To Study the Status of Mamsa Dhatu Sarta in Different Deha Prakriti Individuals

Abstract

Background: Mamsa Dhatu is a vital structural tissue responsible for strength, stability, and functional integrity of the human body. Classical Ayurvedic literature describes qualitative variation in Dhatu excellence (Dhatu Sarata) among individuals of different Deha Prakriti. However, assessment of Mamsa Dhatu Sarata has traditionally relied on subjective parameters, with limited objective validation.
Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the status of Mamsa Dhatu Sarata among different Deha Prakriti individuals using classical subjective assessment and modern objective parameters.
Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on apparently healthy individuals after Institutional Ethics Committee approval and CTRI registration. Deha Prakriti assessment was performed using a VALIDATED Prakriti assessment pro forma. Mamsa Dhatu Sarata was evaluated using a newly developed and validated questionnaire along with objective parameters, including bioelectrical impedance analysis, hand-grip dynamometry, and serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. Results: One-way analysis of variance demonstrated significant Prakriti-wise differences in multiple parameters related to Maṃsa Dhatu. Hand-grip strength differed significantly among groups (F = 3.261, P = 0.043), being highest in Group-C (Kapha-adhikya), followed by Group-B (Pitta-adhikya), and lowest in Group-A (Vata-adhikya). Serum CPK levels (F = 191.906, P < 0.001), Mamsa Dhatu Sarata scores (F = 155.074, P < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (F = 5.090, P = 0.008), bone mass (F = 16.660, P < 0.001), protein mass (F = 7.098, P = 0.001), basal metabolic rate (F = 6.103, P = 0.003), body fat percentage (F = 14.164, P < 0.001), and fat mass (F = 36.935, P < 0.001) showed highly significant variation, predominantly following the trend Kapha-adhikya > Pitta-adhikya > Vataadhikya. Skeletal muscle percentage did not show a statistically significant difference (F = 1.895, P = 0.157). Protein percentage varied significantly (F = 43.249, P < 0.001), with higher values observed in Vata-adhikya and Pitta-adhikya groups compared to Kapha-adhikya. Tukey’s post hoc analysis confirmed significant inter-group differences for most variables, particularly between Vata-adhikya and Kapha-adhikya groups. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a strong association between Prakriti and categorical assessments of Maṃsa Dhatu Sarata (χ2 = 98.836, P < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass, bone mass, protein mass, and fat-related parameters, with Kapha-adhikya individuals predominantly exhibiting superior or standard categories, while Vata-adhikya individuals clustered mainly in lower categories.