Article: CONCEPT OF GENETICS IN AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.096163

Pages: 9-11

Author: Anand G. Keriyawar *

Abstract: Genetics is the study of genes and pattern of inheritance. Genetic diseases are caused by error in the DNA in sequences called “genes “or sometimes in the much larger groups of genes called chromosomes. Gregor Mendel is the father of modern genetics. But the facts regarding genetics were very well dealt in Ayurvedic classics 3000 years ago. Ritu(ovulatory period), kshetra(Garbhashaya/Uterus), ambu(nourishment) and beeja(gametes) are the essential tools for the formation of garbha(conception). Male and female gametes (shukra and shonita)are known as beeja. Beejabhaga(chromosomes)and beejabhagavayava(Genes) are the components of beeja which are concerned with organogenesis similar to parents. Upataptata (mutation) of the components of beejacauses genetic disorders in concerned organs.

Keyword: Genetics, Inheritance, Beeja, Beejabhaga, Beejabhagavayava.