Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Agni, a fundamental concept in Ayurveda, refers to the biological fire responsible for digestion, metabolism, and overall homeostasis. It plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of health by governing Ahara Pachana (digestion), Dhatu Poshana (nourishment of tissues), and Ojas formation (vital essence). Modern physiology describes metabolism through enzymatic, hormonal, and cellular mechanisms, yet parallels exist with Ayurvedic descriptions of Agni. 
Objectives: To provide an in-depth analysis of Agni physiology from Ayurvedic texts and to establish its modern biomedical correlations. The review aims to elucidate the clinical significance of Agni in health and disease, and its relevance in contemporary biomedical science. 
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed using classical Ayurvedic treatises including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, along with their commentaries. Modern scientific data were sourced from indexed journals, textbooks of physiology, biochemistry, and metabolism. Comparative analysis was carried out to correlate Agni types with metabolic functions, digestive enzymes, gastrointestinal physiology, and metabolic pathways. 
Results: Ayurveda classifies Agni into Jatharagni, Bhutagni, and Dhatvagni, each responsible for successive stages of digestion and metabolism. Jatharagni aligns with gastric and pancreatic secretions, Bhutagni with nutrient assimilation and molecular transformations, and Dhatvagni with tissue-specific metabolism. Impaired Agni corresponds to metabolic syndromes, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions in modern medicine. The modulation of Agni through diet, lifestyle, and therapeutics reflects the modern understanding of metabolic homeostasis and disease prevention. 
Conclusion: The Ayurvedic concept of Agni provides a comprehensive, systemic understanding of digestion and metabolism, resonating with modern biomedical principles. Integrating Agni physiology with current metabolic science can enrich personalized medicine, preventive healthcare, and holistic management of metabolic disorders.