Gut disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), are linked to impaired digestion and systemic inflammation. In Ayurveda the root cause of these disorders is Amautpatti—an accumulation of undigested, toxic material resulting from impaired Agni. Modern science similarly recognizes unhealthy balance of gut bacteria (gut dysbiosis) and harmful toxins from microbes as gut pathologies caused by oxidative stress from free radicals. It is a molecule that contain unpaired electron, they are unstable chemical formed in the body during metabolism and causes diseases. Gut disorders like IBS and IBD is damage to the gut lining due to oxidative stress (free radicals), thus leads to increased gut permeability where toxins and bacteria pass into the bloodstream and causes inflammation. In modern physiology, Ama can be correlated with free radicals which requires neutralization by antioxidants. Hence line of treatment described by Acharya Charaka for ama using Langhana, Deepana and Pachana dravyas having similar properties with antioxidants can be correlated and used to neutralize free radicals (toxins) thus effective in gut disorders. This article explores understanding of Ama and establishes its conceptual correlation with free radicals in modern plays significant role in disease pathology and their management through Laghana, Deepana and Pachana Dravyas as described by Acharya Charaka. These interventions aim to neutralize Ama and restore gut health, functioning analogously to antioxidants. Practical applications such as herbal infusions and lifestyle modifications demonstrate promising potential in reducing gut inflammation, improving digestion, and restoring systemic balance.
Yadav et al. (2025) studied this question.