Ayurvedic Perspective on Genetic Inheritance

Abstract

Genetics is the science of inheritance, the blossom of scientific revolution in human genetics has been started since ancient period. There are vivid accounts in Ayurvedic Samhitas about the hereditary patterns through concepts such as Prakruti, Shadgarbhakar Bhavas and the fundamental genetic units- Bija, Bijabhaga and Bijabhagavayava. Ayurveda also gave importance to individualized concepts of understanding and treating diseases. Genetic mutations can arise spontaneously or be triggered by environmental influences. Not all genetic disorders are inherited. According to WHO, congenital anomalies account for about 17%–43% of infant deaths. When parents carry genes that predispose them to certain diseases, their children and even future generations have a higher likelihood of developing those conditions.