AYURVEDIC INSIGHTS INTO GENETICS AND CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES IN CHILDREN: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Congenital abnormalities affect approximately 2–3% of live births worldwide and remain a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although modern medicine has advanced in diagnostic technologies, its emphasis largely remains on detection rather than prevention. Ayurveda, in contrast, offers a holistic preventive framework integrating biological, nutritional, psychological, and environmental determinants of fetal development. This study aimed to analyze Ayurvedic concepts related to genetics and congenital abnormalities, examine the Ṣaḍ Garbhakara Bhāvas (six procreative factors), compare Bīja, Bījabhāga, and Bījabhāgāvayava with chromosomes, genes, and DNA, and explore potential areas for integrative application with contemporary biomedical science. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (Caraka Saṃhitā, Suśruta Saṃhitā, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Bhāvaprakāśa, Yogaratnākara) and contemporary biomedical literature from PubMed and specialized databases. Thematic analysis revealed significant conceptual convergence between the two knowledge systems. Ayurvedic descriptions of Bīja (chromosomes), Bījabhāga (genes), and Bījabhāgāvayava (DNA) demonstrate a hierarchical understanding that closely parallels modern genetics. The Ṣaḍ Garbhakara Bhāvas Mātṛja, Pitṛja, Ātmaja, Rasaja, Sātmyaja, and Sattvaja encompass hereditary, nutritional, environmental, and psychological contributors to fetal development. Ayurveda attributes congenital disorders primarily to defects in Śukra and Śoṇita, emphasizing the importance of preconception purification, nutritional optimization, emotional balance, and environmental harmony. Contemporary research supports these principles, showing strong connections between maternal nutrition, mental well-being, environmental exposures, and fetal gene expression through epigenetic pathways. Evidence of a 50–70% reduction in neural tube defects with folic acid supplementation further validates Ayurveda’s emphasis on periconceptional care. Integrating Ayurvedic preventive strategies with biomedical diagnostics may enhance the ability to reduce congenital abnormalities through comprehensive preconception and prenatal care. Future interdisciplinary research should focus on correlating Ayurvedic Prakṛti with genetic and epigenetic profiles and evaluating Ayurvedic antenatal regimens to develop evidence-based integrative models for preventing congenital disorders.