Viruddha Ahara in the Etiopathogenesis of Kushta: An Integrative Review Through Ayurvedic and Biomedical Perspectives

Abstract

Viruddha Ahara (incompatible diet), a unique concept referring to in-compactible dietary and behavioural practices is, considered as an important etiological factor in pathogenesis of Kushta (skin disorders). Classical text describes 18 kinds of Viruddha Ahara that adversely affects the metabolism that ultimately leads to diseases. Epidemiological evidence suggests a strong association between Viruddha Ahara and Kushta with Samyoga (incompatible combination) and Veerya Viruddha (incompatible potency) as most prevalent. Ayurveda conceptualizes Kushta as a systemic disorder originating from Jataragni Mandya (reduced digestive fire) that leads to Tridosha Dushti (aggravation of bodily humors) affecting the Twak (skin), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle tissue) and Lasika (lymph). Even though the gut- skin related studies of contemporary medicine are still developing; the emerging biomedical researches supports these concepts through the mechanisms of Gut–Immune Pathway mediated by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) initiating the Arachidonic Acid (AA) Pathway. This conceptual review analyses the Viruddha ahara in relation to Kushta using modern biomedical perspectives, highlighting the gut–immune–skin axis. Understanding these interdisciplinary correlations underscore the importance of dietary regulations for preventing and managing the skin disorders.