Abstract

HEREDITARY MORBIDISATION IN AYURVEDA WITH SPECIAL REFRENCE TO CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

^*Dr. Nisha Barman, Dr. Tikendrajit Sarma, Prof. Dr. Pranabjyoti Baishya, Dr. Jewti Baro

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital anomalies are major contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among these, cleft lip and cleft palate are common craniofacial malformations with multifactorial etiology involving genetic and environmental factors. Ayurveda provides a comprehensive understanding of hereditary and congenital disorders through concepts such as Beeja, Beejabhaga, Beejabhagavayava, Atmakarma, Ashaya, Kala, and Matura Ahara-Vihara. The present review explores these concepts with special reference to Khandostha (Cleft lip) and Khandataalu (Cleft palate) and the role of Vayu in their pathogenesis. Materials and Methods: This narrative literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts with their commentaries and contemporary scientific literature including PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies published up to February 2026. The collected literature was critically analyzed to correlate Ayurvedic concepts of hereditary morbidisation with current embryological and genetic understanding of hereditary disorder with special reference to Cleft lip and palate. Results: Ayurvedic literature attributes congenital anomalies to abnormalities in Beeja, Beejabhaga, Beejabhagavayava, Atmakarma, Ashaya, Kala, and maternal diet and lifestyle. Morbidisation of Vayu is considered responsible for embryonic division, differentiation, tissue morphogenesis, and developmental abnormalities including Khandostha (cleft lip) and Khandatalu (cleft palate). These concepts demonstrate similarities with modern mechanisms involving genetic mutations involving gene like IRF6, MSX1, ABC4, RARA, TGFα etc, chromosomal abnormalities, impaired neural crest cell migration, and defective fusion of facial processes. Discussion and Conclusion: The Ayurvedic concepts of hereditary morbidisation provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the etiopathogenesis of congenital anomalies. The role of Vayu, particularly its Chala and Ruksha properties, offers a plausible explanation for the developmental disturbances leading to cleft lip and palate. Integrating Ayurvedic preventive measures, including preconception care, appropriate maternal diet and regimen, and Vata-pacifying practices, with modern genetic counselling may contribute to reducing the burden of these congenital anomalies. Further study with karyotyping with environmental factors can enhance its field towards prevention.

Keywords: Hereditary disorder, Congenital anomalies, Khandostha (Cleft lip), Khandataalu (Cleft palate), Vayu, Embryogenesis.