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Ojas or Oja literally means vitality, vigor, luster, power, bodily strength, energy.<ref>Sanskrit-English dictionary available from https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=oja&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3 accessed on 01/06/2020</ref>
Ojas or Oja literally means vitality, vigor, luster, power, bodily strength, energy.<ref>Sanskrit-English dictionary available from https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=oja&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3 accessed on 01/06/2020</ref>
Oja is the essence of all seven body components ([[dhatu]])[SAT-B.450].<ref>Standard Ayurveda Terminologies available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>. [[Ayurveda]] scholars recognized Oja as the active and potent principle of the body that is responsible for the strength, vigor, and vitality of an individual.<ref>Shilwant A. Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhiskamatva. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2016; 5(1):53-64 Available from http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf accessed on 28/07/2020</ref> Specific properties of Oja, its characteristic features, quantity, three stages of its vitiation, clinical features, and its treatment are described in classics. Based on this description, the physicians (vaidya) treat conditions of abnormalities of Oja in current clinical practice. However, scientists are still in search of the exact physiological component, which can be termed as Oja.
Oja is the essence of all seven body components ([[dhatu]])[SAT-B.450].<ref>Standard Ayurveda Terminologies available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>. [[Ayurveda]] scholars recognized Oja as the active and potent principle of the body that is responsible for the strength, vigor, and vitality of an individual.<ref>Shilwant A. Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhiskamatva. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2016; 5(1):53-64 Available from http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf accessed on 28/07/2020</ref> Specific properties of Oja, its characteristic features, quantity, three stages of its vitiation, clinical features, and its treatment are described in classics. Based on this description, the physicians (vaidya) treat conditions of abnormalities of Oja in current clinical practice. However, scientists are still in search of the exact physiological component, which can be termed as Oja.
== Meaning and definition ==
=== Etymology and derivation ===
=== Etymology and derivation ===
The word Ojas is derived from the Sanskrit root “ubja” and “asun” suffix. It means strength, luster.
The word Ojas is derived from the Sanskrit root “ubja” and “asun” suffix. It means strength, luster.
===Synonyms===
=== Synonym s===
''Bala'' (strength); ''sneha'' (unctuous part); ''prasad'' (pure form); ''sara'' (supreme, excellent state); ''Rasa'' (lymphatics); ''mahat'' (prime); ''dhari'' (which sustains the integrity of life); ''Sarva [[dhatu]] sneha'' (unctuous part of body components); ''parama teja'' (active principle); ''Jivashonita'' (vital principle of blood); ''shukra'' (reproductive components); ''shukra sara''<ref>Ranade S., Deshpande RR., Chaoube S. A textbook of Kriya Sharir. Choukhamba Sanskrit Pratishtan, Delhi. Reprint 2015, Chapter 19</ref> (purest form of reproductive components); ''shukra mala'' (metabolic byproduct) [A.Hri. Sharira Sthana 3/63]
''Bala'' (strength); ''sneha'' (unctuous part); ''prasad'' (pure form); ''sara'' (supreme, excellent state); ''Rasa'' (lymphatics); ''mahat'' (prime); ''dhari'' (which sustains the integrity of life); ''Sarva [[dhatu]] sneha'' (unctuous part of body components); ''parama teja'' (active principle); ''Jivashonita'' (vital principle of blood); ''shukra'' (reproductive components); ''shukra sara''<ref>Ranade S., Deshpande RR., Chaoube S. A textbook of Kriya Sharir. Choukhamba Sanskrit Pratishtan, Delhi. Reprint 2015, Chapter 19</ref> (purest form of reproductive components); ''shukra mala'' (metabolic byproduct) [A.Hri. Sharira Sthana 3/63]
===Definition===
=== Definition ===
Ojas is the purest, finest essence formed from all seven [[dhatu]]. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 15/19], [A.Sa.Sharira Sthana 6] The shleshma (kapha dosha) in a normal state is considered as Oja. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/117]
Ojas is the purest, finest essence formed from all seven [[dhatu]]. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 15/19], [A.Sa.Sharira Sthana 6] The shleshma (kapha dosha) in a normal state is considered as Oja. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/117]
== Physiological aspects ==
===Formation===
===Formation===
# Ojas is responsible for the superior quality of voice and complexion.
# Ojas is responsible for the superior quality of voice and complexion.
# Due to the presence of normal Ojas, all external and internal senses including the mind do their functions properly. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/20] Thus Ojas is responsible for sensory functions and perception of knowledge.<ref>Shilwant A. Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhiskamatva. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2016; 5(1):53-64 Available from http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>
# Due to the presence of normal Ojas, all external and internal senses including the mind do their functions properly. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/20] Thus Ojas is responsible for sensory functions and perception of knowledge.<ref>Shilwant A. Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhiskamatva. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2016; 5(1):53-64 Available from http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>
== Pathological aspects ==
===Abnormalities of Oja===
===Abnormalities of Oja===
'''Causes of vitiation of Oja'''
'''Causes of vitiation of Oja'''
* Voracious appetite (kshudha) [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/28]
* Voracious appetite (kshudha) [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/28]
'''Pathophysiology'''
'''Pathophysiology''':
* Due to these causes, the vata dosha and pitta dosha are aggravated. This leads to the quantitative and qualitative depletion of Oja. It is then easily displaced from its prime seat -heart [[hridaya]].
* Due to these causes, the vata dosha and pitta dosha are aggravated. This leads to the quantitative and qualitative depletion of Oja. It is then easily displaced from its prime seat -heart [[hridaya]].
'''General clinical features'''
'''General clinical features'''
* Fearfulness or phobia
* Fearfulness or phobia
* Weakness
* Weakness
[Su. Sam. Sutra Sthana 15/24 – Dalhana Commentary]
[Su. Sam. Sutra Sthana 15/24 – Dalhana Commentary]
== Importance ==
# Oja is responsible for the vitality of the body throughout life. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/21] It is superior among all sites of vitality (pranayatana). [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 28] [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/9]
# Oja is responsible for the vitality of the body throughout life. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/21] It is superior among all sites of vitality (pranayatana). [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 28] [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/9]
# In gestational life, it is responsible for the vitality of the foetus. It becomes unstable in the 8th month of gestation leading to uncertainty of labour. Therefore, its stability is of utmost importance for full-term birth.
# In gestational life, it is responsible for the vitality of the foetus. It becomes unstable in the 8th month of gestation leading to uncertainty of labour. Therefore, its stability is of utmost importance for full-term birth.
# Quantitative and qualitative depletion of Oja can cause death. [Ash. Hri. Sutra Sthana 11/38]
# Quantitative and qualitative depletion of Oja can cause death. [Ash. Hri. Sutra Sthana 11/38]
==Role of Oja as a vitiated factor in diseases==
=== Role of Oja as a vitiated factor in diseases ===
* In obstinate urinary diseases (prameha vyadhi), oja is one among the ten vitiated factors(dushya). [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/8] Type-1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder and the destruction of body tissues by auto-antibody is very fast causing loss of immune- intolerance and immune-component (Oja) thus impairing the body defense mechanism. There is a disturbance in the production and clearance of lipoprotein causing hampered functioning of insulin resulting in hyperglycemia and producing micro-vascular complications like retinopathy and nephropathy.<ref>Chandola H.M. Kajaria D. Vidhi vimarsha of Mahachatushpada Adhyaya of Charak Samhita. Available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Mahachatushpada_Adhyaya accessed on 27/07/2020</ref>
* In obstinate urinary diseases (prameha vyadhi), oja is one among the ten vitiated factors(dushya). [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/8] Type-1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder and the destruction of body tissues by auto-antibody is very fast causing loss of immune- intolerance and immune-component (Oja) thus impairing the body defense mechanism. There is a disturbance in the production and clearance of lipoprotein causing hampered functioning of insulin resulting in hyperglycemia and producing micro-vascular complications like retinopathy and nephropathy.<ref>Chandola H.M. Kajaria D. Vidhi vimarsha of Mahachatushpada Adhyaya of Charak Samhita. Available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Mahachatushpada_Adhyaya accessed on 27/07/2020</ref>
* Diabetes (madhumeha) is caused when Oja is taken to the urinary bladder from its own site by vitiated vata dosha. [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 4/37] This condition is incurable due to its severity, susceptibility to complications(mahaatyayitvat) and contradictory treatment options(virudhopkramatvat). [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 6/38]
* Diabetes (madhumeha) is caused when Oja is taken to the urinary bladder from its own site by vitiated vata dosha. [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 4/37] This condition is incurable due to its severity, susceptibility to complications(mahaatyayitvat) and contradictory treatment options(virudhopkramatvat). [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 6/38]
Generally, the concept of Oja is connected with the concepts of strength(bala) and defense capacity or immunity (vyadhikshamatva).<ref>Tripathi J.S., Singh R.H. The concept and practice of immunomodulation in ayurveda and the role of rasayanas as immunomodulators. Anc Sci Life. 1999;19:59–63.</ref> <ref>Desai RR. Ayurvediya Kriyasharira, Adhyaya 31. Allahabad: Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Sansthan Bhavan Ltd.; 2010. p. 679-83.</ref> It is referred to as a part of vitamins, albumin, glycogen, internal secretions of testicles, ovary, prostatic secretions by Dr. Ghanekar.<ref>Ghanekar BG, editor. Commentary on Sushruta Samhita, Sootrasthana; Doshadhatumala Kshayavriddhi Vidnyan. Ch. 15, Reprint. New Delhi: Meherchand Laxmandas Publications; 2008. p. 95.</ref> Thus, the factors responsible for strength and immunity can be applied to assess the status of Oja. Some researchers propose that the endoplasmic reticulum and its functions in conventional physiology seem to resemble Oja.<ref>Ranade AV, Acharya R. Concept of oja vis -a -vis endoplasmic reticular function: An approach to decode the holistic view. Indian J Health Sci Biomed Res [serial online] 2015 [cited 2020 Jul 13];8:109-14. Available from: http://www.ijournalhs.org/text.asp?2015/8/2/109/174238</ref>
Generally, the concept of Oja is connected with the concepts of strength(bala) and defense capacity or immunity (vyadhikshamatva).<ref>Tripathi J.S., Singh R.H. The concept and practice of immunomodulation in ayurveda and the role of rasayanas as immunomodulators. Anc Sci Life. 1999;19:59–63.</ref> <ref>Desai RR. Ayurvediya Kriyasharira, Adhyaya 31. Allahabad: Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Sansthan Bhavan Ltd.; 2010. p. 679-83.</ref> It is referred to as a part of vitamins, albumin, glycogen, internal secretions of testicles, ovary, prostatic secretions by Dr. Ghanekar.<ref>Ghanekar BG, editor. Commentary on Sushruta Samhita, Sootrasthana; Doshadhatumala Kshayavriddhi Vidnyan. Ch. 15, Reprint. New Delhi: Meherchand Laxmandas Publications; 2008. p. 95.</ref> Thus, the factors responsible for strength and immunity can be applied to assess the status of Oja. Some researchers propose that the endoplasmic reticulum and its functions in conventional physiology seem to resemble Oja.<ref>Ranade AV, Acharya R. Concept of oja vis -a -vis endoplasmic reticular function: An approach to decode the holistic view. Indian J Health Sci Biomed Res [serial online] 2015 [cited 2020 Jul 13];8:109-14. Available from: http://www.ijournalhs.org/text.asp?2015/8/2/109/174238</ref>
==Assessment of the status of Oja==
===Assessment of the status of Oja===
Clinically the status of Oja is assessed through observation of its properties, normal functions, and quality of body tissues ([[dhatu]] sara).
Clinically the status of Oja is assessed through observation of its properties, normal functions, and quality of body tissues ([[dhatu]] sara).
In research perspectives, various laboratory investigations can be carried out for the objective assessment of Oja. Though, these tests can only provide some clues about the functional status of Oja. Immuno assay, a biochemical test utilizing antibody or immunoglobulin can be useful to assess strength promoting activity (balya). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), memory lymphocyte immunostimulant assay (MELISA), and radioimmunoassay can be done to assess the immunological status of a person. The comprehensive metabolic panel can also be an important tool to assess strength promoting activity (balya). This selectively screens functions of the liver and kidney. Investigations involving major fluids of the body like synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and meningeal fluid-like joint fluid analysis can also be helpful in evaluation.<ref>Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80-84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796</ref>
In research perspectives, various laboratory investigations can be carried out for the objective assessment of Oja. Though, these tests can only provide some clues about the functional status of Oja. Immuno assay, a biochemical test utilizing antibody or immunoglobulin can be useful to assess strength promoting activity (balya). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), memory lymphocyte immunostimulant assay (MELISA), and radioimmunoassay can be done to assess the immunological status of a person. The comprehensive metabolic panel can also be an important tool to assess strength promoting activity (balya). This selectively screens functions of the liver and kidney. Investigations involving major fluids of the body like synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and meningeal fluid-like joint fluid analysis can also be helpful in evaluation.<ref>Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80-84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796</ref>
==Measures for the preservation of Oja and treatment of its disorders==
===Measures for the preservation of Oja and treatment of its disorders===
The treatment measures of pacification of vata and pitta dosha and enhancement of kapha dosha are applied to preserve the quality of Oja and treatment of its disorders. The diet and lifestyle regimen having similar properties as Oja is prescribed in treatment. Rejuvenation therapies (rasayana) and aphrodisiac therapies (vajikarana) are two major treatments. Dietary items like ghee [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 13/14] and cow milk [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 27/217] are beneficial for enhancing Oja. Ghee, milk, and meat soup processed with herbs enhancing vitality (jeevaniya) [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/41] is prescribed for the treatment of Oja.
The treatment measures of pacification of vata and pitta dosha and enhancement of kapha dosha are applied to preserve the quality of Oja and treatment of its disorders. The diet and lifestyle regimen having similar properties as Oja is prescribed in treatment. Rejuvenation therapies (rasayana) and aphrodisiac therapies (vajikarana) are two major treatments. Dietary items like ghee [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 13/14] and cow milk [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 27/217] are beneficial for enhancing Oja. Ghee, milk, and meat soup processed with herbs enhancing vitality (jeevaniya) [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/41] is prescribed for the treatment of Oja.
Good conduct with rejuvenating effect (achara rasayana) or ideal behaviour therapy also possesses an effect on the preservation and enhancement of Oja. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/30-35]<ref>Singh R.H. Vidhi Vimarsha of Rasayana Chikitsa Chapter available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Rasayana_Chikitsa#Achara_Rasayana_.28rasayana_effects_of_good_conduct.29 accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>
Good conduct with rejuvenating effect (achara rasayana) or ideal behaviour therapy also possesses an effect on the preservation and enhancement of Oja. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/30-35]<ref>Singh R.H. Vidhi Vimarsha of Rasayana Chikitsa Chapter available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Rasayana_Chikitsa#Achara_Rasayana_.28rasayana_effects_of_good_conduct.29 accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>
==Scope of further research==
== Scope of further research ==
There is a wide scope of research to study fundamental physiological body components having similar functions like para Oja and apara Oja. Functional aspects of Oja need to be studied with the help of molecular biology. Research on Oja is required in view of genetic studies, stem cell studies, epigenetic pathways of its disorders, effect of anti-oxidant herbs on the repair of its disorders on DNA. The researches can open new windows in the treatment of immunological disorders.
There is a wide scope of research to study fundamental physiological body components having similar functions like para Oja and apara Oja. Functional aspects of Oja need to be studied with the help of molecular biology. Research on Oja is required in view of genetic studies, stem cell studies, epigenetic pathways of its disorders, effect of anti-oxidant herbs on the repair of its disorders on DNA. The researches can open new windows in the treatment of immunological disorders.
==Research theses done in Ayurveda institutes==
===Research theses done in Ayurveda institutes===
# Singh R.N. (1960). Concept of Ojas. M.D.Thesis. Department of Kayachikitsa. I.P.G.T.R.A. Jamnagar.
# Singh R.N. (1960). Concept of Ojas. M.D.Thesis. Department of Kayachikitsa. I.P.G.T.R.A. Jamnagar.
# Palan B.K (1997). The study of Ojas and its role in attaining positive health and as a preventive measure Department of Basic Principles. I.P.G.T.R.A. Jamnagar.
# Palan B.K (1997). The study of Ojas and its role in attaining positive health and as a preventive measure Department of Basic Principles. I.P.G.T.R.A. Jamnagar.