Abstract

OJAS AND IMMUNE HOMEOSTASIS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC PHYSIOLOGY, IMMUNOMETABOLISM AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

Ankita Sharma*, Mahendra Prasad, Bhanu Pratap Singh, Afrin Mustafa Khicchi

Abstract

Ojas described in Ayurveda as the essence of all seven Dhatus, is regarded as the foundation of Bala (strength), Vyadhikshamatva (disease resistance), and overall physiological well-being. While Ojas has often been associated with immunity, its functions extend beyond immune defence to encompass vitality, tissue integrity, metabolic balance, and systemic resilience. Recent advances in immunometabolism and systems biology have enhanced the understanding of immune homeostasis as an integrated process involving metabolic, immune, and physiological networks. This review critically examines the classical concept of Ojas and explores its conceptual relationship with immune homeostasis, immunometabolism, and systems biology based on evidence from classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary scientific literature. Rather than equating Ojas with immunity, the review proposes that Ojas represents a broader physiological construct that contributes to maintaining health, resilience, and homeostasis, while highlighting the need for further interdisciplinary research to validate these conceptual associations.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Oja, Immunity, Metabolism, Vyadhikshamatva.