Abstract

CRITICAL REVIEW OF CORRELATION OF KOSHTHA (AYURVEDA ASPECT) AND MODERN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

*Dr. Surendra Uttam Sardar, Dr. Minakshi Randive

Abstract

Background: Koshtha, a fundamental Ayurvedic concept, represents the functional capacity and responsiveness of the gastrointestinal tract based on doṣa predominance and digestive strength. Traditionally classified into mṛdu, madhyama, and krūra koshtha, it governs digestion (agnibala), bowel habits, and therapeutic decisions such as pañcakarma. Modern gastroenterology, on the other hand, evaluates gastrointestinal function using objective parameters including motility, secretions, gut-brain axis, microbial composition, and metabolic responses. A critical comparative examination of these two paradigms provides deeper insight into digestive physiology and its clinical implications. Objectives: To systematically analyze the concept of Koshtha from classical Ayurvedic texts and correlate it with contemporary understanding of gastrointestinal physiology, motility patterns, neural regulation, and microbiome science. Methods: Relevant Ayurvedic literature (Bṛhattrayī, Nighaṇṭus, and commentaries) and modern scientific sources on digestive physiology, gut motility, neuroenteric mechanisms, and functional bowel disorders were reviewed. Conceptual mapping was performed to identify similarities, differences, and potential points of integration. Results: Mṛdu koshtha shares functional characteristics with enhanced bowel motility, soft stools, and increased parasympathetic activity; madhyama koshtha aligns with balanced peristalsis and optimal enzyme secretion; whereas krūra koshtha demonstrates similarities with slow transit constipation, reduced colonic motility, and altered enteric neuromuscular function. The Ayurvedic concept of agnibala corresponds with metabolic efficiency, enzyme activity, gut hormone balance, and microbial diversity. Emerging evidence on the gut-brain axis and microbiome supports Ayurveda’s functional approach to individualized digestion. The review highlights areas where traditional categories predict clinical responses, especially in laxative therapy, detoxification procedures, and dietary planning. Conclusion: Koshtha classification offers a personalized framework to understand digestive behavior that resonates with modern concepts of motility patterns, neuroenteric regulation, and gut microbiota. Integrating Ayurvedic Koshtha assessment with scientific digestive evaluation could enhance precision in clinical decision-making, gastrointestinal therapy, and preventive health strategies. Further interdisciplinary research is essential to establish measurable parameters that validate Koshtha in contemporary biomedical terms.

Keywords: Koshtha; Ayurvedic physiology; Agni; Gastrointestinal motility; Digestive physiology; Gut–brain axis; Microbiome; Functional bowel disorders.