BY Prof. Dr. N. Satya Prasad, M.D., PGDHM GOLD MEDALIST Sr. Reader / Civil Surgeon Post Graduate department of Kayachikitsa Dr. B.R.K.R. Government Ayurvedic college Hyderabad, A.P., India Email: satyapnamburu@gmail.com

1. OJAS – ENDOCRINOLOGY - IMMUNOLOGY
BY
Prof. Dr. N. Satya Prasad, M.D., PGDHM
GOLD MEDALIST
Sr. Reader / Civil Surgeon
Post Graduate department of Kayachikitsa
Dr. B.R.K.R. Government Ayurvedic college
Hyderabad, A.P., India
Email: satyapnamburu@gmail.com

2. “The Natural force within each
of us is the greatest healer of
disease”
- Hippocrates

3. OJAS
रसादीनां शुबान्तानां धातूनां यत्परं तेजःतत्खलु ओजःतदे व
रसादीनां ान्तानां ां यत्परं ःतत्खलु
बलम ् इित ! सु. सू.

 the supreme essence of all saptadhatus from Rasa to
Sukra is known as Ojas.
 It means vigour or the essential energy of the Immune
system.
 Ojas is responsible for strength, vitality and Immunity
against the diseases.

4. Hence Ojas is said as
 ूधमे जायते ह्योज: शरीरे ~िःमन ् शरीिरनाम ्
ूधमे जायते
सिपर्वनम ् मधुरसम लाजगिन्ध ूजायते,
र् र्
ॅमरै : फलपुंपेभ्यो यधासन्ीीयते मधु
यधासन्ीीयते
तद्वदोजःःव ् ममर्भ्यो (शरीरे भ्यो) गुणैःसिन्ीयते सदा.
सिन्ीयते
 It is very clear that the Ojas is established in Hridaya
very from the starting of the life which is like Honey and
with Laja gandha (like smell of pop corn) .

5. So now what to be understand this?
 Homocysteine is an amino acid with the formula
HSCH2CH2CH(NH2)CO2H.
 It is a homologue of the amino acid cysteine, differing by
an additional methylene (-CH2-) group.
 It is biosynthesized from methionine by the removal of
its terminal methyl group.
 Homocysteine can be recycled into methionine or
converted into cysteine with the aid of B-vitamins.
 While detection of high levels of homocysteine has been
linked to cardiovascular diseases.

6. CONCEPT OF OJAS
 The concept of Ojas in Ayurveda is very subtle and
fundamental.
 The two main functions of Dhathus are :
‘SHAREERA DHARANA’
and
‘SHAREERA POSHANA’
 That is sustaining and maintaining body as well as
nourishment of the body.
 Ojas sustains the body.

7. "The human body heals itself and nutrition
provides the resources to accomplish the
task."
Roger Williams Ph.D. (1971)

8. BIOLOGICAL STRENGTH
(BALA)
िऽिवधं बलं सहजं कालजं युिक्तबतं च ! च.सू.
िऽिवधं बलं सहजं कालजं ु तं
 Sahaja :- Genetic or constitutional , which is from time
of formation of foetus.
 Kalaja :- The bala (strength) is gained as per the season.
e.g. In Hemantha rithu is at its highest and in Greeshma
it is very lowest.
 Yuktikritha :- This is acquired strength which is achieved
or induced with the help of dietary and other regimen.
i.e with the help of Rasayana.

9. Bala/ strength
 Bala/vitalityprinciple--firm integrity to the
muscles, good voice, complexion, motor&
sensory functions, and intellect to perform
their natural functions.

10. Immunity-Ojas
 The quintessence of all the tissues
denotes that--
 Ojas is our vital energy.
 Pervades all tissues, cells, and spaces.
 The ultimate distillation of each tissue
combined together and it is the main
determinant of our immune status and
hence our resistance to disease.

11. Ojas pervaded in entire body
ओज: सवर्शरीरःथं िःनग्धं शीतं िःथरं िसतम ् !
रीरःथं िःनग्धं शीतं िःथरं
सोमात्मक शरीरःथं बलपुिष्टकरं मतम ् ! भा.ू.पू.
ं शरीरःथं ष्टकरं
 Ojas is pervaded in entire body in the way of …
 Snigdha (moist),
 Sheetal,
 Sthira (gives stability and support),
 Soma (nature of nectar),
 Transparent and strengthens and nourishes the body.

12. Ojas is one and ultimate immunity in the body
येन ओजसा वतर्यिन्त ूीिणता: सवर्देिहन:
यिते सवर्भूतानां जीिवतं नावितष्टते ! ......
यितेु ानां जीिवतं नावितष्टते
.... यत शरीरसःनेह: ूाण यऽ ् ूितिष्टता: !
तत्फला बहधा वा ता: फलन्तीव ित महाफला !
ु
 Every individual is living due to Ojas without which they
are unable to live or they die.
 This Ojas stays in the body right from the embryo
stage.
 It is in the form of essence of Rasa and enters into heart
during its formation and sustains throughout the life.

13. Basic Components of the Immune
System
 Pathogen, Bacteria, Viruses, Infections,
and parasites
 Leukocytes
 Antibodies
 Antigens
Virus

14. Pathogens and all the other stuff
 Any biological agent that causes illness and/or disease to
its host. Also known as a germs, simple as that!
Different types of pathogens
include the following:

15. White Blood Cells Leukocytes
(White Blood Cells)
Other Types of
lymphocytes
WBC
T cells B Cells NK Cells Eosinophils Macrophages

16. Antibodies & Antigens
 Antigens= a fragment of a protein or peptide from the
pathogen, taken to the surface of the infected cell and
bound in an MHC (major histocompatibility complex)
molecule.
 The class 1 MHC complex molecule and the foreign
peptide form the antigen, which can be read by the
receptors on Killer T cells.
Antigen
Cell
Class 1 MHC molecule
Pathogen

17. Antibodies & Antigens
Antibodies are produced by B cells, when stimulated by
lymphokines from helper T cells. The antibody attaches to the
antigen, completing the signal, coding the infected cells for
destruction.
Antibodies are constructed of DNA fragments, making them so unique
and almost innumerable.
Antigen
Cell
Class 1 MHC molecule
Pathogen

18. Helper T cells- secrete
T cells! Killer T cells- They find
lymphokines that direct B cells specifically coded infected
into producing antibodies and cells, and then destroy them
also direct the Killer T cells as to T cells with cytotoxins. They may
which cell they get to eliminate. be directed by Helper T cells
Helper T cell (Th) Killer T cell (Tk)
Memory T cell Suppressor T cell
Suppressor T cells- in charge
Helper T cell
of slowing and stopping the
immune response after the
foreign substance is destroyed.
Killer T cell

19. NK Cells
 NK, stands for Natural Killers, meaning they do not need
to be activated by a class 1 MHC receptor
 NK cells play a major role in the Innate Immune System
 Activated by interferons and macrophage-derived
cytokines
 Contains a virus until killer T cells develop, and then kills
the virus.

20. B cells
 B Plasma Cells- when the B cell  B Memory Cells- These are the
produces the antibody for a same as B plasma cells, except
specific antigen, it begins to clone they remain inactive until the
itself into B plasma cells, that secondary immune response
produce more of that particular
binding antibody.  Secondary immune response is
 These cells release considered anytime the body
immunoglobulin, or antibodies. encounters a pathogen after the
first time. Quicker response time.
 B plasma cells have a 5 to 7 day
life-span  Primary response is the first
 all its protein synthesis energy is time the body encounters a
going into the production of specific pathogen, Lag period
Antibodies, not self preservation. before B cells respond.

22. OJAS IS ALSO ULTIMATE FORM OF
ENDOCRINES
 ENDOCRINE MEANS SECRETIONS ARE MADE
WITHOUT VESSELS LIKE OJAS IS ALSO IN THE SIMILAR
WAY OF SUPPORT TO THE BODY.
 HENCE ENDOCRINES ALSO INCLUDED IN THE OJAS.
HOW ?

23. HORMONE
 A hormone is a chemical released by a cell or a
gland in one part of the body that sends out
messages that affect cells in other parts of the
organism.
 Only a small amount of hormone is required to
alter cell metabolism.
 In essence, it is a chemical messenger that
transports a signal from one cell to another.

24. Feedback Mechanisms
 Stimulus
 change in homeostatic environment
 signal sent to CNS
 Response
 signalsent from CNS
 produce effect
 body returns to homeostasis

25. Basic ES cont.
 ES and NS = 2 main
control systems of
body
 Endocrine organs
located throughout
body
 Actions mediate all
tissues
 Control of ES
through feedback
mechanisms

26. ES Anatomy basics
A. Exocrine gland
 Ducts
 Lumen and
surfaces
B. Endocrine gland
 Chemical
messengers
 Blood stream

27. Positive Feedback
 Baby pushes on cervix
 Nervous signal to Hypothalamus
 Hypothal. manufactures OXY
 OXY transported to POSTERIOR
PITUITARY & released
 OXY stimulates uterine contraction
 Loop stops when baby leaves birth canal

28. Regulation of homeostasis
 Nerves
 fast
 governing
 Hormones
 mainly
metabolism, growth, differentiation,
reproduction

29. Hypothalamus:
Hormone production:
•GHRH, CRH, TRH, GnRH
•Somatostatin
•ADH “Classic” glands
Epiphysis:
Pituitary: •Melatonin
•Growth hormone
•Prolactin Thyroid gland:
•ACTH, MSH •T3, T4
•TSH •Calcitonin
•FSH & LH
Parathyroid
•Oxytocin glands:
•ADH •Parathyroid h.
Pancreas: Adrenal cortex:
•Insulin •Cortisol
•Glucagon •Aldosterone
•Androgens
Ovaries:
•Estrogens Adrenal medulla:
•Progesterone •Catecholamines

30. Hormone production:
Endothelium:
Less traditional sources
•Endothelins
•NO
Cardiocytes:
•Prostanoids,...
•ANP
Immune system:
•Cytokines
Platelets, mesenchyme:
•Growth factors Kidney:
•Erythropoietin
•RAS
Placenta: GIT:
•All hormones •Gastrin
•Cholecystokinin
•Secretin,...
Adipocytes: Gonads:
•Leptin •Inhibins
•Activins

31. Hormones, cytokines,
growth factors
 Common aspects:
 small quantities
 regulate other cells
 act through receptors
 Tight interactions between immune and
endocrine systems

32. Ojas-two types
Ojas is said to be of two types:
 1.Para Ojas :- exists in a quantity of eight
drops and is located within the heart; its
loss leads to death.
 2.Apara Ojas :- is distributed throughout
the body.

33. Immunity in Ayurveda
 Immunity= vyadhi kshamatwa
 Vyadhi= disease
 Kshamatwa=resistance
 Also called ‘Bala’ in ancient texts

34. Sahaja Bala
 Sahaja Bala- inherited- comes from the
parents.
 The effect will be at the chromosomal
level.
 Nothing can be done except to pacify the
defects through various modalities of
Ayurveda.

35. Kalaja Bala
Kalaja Bala -related to time–
 Time of day, season, age, and place of birth link
to immunity.
 Places with an abundance of water, ponds, cool
and pleasant climatic conditions are kapha-
dominating areas and contribute to stronger
immunity.
 Strength is greater in the early morning, spring,
and youth than in evening, summer and old age.

36. Yuktikruta Bala
 Yukti
kruta Bala represents acquired
immunity, in which disease can be
defended against through Ayurveda.
 Focuseson three plans for acquiring or
enhancing immunity

37. Three plans for acquiring immunity
 Satmya-suitable diet
 Vyayama-exercise
 Rasayana-rejuvination

38. 1.Satmya
1. Satmya -suitability.
 Adapting to wholesome substances ,giving up
unwholesome substances, to which the physiology has
been addicted since birth promotes immunity.
 Wholesome food to suit your constitution and good
digestion  proper formation of the 7 dhatus or
tissuesgood essence of the seven dhatus/ojas

39. 2. Vyayama -exercise
.Daily exercise of up to 50% of one’s
exertion capacity enhances digestion,
removes ama/toxins, strengthens tissue
metabolism promotes immunity.

41. Rasayana
 रसायनं
रसायनं तज्जेयम ् यज्जराव्यािध नाशनम ् !
 Promoting the whole physiology,
producing resistance against disease both
physically and mentally.
 Building
positive state of mind, purification
therapy/panchakarmas, herbs

42.  RASAYANA OUSHADHAS GIVEN BY ‘CHARAKA’:-
 Vayasthapana varga (Ch.Su):- Amrutha, Abhaya,
Dhatri, Mukta (Rasna), swetha (Rasna bheda),
Jeevanthi, Athirasa (Satavari), Manduka parni,
Sthira (Muyyaku ponna), Punarnava.
 Among all the above ‘AMALAKI’ is sreshtam in
view of its easy availability than ‘Soma’ though it
is powerful than amalaki.

43. Rasayana includes
 Ahara Rasayana—good dietary habits
 Vihara Rasayan- proper daily routine
 Achara Rasayana-good conduct
 Aushadha Rasayana –drugs

44. Ahara rasayana
 Nutritious diet
 Have milk and ghee in diet
 Timely eating
 Not less , not excess
 Avoid preservatives, refined foods, fried
foods

45. Vihara Rasayan
 Timely work, rest and sleeping habits
 Proper care of the body
 Regular exercise
 No addictions

46. Achara Rasayana (good conduct)
 Peaceful mind
 Free from anger and ego
 Good interpersonal relationships
 Respecting elders and teachers and
preceptors
 Regular prayers and meditation

47. Some Rasayanas
Amalaki
Harithaki
Pippali
Lohabhasma
Shilajith
Vidanga
Guggulu
Brahmi
Triphala

48. RESEARCH ON PIPPALI
 Recent research conforms the effectiveness of Pippali in
a variety of situations.
 Several have shown immunostimulatory and anti-giardial
effects of Pippali .
 Pippali is similarly effective against entamoeba
hystolytica.
 A 2006 study published in the Journal of Phytomedicine
shows that Pippali inhibits liver fibrosis in animal studies.
 This provides support for the traditional use of Pippali in
alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis.

49. Pippali
 Pippali’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects may be
equal to that of Ibuprofen, according to one animal
study .
 “This indicates that P. longum root has weak opioid
(synthetic norcotic like but not derived from opium) but
potent NSAID (non steroidal anti-inflammatory) type of
analgesic activity”.
 Another study demonstrated that Pippali is a useful anti-
cancer agent.

50. Westren research confirms use of Triphala in
Pancreatic cancer
 A recent research conducted by University of Pittsburgh revealed that
‘Triphala’, a general ayurvedic medicine meant for stomach ailments has
the property of hindering growth of cancer cells in the Pancreas.
 The Research report, conducted by Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, shows
that use of Triphala inhibited the growth of cancer in mice, which were
implanted with human pancreatic tumors.
 This study has generated quite a lot of interest in Western health and
medical circles, particularly, when a growing interest is seen in
alternative therapies, including Ayurveda.

51. TRIPHALA research entity
 In a study titled ‘Potential of traditional Ayurvedic formulation,
Triphala, as a novel anticancer drug’ published in the January 2006
issue of Cancer Letters, scientists at the Radiation Biology and
Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, found
that Triphala had the ability to induce cytotoxicity (cell death) in
tumor cells but spared the normal cells.
 Also, a December 2005 report in the Journal of Experimental and
Clinical Cancer Research from the Radiation and Cancer Biology
Laboratory at Jawaharlal Nehru University noted that Triphala was
effective in reducing tumor incidences and increasing the
antioxidant status of animal constituents.

52. Immunity-some more factors
 Uterine health of mother: A healthy uterus for a baby’s growth
 Nutrition after birth: Wholesome, adequate and timely nutrition in
infancy improves immunity.
 Constitution: Kapha constitution people have stronger immunity
 Mind: A strong mind , positive thinking increase Ojas /immunity.
 Meditation for spiritual growth: Orienting the mind towards
spirituality  greater self-awareness and positive thinking
enhancing mental strength and overall immunity.

53. A Short History of Medicine
2000 B.C. - "Here, eat this root."
1000 B.C. - "That root is heathen, say this prayer."
1850 A.D. - "That prayer is superstition, drink this potion."
1940 A.D. - "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."
1985 A.D. - "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."
2000 A.D. - "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root."

54. Ojas boosters
Honey + ghee in unequal quantities
Water + milk + ghee
Water + honey + ghee
Water + honey + ghee + milk
Water + milk
Water + honey
Water + ghee
Milk + honey
Milk + ghee
Milk + honey + ghee
Pure milk
Pure honey
Pure ghee
Pure water
Triphala with honey

55. Natural foods Rasayanas
 Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula): fruit pieces are
cooked with four parts of water till they soften, allowed
to cool. One part of ghee and one part of honey is added
to this and kept aside for three days. It should be
consumed later taking care of digestion power. After this
rasayana is digested shashtika sahli rice with cow’s milk
is consumed. This gives very good memory power and
eyesight.

56.  Lemons: improve immunity, remove toxins
 Ginger: Ginger improves digestion and removes ama -
should be consumed forty-five minutes before meals to
give a very good appetite and digestion.
Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds helps in digestion, digests
and expels ama and balances doshas. To expel body
toxins start the day with drinking lukewarm water with
powdered cumin and ginger.

57.  Green Gram: very light to digest and is
excellent for people who have digestion
problems. They are among the best
legumes, for their supreme digestibility
and health giving qualities. Those who
prefer light food can opt for this food.

58.  Dates and Figs: excellent source of energy,
help to build the body tissues and improve the
hemoglobin percentage- eat two to three dates
or figs a day.
Almonds: nourishing and life-supporting. Eat
five to six almonds a day to build energy and
strength, help in reducing the blood cholesterol
levels, in improving memory.

59.  Lassi:an excellent nutritive, digestive
beverage. can be used during meals or
taken as a desert after meal.
Can be taken by adding a little sugar or
honey and a little ground cardamom/ by
adding roasted cumin seeds and little salt.

60.  Seasonal Fruits: Always use the juicy
fresh fruits which are available in the
season. They are of high nutritive value
and are body purifiers, also.