LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS IN KIDNEY DISEASES: AN AYURVEDIC INTERPRETATION OF MALA, KLEDA, VATA, AND DHATU DERANGEMENTS

Background: Kidneys are essential organs responsible for maintaining fluid-electrolyte balance, excretion of metabolic waste products, regulation of acid-base homeostasis, endocrine functions, and preservation of bone metabolism. Laboratory investigations such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus are routinely used to assess renal function and disease progression. Although these parameters are interpreted biomedically as indicators of renal physiology, their Ayurvedic significance remains inadequately explored. Hence this is a humble attempt to analyze commonly employed renal laboratory investigations through Ayurvedic principles and establish their relationship with Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Kleda, Mutravaha Srotas, Mutrakrichra, Mutraghata, and Ashmari. Materials and Methods: A conceptual review was undertaken using classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Madhava Nidana along with contemporary nephrology literature. Individual laboratory parameters were analyzed based on their physiological origin and pathological implications. Results: Creatinine and urea predominantly represent Mala accumulation, sodium and chloride reflect Kleda dysregulation, potassium indicates Vata dysfunction, while calcium and phosphorus signify Asthi Dhatu involvement and Dhatvagni disturbances. Progressive renal disease may be understood as a continuum beginning with Agnimandya and culminating in Dhatu Kshaya. Conclusion: Renal laboratory abnormalities should not be interpreted solely as retained wastes. Each parameter represents a distinct level of Ayurvedic physiological dysfunction. Understanding these distinctions provides a rational framework for individualized Ayurvedic assessment and treatment planning in renal disorders.