is defined as ‘Shareera Badhakaraha Malaha’ (that which causes destruction of body).
Also, is said to be Shareera Upaghata Karaka (harmful to body) while existing in the body. Shareera Badhakara/ Shareera Upaghatakaraka can be attributed to free radicals and can be understood as the deleterious effects of free radicals such as alteration in cell membrane, structures such as proteins, lipids, lipo-proteins, DNA, these also include formation of compounds that are cytotoxic and mutagenic.
Production of free radicals from endogenous sources can be understood through the simile mentioned- “Kodravebhyo Vishayasyeva Vadayanti Amasya Sambhavan” (Ama is formed in the body, as Visha (poison) develops in Kodrava-a type of millet).[12]
Antioxidants [13]
Antioxidants are classified as endogenous and exogenous antioxidants and also, as enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Endogenous antioxidants include enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic metabolic antioxidants. Exogenous antioxidants include non-enzymatic nutrient antioxidants. Enzymatic antioxidants are superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These have specific actions on specific radicals. Enzymatic antioxidants correlate with the Bhutagni, which also has specific actions on specific components. Free radicals formed from cellular metabolism (Dhatwagni) are acted upon by enzymatic antioxidants (Bhutagni).
Poshaka Rasa/ Prasada Bhuta Rasa (nourishing fluid) in this context, can be understood as endogenous metabolic antioxidants resulting from metabolism, possessing free radical scavenging activity. Nutrient antioxidants belonging to exogenous antioxidants can be viewed through the lens of Rasayana Dravyas (rejuvenating drugs) which are said to have anti-oxidant properties.
Lack of exercise, an unhealthy lifestyle can increase oxidative stress and the burden of chronic diseases. Hence Viharaja Nidanas (regimen) also play a role. Therefore, adopting Vyayama (exercise), proper dietary habits is essential.
Expulsion of Mala and enhancement of Agni can be achieved through Shodhana Karma (purificatory procedures). These actions correlate with elimination of free radicals (Mala)[14] and reduced production of free radicals by achieving proper metabolism (Jwalanasya Deeptim) respectively.[15]
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