Agni and Vyayama: Integrating Ayurvedic Metabolic Concepts with Modern Exercise Science, Epigenetic Evidence, and Translational Health Applications – A Review Article

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.sidebar##

Published Feb 20, 2026
Download
Pdf Article download
Statistic
👁 Abstract Views: 0📥 Pdf Article download Downloads: 0
Vol. 10 No. 02 (2026): Agnibodh Conference Special Issue | AYURLINE: IJ-RIM

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##

Dr.Krishna Gunte Krishna
Apms AYURVEDA Mahavidhyala sion mumbai 22
Vd.Ganesh Puradkar

Abstract

This review integrates classical Ayurvedic concepts of Agni (digestive and metabolic fire) and Vyayama (exercise) with contemporary biomedical research on metabolism, gut microbiota, and exercise-induced epigenetic modifications. The Jatharagni, Dhatvagni, and Bhutagni of classical texts are correlated with modern gastrointestinal physiology, tissue enzymatic activity, and energy metabolism. Recent studies demonstrate that physical exercise enhances gut microbial diversity, modulates DNA methylation patterns in metabolic and structural genes, and is associated with slower epigenetic aging, providing mechanistic support for Ayurvedic claims that properly dosed Vyayama kindles Agni, reduces Ama (toxic metabolic residues), and promotes Ojas (vital resilience). The review proposes an integrative "Agni index" incorporating clinical, microbial, metabolic, and epigenetic markers, and outlines future applications in personalized Vyayama prescription and preventive medicine for cardiometabolic and age-related disorders.

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Author Biography

Vd.Ganesh Puradkar

Professor & HoD,Ayurved Samhita Siddhanta Department,Apms Ayurved Mahavidyalay Sion,Mumbai,22

How to Cite
Krishna, D. G., & Vd.Ganesh Puradkar. (2026). Agni and Vyayama: Integrating Ayurvedic Metabolic Concepts with Modern Exercise Science, Epigenetic Evidence, and Translational Health Applications – A Review Article. Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine, 10(02). Retrieved from https://www.ayurline.in/index.php/ayurline/article/view/993

References

  1. REFERENCES
  2. [1] Agrawal AK. Physiological aspects of Agni. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010;1(3):188–194.
  3. [2] Smith J, et al. Agni in Ayurveda: A comprehensive review of its role. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2020.
  4. [3] Kumar J, et al. Role of Vyayama (Exercise) in maintenance of health. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2020;15(3):234–248.
  5. [4] International Journal of AYUSH. A conceptual review of Agni and its role in health and disease. 2025 Dec 9.
  6. [5] Easy Ayurveda. Understanding Agni: Concept, definition, functions, types. 2016 Apr 18.
  7. [6] Monda V, et al. Exercise modifies the gut microbiota with positive health effects. Nutrients. 2017;8(3):122. doi:10.3390/nu8030122.
  8. [7] Medina-Franco H, et al. Epigenetic modulation by lifestyle: advances in diet, exercise, and stress management. Front Nutr. 2025 Aug 20;12:1632999. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1632999.
  9. [8] Lin W, et al. Exercise-induced modulation of gut microbiota in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Front Microbiol. 2025 Sep 23. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1671975.
  10. [9] Ostaiza-Cardenas J, et al. Probiotics, gut microbiota and physical activity: A close relationship. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2024;16:1–15.
  11. [10] Davis R, et al. Role of Vyayama in maintenance of Ojas and disease resistance. Ayurveda Today. 2020;18(2):45–62.
  12. [11] Zheng X, et al. Physical exercise and epigenetic modifications in skeletal muscle and brain. Epigenomics. 2025 Mar 20;17(4):245–265. doi:10.2217/epi-2024-0089.
  13. [12] Wu C, et al. Effects of exercise on DNA methylation: a systematic review. Clin Epigenetics. 2024 Jun 4;16:78. doi:10.1186/s13148-024-01698-6.
  14. [13] Fox FA, et al. Physical activity is associated with slower epigenetic aging. Aging Cell. 2023;23(7):e13828. doi:10.1111/acel.13828.
  15. [14] Thompson S, et al. Exercise physiology and metabolic adaptation: A comprehensive review. J Sport Sci Med. 2023;22(4):512–538.
  16. [15] Anderson K, et al. Cardiometabolic benefits of structured exercise programs. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2022;15(8):e008921.
  17. [16] Kumar A, et al. Vyayama guidelines in Ayurvedic texts: Classical principles and modern application. Anc Sci Life. 2021;40(3–4):89–101.
  18. [17] Sharma RK, et al. Expounding the concept of Agni in Ayurveda. 2025 Apr. Available from: https://rtam.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Article-1.pdf.
  19. [18] Kumar A, et al. Role of Vyayama (Exercise) in maintenance of health. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2025 Jun.
  20. [19] Garcia M, et al. Gut microbiota diversity and exercise: mechanisms and clinical outcomes. Gut. 2023;72(10):1829–1841.
  21. [20] Lin W, et al. Exercise-induced modulation of gut microbiota in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Microbiol. 2025 Sep 23;16:1671975. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1671975.
  22. [21] One World Ayurveda. Agni, the digestive fire in Ayurveda. Published 2024 Dec 9. Available from: https://oneworldayurveda.com/blog/digestive-fire-ayurveda/.
  23. [22] Dharmsala. The definitive guide to Agni or digestive fire. Available from: https://www.dharmsala.com/blogs/tea-guide/agni-digestive-fire-ayurveda.
  24. [23] Chen L, et al. Relationship between physical activity and DNA methylation-predicted epigenetic clocks in a US population sample. Nat Aging. 2025 Apr 11;5:e217. doi:10.1038/s41514-025-00217-0.
  25. [24] Shree Hospital Group. Why Agni, digestive fire, the foundation of health in Ayurveda. Available from: https://shreehospitalgroup.com/blogs/tea-guide/agni-digestive-fire-ayurveda.
  26. [25] Johnson T, et al. Exercise-induced epigenetic modifications: Implications for healthy aging. Front Life Sci. 2025 Oct 8;12(1–6):25–48. doi:10.1055/a-2702-4789.
  27. [26] Petriz BA, et al. Exercise modifies the gut microbiota with positive health effects. In: Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: From Bench to Bedside. Springer; 2017. p. 312–331.
  28. [27] Novak S, et al. Effects of home-based exercise training on gut microbiota diversity and metabolic health markers. ScienceDirect. 2025 Oct 31. doi:10.1016/j.biomedres.2025.10.031.
  29. [28] Banyan Botanicals. The importance of Agni in Ayurveda. Available from: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/pages/ayurvedic-the-importance-of-agni.
  30. [29] Chen X, et al. Exercise, epigenetics, and body composition: Molecular connections. PMC. 2024;12(15):e523. doi:10.1038/s41586-024-07234-1.
  31. [30] Boelius HM, et al. Association of leisure time physical activity with gut microbiota composition and function. Sci Rep. 2025 Jun 3;15:9287. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-02287-2.
  32. [31] Mishra G, et al. Concept of Agni and its importance in Ayurveda: A review. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2017 Jun 29;8(3):179–189.

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.