The Physiological Correlate Of Meda Dhatu: An Integrative Review Of Ayurvedic Principles And Modern Adipose Tissue Biology

One of the Sapta Dhatu (the seven primary tissues that support bodily growth and maintenance), Meda Dhatu has its roots in Ayurveda. The view of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ with a fundamental purpose beyond energy storage has shifted due to expanding knowledge. Meda Dhatu's principles were applied to modern adipose tissue biology in this review. A systematic review found congruence between Meda Dhatu principles in Ayurveda and current adipose tissue physiology and their therapeutic significance in metabolic diseases. A PRISMA 2020-compliant literature review was conducted. Electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature on Ayurvedic Meda Dhatu ideas, adipose tissue biology, metabolic functions, and integrative medicine from 2000 to 2025. Modern research on adipose tissue, adipokines, thermogenesis, and immunological function was evaluated alongside Ayurvedic classics, including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. The results suggested that Ayurvedic Meda Dhatu fundamentals and modern adipose tissue biology may overlap. Meda Dhatu energy storage, insulation, lubrication, and metabolic control capabilities resemble white (WAT), brown (BAT), and beige adipose tissue. Both recognise tissue growth (Meda Vriddhi/obesity) and depletion (Kshaya/lipodystrophy). Medodhatvagni and Medovaha Srotas in Ayurveda connect with modern adipose tissue metabolism and the anatomy and physiology of the vascular network and metabolic pathways, respectively. A combination of these complementary models shows metabolic disease-related WAT impairment: Ayurveda's constitutional type (Prakriti) and personalised treatment fit metabolic health's Precision medicine. The holistic description in Ayurveda describes Meda Dhatu's connection with other physiological systems, which matches recent research on adipose tissue's systemic endocrine and immunological effects. This investigation shows that the old Ayurvedic Meda Dhatu theory and modern medical understanding of adipose tissue overlap, supporting integrative metabolic health methods. Future investigations are needed to validate classical Ayurvedic therapies and develop individualised therapeutic strategies.