Exploring the Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Agni: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Digestive health is recognized as a cornerstone of overall well-being in both Ayurveda and modern biomedical science. Ayurveda conceptualizes digestion through Agni the "digestive fire" which governs the transformation of food into energy and vitality. In modern science, the gut microbiota has emerged as a key regulator of digestion, metabolism, immunity, and neuropsychological health. Both systems identify digestive imbalance as a root cause of chronic disease.

Objectives: This review aims to explore the conceptual and functional parallels between Agni and the gut microbiota, highlighting their roles in maintaining digestive and systemic health. The goal is to establish a comparative framework that integrates traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with contemporary biomedical understanding.

Methods: An integrative, narrative-based methodology was employed. Literature was sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts as  Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astanga Hridayam and modern biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). Inclusion criteria focused on texts and peer-reviewed studies discussing digestive function, disease mechanisms, and systemic health impacts. Thematic coding and comparative synthesis were used to align Ayurvedic and biomedical concepts.

Results: The analysis revealed significant overlap in the roles attributed to Agni and the gut microbiota. Both systems influence digestion, immune modulation, inflammation control, and gut-brain communication. Disturbances in either are linked to chronic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders, and mental health issues. The parallels suggest that Agni may serve as a traditional analog to the microbiome, offering complementary perspectives on digestive health.

Conclusion: The interrelation between Agni and gut microbiota demonstrates a compelling convergence of ancient and modern paradigms. This cross-disciplinary insight highlights the potential for integrative health models that combine Ayurvedic diagnostics with microbiome science. Future research may lead to personalized, holistic approaches to health care that reflect both physiological complexity and individual uniqueness.