Abstract

Background: Ayurveda is one of the oldest health-care systems in the world with the key fundamental concepts of Prakriti (body constitution) based on the theory of Tridosha. In the present scenario, evidences are being generated to interrelate the concepts of Tridosha and Prakriti with various biochemical variables, chronic diseases, and genotypic variations. However, no studies are done in infants relating prakriti to blood cell count. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to explore a possible relation between prakriti (body constitution) and hematological parameters in infants.
Materials and Methods: A total of 70 indoor infants were registered and their prakriti was assessed using prototype research software relevant to infants’ Prakriti assessment software at the time of registration and on subsequent three follow-ups till 6 months of age. Blood investigations such as hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC), platelet (PLT) count, and total red cell count (TRBC) were carried out in all the registered infants after 72 h of birth. The obtained hematological values were studied in relation with their prakriti.
Results: The results of this study showed variation in mean values of these hematological parameters as per prakriti, but no statistically significant association was found on intergroup comparison. Conclusion: The present study has not shown significant values, on intergroup comparison, of Hb, TLC, DLC, TRBC, and PLT count in relation to prakriti of infants. However, a study on a larger sample size in infants is required to draw final conclusion.