AGNI DUSHTI AND ITS ROLE IN THE ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF PSORIASIS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC AND MODERN PERSPECTIVES

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis with complex etiopathogenesis. Ayurveda classifies it under Kushtha (predominantly Kitibha and Ekakushtha), where Agni Dushti — impairment of digestive and metabolic fire — is identified as a central upstream pathological event. Objective: To explore conceptual and mechanistic parallels between Agni Dushti and the modern immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, integrating classical Ayurvedic frameworks with contemporary molecular and dermatopathological evidence. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam) and peer-reviewed biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, AYUSH Research Portal) for the period 2000–2024. Key Findings: Agni Dushti leads to Ama formation, Dosha Vaishamya, and Dhatu Dushti — paralleling increased intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation (IL-17, IL-23, TNF-alpha), and altered keratinocyte kinetics in psoriasis. Conclusion: Agni Dushti provides a holistic etiological framework for psoriasis, and its targeted correction through Deepana-Pachana therapies may complement modern biologic approaches. Further clinical validation is warranted.