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Dhatus are body constituents which build the basic structure and carry various physiological functions. They work as body tissues, stabilize and sustain body. (Code:SAT-B.425)<ref>National AYUSH Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic Portal by Ministry of AYUSH Available on http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>
The structural and functional integrity of body depends upon dhatu. Therefore, it is important to understand the concept of dhatu.
In physics and chemistry, the term dhatu is applied to denote metals like iron, copper etc. In Sanskrit grammar, the term is applied to denote root verb and derivation.
{{Infobox
|title = Contributors
|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
|data1 = [[Sharira]] / [[Dhatu]]
|label2 = Authors
|data2 = Anagha S., Deole Y.S.
|label3 = Reviewed by
|data3 = Basisht G.
|label4 = Affiliations
|data4 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar
|label5 = Correspondence email
|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com
|label6 = Date of first publication:
|data6 =June 16, 2020
}}
==Etymology and derivation==
The word ‘dhatu’ is derived from the word root “Dha” by adding suffix “Tun”.
The word ‘dhatu’ is derived from the word root “Dha” by adding suffix “Tun”.
The derivation of the word is as follows-
The derivation of the word is as follows-
In general, the Sanskrit word convey the meaning of a component, constituent, elementary substance, verbal, grammatical root or a metal.<ref>https://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/2014/web/webtc/indexcaller.php</ref>
In general, the Sanskrit word convey the meaning of a component, constituent, elementary substance, verbal, grammatical root or a metal.<ref>https://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/MWScan/2014/web/webtc/indexcaller.php</ref>
==Synonyms: ==
==Synonyms ==
When these physiological constituents are affected by dosha and lead to abnormalities, they are termed as dushya. [ Ash.Hru. Sutra Sthana1/13]
When these physiological constituents are affected by dosha and lead to abnormalities, they are termed as dushya. [ Ash.Hru. Sutra Sthana1/13]
==Meanings in different contexts: ==
==Meanings in different contexts ==
In Charak Samhita, the word dhatu is used in different contexts as follows.
In Charak Samhita, the word dhatu is used in different contexts as follows.
*Sapta dhatu (Seven structural components)[Table1]
*As a collective term for [[dosha]]-[[dhatu]]-[[mala]][Table1]
*[[Tridosha]]/ a particular [[dosha]]([[vata]],[[pitta]], [[kapha]]) [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/122]
*[[Panchamahabhuta]](five elements) [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 8/122, Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 4/10, Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 8/15]
*Denoting any bodily element/anatomical structure[Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 5/12]
*Denoting the components of garbha(Shad dhatu) [Table1]
*Loha (metals) [Table1]
=== Special Considerations ===
*Chetana dhatu- denoting [[Atma]](soul) [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 2/32]
*Beejarupa dhatu- denoting [[shukra]](sperm- containing the essence of all seven dhatu of man) [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 4/7,10]
*Pradhana dhatu- denoting [[shukra]](semen) [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/184]
*Dravarupa dhatu- denoting [[pitta]][Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/8]
*Apdhatu- denoting watery elements in body [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/11,13,21]
*Dhatu term denoting [[vayu]][Cha. Sa.[[ Chikitsa Sthana ]] 3/217]
*Dhatu term denoting [[pitta]] [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 3/39]
*Dhatu term denoting any karyadravya (a product)[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 12/8]
=== Seven dhatu ===
The term generally refers the seven structural components of body.
The term generally refers the seven structural components of body.
They are
They are as below:
#[[Rasa dhatu]] : plasma and lymph
#[[Rakta dhatu]]: blood tissue
#[[Mamsa dhatu]]: muscle tissue
#[[Meda dhatu]]: adipose tissue
#[[Asthi dhatu]]: bone tissue
#[[Majja dhatu]]: bone marrow
#[[Shukra dhatu]]: reproductive fluids; semen
=== three dhatu ===
#[[Vata]]
#[[Pitta]]
#[[Kapha]] [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/73]
=== Six dhatu ===
These are the components of garbha(embryo) including [[panchamahabhuta]] and [[atma]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/16]
It denotes the combination of [[akasha]], [[vayu]], [[Agni]], [[jala]], [[prithvi]](i.e. the five elements) and Atma(soul).
It denotes the combination of [[akasha]], [[vayu]], [[Agni]], [[jala]], [[prithvi]](i.e. the five elements) and [[atma]](soul).
=== Eight dhatu
These are components of [[prakriti]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/17]
It consists of five [[mahabhuta]] (in their subtle form), ahamkara (ego), mahat (intellect) and avyakta (primordial element).
=== Twenty four dhatu ===
These are 24 components of [[purusha]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/17]
The dhatus are formed from prasada (first transformed food into ahara -rasa (nutrient fluid). This nutrient fluid nourishes body components in sequential pattern. It first nourishes the [[rasa dhatu]], then [[rakta]], then [[mamsa]] etc. The nutrients present in the food nourish respective dhatu qualitatively and quantitatively. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/4]
[[Purusha]] comprises of twenty four dhatu, i.e. mind, ten indriya (sensory and motor organs), five objects of sense organs and [[prakriti]] (consisting of eight dhatu).
== Formation and nourishment of dhatu ==
The dhatu are formed from prasada (first transformed food into ahara -rasa (nutrient fluid). This nutrient fluid nourishes body components in sequential pattern. It first nourishes the [[rasa dhatu]], then [[rakta]], then [[mamsa]] etc. The nutrients present in the food nourish respective dhatu qualitatively and quantitatively. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/4]
Furthermore, during the process of metabolism, dhatus undergo a specific pathway through their own characteristic digestive enzymes termed as ‘dhatvagni. In this process, each dhatu gets converted into two parts: poshya(which nourishes itself) and poshaka (which nourishes others). The poshya fraction is responsible for dhatu’s own nourishment and functions. The poshaka fraction nourishes further other dhatus.
Furthermore, during the process of metabolism, dhatus undergo a specific pathway through their own characteristic digestive enzymes termed as ‘dhatvagni. In this process, each dhatu gets converted into two parts: poshya(which nourishes itself) and poshaka (which nourishes others). The poshya fraction is responsible for dhatu’s own nourishment and functions. The poshaka fraction nourishes further other dhatus.
Thus, each dhatu nourishes its next sequential dhatu.[Cha. Sa.[[ Chikitsa Sthana ]] 8/39]
Thus, each dhatu nourishes its next sequential dhatu.[Cha. Sa.[[ Chikitsa Sthana ]] 8/39]
== Functions of Dhatu ==
The major functions of seven dhatus are listed as preenana(nourishment), jeevana(vitalizing), lepa(covering), snehana(moistening), dharana(supporting),poorana(filling), and garbhoptpadana(reproduction) respectively.[Ashtanga Hrudaya sutra sthana 9/4]
The major functions of seven dhatus are listed as preenana(nourishment), jeevana(vitalizing), lepa(covering), snehana(moistening), dharana(supporting),poorana(filling), and garbhoptpadana(reproduction) respectively.[Ashtanga Hrudaya sutra sthana 9/4]
! Sr. No. !!Dhatu !![[Guna]] (qualities) !! [[Karma]](functions)
! Sr. No. !!Dhatu !![[Guna]] (qualities) !! [[Karma]](functions)
|-
|-
| 1 || [[Rasa]] || Drava, snigdha, sara, manda || Tushti (satiety), Preenan(nourishment), Raktapushti (nourishing blood)
| 1 || [[Rasa dhatu]] || Drava, snigdha, sara, manda || Tushti (satiety), Preenan(nourishment), Raktapushti (nourishing blood)
|-
|-
| 2 || [[Rakta]] || Drava, sara, visra, laghu || Jeevana (vitality), Varnaprasadana(complexion), Mamsapushti (nourishing muscles)
| 2 || [[Rakta dhatu]] || Drava, sara, visra, laghu || Jeevana (vitality), Varnaprasadana(complexion), Mamsapushti (nourishing muscles)
|-
|-
| 3 || [[Mamsa]] || Sthira, guru, snigdha, pichila || Dehapushti (nourishing body), Lepa (body mass) ,medapushti(nourishing adipose tissue)
| 3 || [[Mamsa dhatu]] || Sthira, guru, snigdha, pichila || Dehapushti (nourishing body), Lepa (body mass) ,medapushti(nourishing adipose tissue)
|-
|-
| 4 || [[Medas]] || Snigdha, guru,shlakshna, mrudu, Sandra ||Snehana (oleation) of eyes and body,drudhatwa(firmness), asthipushti (nourishing bones)
| 4 || [[Meda dhatu]] || Snigdha, guru,shlakshna, mrudu, Sandra ||Snehana (oleation) of eyes and body,drudhatwa(firmness), asthipushti (nourishing bones)
|-
|-
| 5 || [[Asthi]] || Sthira,guru, kathina, khara || Dharana(holding body frame), Majjapushti (nourishing bone marrow)
| 5 || [[Asthi dhatu]] || Sthira,guru, kathina, khara || Dharana(holding body frame), Majjapushti (nourishing bone marrow)
|-
|-
| 6 || [[Majja]] || Sandra, drava, snigdha,shlakshna ||Snehana (oleation), Balakara(strength), Asthipoorana(filling up bones), Shukrapushti (nourishing reproductive tissues)
| 6 || [[Majja dhatu]] || Sandra, drava, snigdha,shlakshna ||Snehana (oleation), Balakara(strength), Asthipoorana(filling up bones), Shukrapushti (nourishing reproductive tissues)
|-
|-
|| 7 || [[Shukra]] ||Drava, sheeta, snigdha || Harsha (pleasure), Bala (strength), Garbhotpadana(reproduction)
|| 7 || [[Shukra dhatu]] ||Drava, sheeta, snigdha || Harsha (pleasure), Bala (strength), Garbhotpadana(reproduction)
|}
|}
=== Concept of Upadhatu and Dhatumala ===
Upadhatu and [[mala]] are by-products formed during process of metabolism. The by-products are categorized into these two groups according to their functional importance. Dhatu supports the body and nourishes the subsequent dhatu. However,upa-dhatus do not nourish any further element. They only carry physiological functions and only support body.
Upadhatu and [[mala]] are by-products formed during process of metabolism. The by-products are categorized into these two groups according to their functional importance. Dhatu supports the body and nourishes the subsequent dhatu. However,upa-dhatus do not nourish any further element. They only carry physiological functions and only support body.
|}
|}
* *As opined by Sharangadhara[Sharangadhara Sam. Purvakhanda chapter 5] , #As opined by Sushruta [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/529]
* *As opined by Sharangadhara[Sharangadhara Sam. Purvakhanda chapter 5] , # As opined by Sushruta [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/529]
==Importance of knowledge of dhatu in clinical diagnosis and treatment==
== Importance of knowledge of dhatu in clinical diagnosis and treatment ==
=== Assessment of sara (excellent quality of dhatu) ===
Sara means the excellent quality of dhatu. It is highly related with the health of tissue and endurance to pathogens. The excellent quality depends upon dhatvagni (metabolism). It is one of the assessment parameters to determine strength of an individual in ten-fold examination. The individuals are categorized on the basis of predominance of a particular dhatu as twaksara, raktasara, mamsasara, medosara, asthisara, majjasara and shukrasara. [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/102]
Sara means the excellent quality of dhatu. It is highly related with the health of tissue and endurance to pathogens. The excellent quality depends upon dhatvagni (metabolism). It is one of the assessment parameters to determine strength of an individual in ten-fold examination. The individuals are categorized on the basis of predominance of a particular dhatu as twaksara, raktasara, mamsasara, medosara, asthisara, majjasara and shukrasara. [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/102]
==Importance of concept in diagnosis:==
== Importance in diagnosis ==
Dhatu have their respective [[srotas]] (systems). These [[srotas]] get affected due to vitiation of [[dosha]] and lead to diseases. Thus, dhatu are the site of lesion in view of diagnosis and target receptors in view of treatment.
Dhatu have their respective [[srotas]] (systems). These [[srotas]] get affected due to vitiation of [[dosha]] and lead to diseases. Thus, dhatu are the site of lesion in view of diagnosis and target receptors in view of treatment.
According to Acharya Sushruta, visha(poison) situated in a particular dhatu produces the dhatupradoshajavikara of that particular dhatu.[Su.sa. Kalpa Sthana 2/30]
According to Acharya Sushruta, visha(poison) situated in a particular dhatu produces the dhatupradoshajavikara of that particular dhatu.[Su.sa. Kalpa Sthana 2/30]
=== Dhatukshaya (degeneration of tissues) ===
Dhatukshaya means degeneration or decrement of quality and/or quality of body tissues. It is considered an important event in many disease pathologies.
Dhatukshaya means degeneration or decrement of quality and/or quality of body tissues. It is considered an important event in many disease pathologies.
Moreover, dhatukshaya is mentioned as the etiology or consequence of different diseases like
Moreover, dhatukshaya is mentioned as the etiology or consequence of different diseases like
*Unmada[Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 9/9]
*Udara[Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 13/194]
*Pandu [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/5]
*Hikka, Shwasa[Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/82]
*Kasa[Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/153]
*Chhardi[Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/46]
*Trushna[Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/5]
*Vatavyadhi [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/59]
*Klaibya [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/180]
*Marmabhighata- in Kalantarapranahara and Vaikalyakara Marma[Su.Sa. Sharira sthana 6/37-38]
== Importance in preservation of health and prevention ==
Disequilibrium of dhatu is disease and their equilibrium is health. Health is termed as happiness, while disorder as unhappiness.[Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 9/4]
Disequilibrium of dhatu is disease and their equilibrium is health. Health is termed as happiness, while disorder as unhappiness.[Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 9/4]
==Importance in management of Disease==
==Importance in management of Disease==
*While treating the conditions like dhatukshaya or dhatuvrudhi, the principles of “samanya and vishesha” are applied.For example, the [[mamsa dhatu]] get increased predominantly with the consumption of meat,[[rakta]] by rakta, [[meda]] by fat, vasa by muscle fat, [[asthi]] by tarunasthi(cartilage), [[shukra]] by shukra(semen) and garbha(fetus) by ama garbha, like egg. [Cha. Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 6/10]
*Acharya Sushruta says that dosha get sthiratwa(stability) and mahatwa(severity) when they invade the successive dhatu.It becomes difficult to manage them, when they have invaded the deeper dhatu as in case of a tree with deeper roots. [Su.sa. Sutra sthana 23/15-16]
*While planning the treatment of a particular disease, the stage of the disease in terms of involvement of dhatu is important. The concept of koshtha and shakha is important here. In some contexts, the term koshtha is used for [[rasa dhatu]] and shakha refers to the succeeding dhatu([[rakta]],[[mamsa]] etc.).
Panchakarma procedures are indicated for the elimination of morbid [[dosha]] situated in shakha after bringing them back to koshtha. [Su.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 32/21]
Panchakarma procedures are indicated for the elimination of morbid [[dosha]] situated in shakha after bringing them back to koshtha. [Su.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 32/21]
*Among the benefits of snehana , the term “pratyagradhatu”(rejuvenation of dhatu)is mentioned.[Su.sa. chikitasa Sthana 31/56]
*Among the benefits of shodhana chikitsa , “dhatusthiratwam”(strength in terms of proper formation)is emphasized. [Su.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 33/27]
Dhatu and body tissues:
== Contemporary approach ==
=== Dhatu and body tissues ===
In current perspective of human physiology, the seven dhatu correspond to seven kinds of basic tissues as below:
In current perspective of human physiology, the seven dhatu correspond to seven kinds of basic tissues as below:
[[Rasa]]: plasma including interstitial fluid and lymph
[[Rasa dhatu]]: plasma including interstitial fluid and lymph
[[Rakta]]: elements of blood and electrolytes
[[Rakta dhatu]]: elements of blood and electrolytes
[[Mamsa]]: muscle tissue
[[Mamsa dhatu]]: muscle tissue
[[Meda]]: adipose tissue
[[Meda dhatu]]: adipose tissue
[[Asthi]]: bone tissue
[[Asthi dhatu]]: bone tissue
[[Shukra]]: elements of reproductive tissues <ref> Dwarkanath C. Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia. Varanasi; 1996. Third edition.pg.318 </ref>
[[Majja dhatu]]: bone marrow
'''Dhatvagni and tissue metabolism:'''
[[Shukra dhatu]]: elements of reproductive tissues <ref> Dwarkanath C. Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia. Varanasi; 1996. Third edition.pg.318 </ref>
However, the concept of dhatu is much broader than tissues. It includes the components that nourish successor dhatu, metabolic byproducts (upadhatu) and wastes(mala). All three components have importance in maintaining equilibrium in body. Therefore the types of tissues mentioned above can be included in category of dhatu, but it can't be considered as whole dhatu.
===Dhatvagni and tissue metabolism====
The tissue metabolism corresponds to functions of dhatvagni at various levels as below:<ref>Amardeep Kour, Gupta Vikas, Sodhi Danisha. Importance of Nyayas on Body’s Well-Being – A Conceptual Study. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem 2015 Vol. 4 Issue 1.pg.95-106 available from www.ijapc.com</ref>
The tissue metabolism corresponds to functions of dhatvagni at various levels as below:<ref>Amardeep Kour, Gupta Vikas, Sodhi Danisha. Importance of Nyayas on Body’s Well-Being – A Conceptual Study. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem 2015 Vol. 4 Issue 1.pg.95-106 available from www.ijapc.com</ref>
Rasadhatwagni: Glucose metabolism, circulation in portal vein, formation of WBC
#Rasadhatwagni: Glucose metabolism, circulation in portal vein, formation of WBC
#Raktadhatwagni:Hemopoeisis, iron metabolism, protein metabolism
#Mamsadhatwagni: Protein metabolism
#Medodhatwagni: Lipid metabolism
#Asthidhatwagni: Calcium and phosphorous metabolism, thyroid & parathyroid control
#Majjadhatwagni:Protein metabolism, iron metabolism, hemopoietic and erythroclastic activity
#Sukradhatwagni: Glucose metabolism, protein metabolism, vitamin E metabolism
== Current researches ==
=== Stem cells and poshaka dhatu ===
In Ayurveda research field, the concept of rasayana with respect to dhatu and stem cells is initially introduced by Prasad BS <ref>National Seminar on ‘Rasayana’ opened-The New Indian Express, News article published on Monday, June 11. 2012. Available from: http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article539215.ece </ref> .On the basis of stem cell type potency, this development is continued throughout life. It is found that the bone marrow contains at least two kinds of stem cells. One population, called hematopoietic stem cells, forms all types of blood cells in the body. A second small population called non-hematopoietic stem cell can generate bone, cartilage, fat and cells that support the formation of blood and fibrous connective tissue (skeletal stem cells).
In Ayurveda research field, the concept of rasayana with respect to dhatu and stem cells is initially introduced by Prasad BS <ref>National Seminar on ‘Rasayana’ opened-The New Indian Express, News article published on Monday, June 11. 2012. Available from: http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article539215.ece </ref> .On the basis of stem cell type potency, this development is continued throughout life. It is found that the bone marrow contains at least two kinds of stem cells. One population, called hematopoietic stem cells, forms all types of blood cells in the body. A second small population called non-hematopoietic stem cell can generate bone, cartilage, fat and cells that support the formation of blood and fibrous connective tissue (skeletal stem cells).
Thus, each dhatu carry the potency to regenerate further dhatu, because each avayava (organ) is formed by composition of many dhatus.<ref name=SharmaV2014 />
Thus, each dhatu carry the potency to regenerate further dhatu, because each avayava (organ) is formed by composition of many dhatus.<ref name=SharmaV2014 />
===List of thesis done===
=== List of theses done===
1. Upadhyay Vashudev J (2001) :Medo-Dhatvagni ka Sthaulya Roga ke Sandharbha mein Saidhantika evam Prayogika Adhyayana, Department of Basic principles, IPGT&RA,Jamnagar.
1. Upadhyay Vashudev J (2001) :Medo-Dhatvagni ka Sthaulya Roga ke Sandharbha mein Saidhantika evam Prayogika Adhyayana, Department of Basic principles, IPGT&RA,Jamnagar.
2.Kishor G Satani(2011) : An Applied Study of Interrelationship of Jatharagni and Dhatvagni in Context to Dhatuvrddhi, Department of Basic principles, IPGT&RA,Jamnagar.
2.Kishor G Satani(2011) : An Applied Study of Interrelationship of Jatharagni and Dhatvagni in Context to Dhatuvrddhi, Department of Basic principles, IPGT&RA,Jamnagar.
==More information ==
== More information ==
[[VividhashitapitiyaAdhyaya]]
[[Vividhashitapitiya Adhyaya]]
[[Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana]]
[[Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana]]
[[ShoshaNidana]]
[[Shosha Nidana]]
[[GrahaniChikitsa]]
[[Grahani Chikitsa]]
==Table 1: Contextual meanings of the word Dhatu with reference in Charak Samhita ==
=== List of references in [[Charak Samhita]] ===
The list of references of dhatu observed in Charak Samhita can be downloaded [[Media:Dhatu-_List_of_references.pdf|here]].
|-
References:
== References ==