A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF DHATVAGNI DYSFUNCTION AS A ROOT MECHANISM IN ENDOCRINAL DISORDERS: AN INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

^{Dhatvagni—the metabolic fire residing in each tissue (dhatu)—is central to the Ayurvedic understanding of internal homeostasis and systemic health. Contemporary endocrinology similarly focuses on regulatory mechanisms that maintain metabolic, reproductive, and hormonal balance. This conceptual review explores Dhatvagni dysfunction as a core pathological mechanism underlying major endocrinal disorders including diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and adrenal imbalances. Classical Ayurvedic references describe that hypo- or hyper-functioning of dhatus leads to improper tissue nourishment (dhatu poshana) and altered metabolic by-products, which parallel impaired hormonal synthesis, secretion, and feedback regulation. This paper integrates Ayurvedic theory with modern endocrine physiology, proposing Dhatvagni as an indigenous framework for understanding endocrine pathogenesis. The analysis highlights potential therapeutic implications of Deepana-Pachana, Rasayana, and dhatu-specific interventions for restoring metabolic equilibrium. Dhatvagni-centered models may enrich holistic approaches and bridge Ayurveda with modern endocrinology.}

^{KEYWORDS: Dhatvagni, Agni, Dhatu, Endocrinal Disorders, Metabolism, Hormonal Imbalance.}

^{INTRODUCTION: Ayurveda identifies Agni as the primary regulator of biological transformation, metabolism, and vitality. Beyond Jatharagni, Dhatvagni1 is the most significant tissue-specific metabolic force responsible for nourishment and qualitative maintenance of each dhatu. Modern endocrinology attributes metabolic regulation to hormones that govern digestion, tissue regeneration, energy storage, reproduction, immunity, and stress response. Increasing prevalence of endocrinal disorders necessitates integrative frameworks to understand their root mechanisms. Ayurveda conceptualizes these disorders as dhatu-level metabolic imbalances stemming from Dhatvagni dysfunction. This paper examines Dhatvagni dysfunction in relation to endocrine pathology and proposes correlations between classical Ayurvedic principles and modern endocrine science.}