{"paper_id":"715d4102-dca4-43f8-8843-214d468875cf","body_text":"A Critical Review of Endometriosis and its Multiple Etiopathogenic Theories in the Light of Ayurveda\nDOI:\nhttps://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.11.7.58Keywords:\nEndometriosis, Agnimandya, Ama, Apana Vata, Kapha Rakta DushtiAbstract\nBackground: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, leading to pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and remains incompletely understood. Objective: To critically review the etiopathogenic theories of endometriosis and interpret them through Ayurvedic principles. Methods: Contemporary evidence on immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiome alterations in endometriosis was reviewed and correlated with Ayurvedic concepts. Results: Immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation can be understood as manifestations of Rakta Dushti and Ama. Oxidative stress correlates with Agnimandya and subsequent Ama formation. Gut dysbiosis may represent Rasavaha Srotodushti, influencing estrogen metabolism and immune regulation. The survival and proliferation of ectopic endometrial tissue resemble Kapha–Meda Dushti, while pain and menstrual abnormalities are attributable to Apana Vata Dushti. Conclusion: Endometriosis can be interpreted as a disorder involving Agnimandya, Ama, Rakta Dushti, Kapha–Meda Dushti, and Apana Vata Vaigunya. Integrating modern etiopathogenic theories with Ayurvedic concepts provides a holistic understanding of the disease and may guide future therapeutic approaches.\nDownloads\nReferences\n1. Dutta DC. Textbook of Gynecology including Contraception. Konar H, editor. 6th ed. Kolkata: New Central Book Agency (P) Ltd; 2013. p. 290-95.\n2. Zondervan KT, Becker CM, Koga K, Missmer SA, Taylor RN, Viganò P. Endometriosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018 Jul 19;4(1):9. doi: 10.1038/s41572-018-0008-5. PMID: 30026507.\n3. Gandhi A. Endometriosis: Ayurvedic perspective and evidence-based management. Int J Ayurveda Gynecol. 2025;2(3):73-6.\n4. Ahn SH, Monsanto SP, Miller C, Singh SS, Thomas R, Tayade C. Pathophysiology and immune dysfunction in endometriosis. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:795976. doi: 10.1155/2015/795976. PMID: 26240840.\n5. Scutiero G, Iannone P, Bernardi G, Bonaccorsi G, Spadaro S, Volta CA, et al. Oxidative stress and endometriosis: a systematic review of the literature. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:7265238. doi: 10.1155/2017/7265238. PMID: 28884012.\n6. Kobayashi H. Gut and reproductive tract microbiota: insights into the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Biomed Rep. 2023;19(1):43. doi: 10.3892/br.2023.1633. PMID: 37355005.\n7. Singh N, Sharma R. A conceptual view of endometriosis through an Ayurveda perspective. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2023;8(4):173-6. doi: 10.21760/jaims.8.4.29.\n8. Chunekar KC. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga. Reprint ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2010. p. 406.\n9. Manu KA, Kuttan G. Immunomodulatory activities of punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2009;31(3):377-87. doi: 10.1080/08923970802702036. PMID: 19555203.\n10. Ashiya DL, Harisha CR, Shukla VJ, Sivanandan A. Comparative pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical evaluation of Khadirashtaka kwatha and Khadirashtaka ghanavati: an Ayurvedic formulation. J Phytopharmacol. 2019;8(5):275-8.\nPublished\nHow to Cite\nIssue\nSection\nLicense\nCopyright (c) 2026 Hina Chaudhary, Shilpa B. Donga\nThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.","source_license":"CC0","license_restricted":false}