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@article{204378,
        author = {Dr. Hardik and Dr. Chandranshu Shukla and Dr. Neha Saini and Dr. Rahul Singh},
        title = {From Gut Dysfunction to Joint Degeneration: Exploring the Vistabdhajirna–Sandhivata Axis Through Ayurvedic Principles and Contemporary Biomedical Science},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {2518-2528},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=204378},
        abstract = {Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial degenerative joint disorder traditionally characterized by progressive cartilage deterioration, pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Emerging evidence has challenged the conventional wear-and-tear paradigm by highlighting the role of gastrointestinal dysfunction, gut microbial dysbiosis, metabolic inflammation, and immune dysregulation in OA pathogenesis, collectively described as the gut–joint axis. Interestingly, Ayurveda has long recognized the central role of impaired digestion (Agnimandya) in the development of systemic diseases. Vistabdhajirna, a Vata-dominant subtype of Ajirna, is characterized by abdominal distension, constipation, pain, and impaired gastrointestinal motility. Classical Ayurvedic literature suggests that chronic Vistabdhajirna may predispose individuals to Vatavyadhi, among which Sandhivata closely resembles Osteoarthritis in its clinical presentation and pathological manifestations.
The present review explores the potential pathogenic continuum between Vistabdhajirna and Sandhivata through an integrative analysis of Ayurvedic concepts and contemporary biomedical evidence. It examines how persistent digestive dysfunction may contribute to intestinal dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, systemic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired nutrient assimilation, ultimately promoting cartilage degeneration and joint pathology. Furthermore, the review proposes a conceptual model linking Agnimandya, gut microbial alterations, inflammatory mediators, Asthi Dhatu Kshaya, and Vata aggravation in the development of Sandhivata.
By reinterpreting classical Ayurvedic principles through the lens of modern gut–joint axis research, this article provides a novel framework for understanding Osteoarthritis as a systemic disorder with gastrointestinal origins. The proposed Vistabdhajirna–Sandhivata axis may offer new opportunities for early diagnosis, preventive interventions, and integrative therapeutic strategies targeting both digestive and musculoskeletal health.},
        keywords = {Agnimandya; Ayurveda; Gut Dysbiosis; Gut–Joint Axis; Inflammation; Integrative Medicine; Osteoarthritis; Sandhivata; Vistabdhajirna.},
        month = {June},
        }