Predictive, Preventive and Personalized Medicine: Leads From Ayurvedic Concept of Prakriti (Human Constitution)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Genomics has ushered in a phase of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (PM), and several attempts are being made to detect genetic variations that are responsible for susceptibility to diseases and varied response to medications, however, have met with only a limited success. Ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, strongly emphasize on personalized patient care under the concept of Prakriti (phenotype-based human constitution). We would therefore like to put forward a new dimension of PM—the ‘Prakriti-based medicine’ bearing testable molecular and genetic correlates. Recent Findings: Current investigations in the field of genomics, PM and Ayurveda have inspired many researchers and started in-depth deliberation on how Prakriti (phenotype-based Ayurveda constitution) is associated with the field of genomics, biochemistry, psychology, physiology and therapeutics. Various genotypes have also been correlated with Prakriti. Studies have shown wide range of utilities of Prakriti assessment in therapeutics, i.e. from predicting disease susceptibility of an individual, prevention of impending diseases, early diagnosis through screening of the high risk, rational drug designing, customization of therapy (drug, diet and lifestyle) and health maintenance. Summary: Ayurvedic Prakriti-based treatment resonates with PM and pharmacogenomics and holds potential and promise for future predictive or preventive medicine. Further studies are warranted towards integrating or complementing genomics and contemporary medical science with Prakriti and explore the future possibilities. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.