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A theoretical framework for integration of technology with fundamental
principles of Ayurveda to develop a prototype instrument to assess Guna (viz.
Gurvadi guna)
Article  in  International Journal of Ayurveda Research · December 2024
DOI: 10.4103/ijar.ijar_191_24
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All India Institute of Ayurveda
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2. 306 © 2024 International Journal of Ayurveda Research | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
A theoretical framework for integration
of technology with fundamental
principles of Ayurveda to develop
a prototype instrument to assess
Guna (viz. Gurvadi guna)
Niranjan Ram, T. P. Athul, Meena Deogade, Tanuja Manoj Nesari
ABSTRACT:
Background: The foremost challenge for global acceptance of traditional systems of Indian medicine
is to establish evidence for all the documentation mentioned in the texts. To make Ayurveda more
evidence‑based, there is a need for an abundance of data with proper validity and reliability. To ensure
that the data collected from various research studies is reliable as well as valid, there is a need to
convert possible subjective parameters into objective ones. Guna (~attribute/property), a fundamental
concept in Ayurveda, particularly Gurvadi guna (~physical attributes), is a similar subjective parameter
that needs more objectivity to be assessed uniformly by all practitioners of Ayurveda.
Aim: The aim of this study was to propose a conceptual framework for developing a prototype
instrument that objectively assesses Gurvadi guna in both substances and the human body, integrating
technology with Ayurvedic principles.
Methods:This concept presents a theoretical framework, synthesizing ideas from Ayurvedic
philosophy, modern scientific techniques, and technological innovations. It proposes the integration of
chromatography, spectroscopy, biophysical techniques, and nanotechnology for Guna assessment.
The framework envisages a multifunctional instrument capable of evaluating Gurvadi guna in
substances and human physiology simultaneously.
Expected Outcomes: The proposed instrument targets to provide a standardized approach to Guna
assessment in Ayurvedic practice, objective measurements of Gurvadi guna in various substances
and the human body, and enhanced precision in diagnosing imbalances and selecting appropriate
treatments.
Conclusion: This conceptual framework represents a novel approach to bridging traditional
Ayurvedic knowledge with modern technology. While acknowledging the challenges in development
and implementation, this proposal aims to stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in
Ayurvedic research and practice.
Keywords:
Ayurveda, Bioinstrumentation, Guna, Gurvadi guna, Tool development
INTRODUCTION
A
yurveda and Shad darshan shastra
both accept the ultimate role
of Guna (~attribute/property) as the
elementary being in the manifestation of the
universe. According to this perspective, the
Maha gunas  – Sattva (~purity or goodness),
Raja (~passion), and Tama (~delusion,
ignorance)  – are considered the primary
energies from which the entire cosmos
and human beings emerge. These Gunas
Address for
correspondence:
Dr. Niranjan Ram,
PhD Scholar, Department
of Dravyaguna, All India
Institute of Ayurveda,
Mathura Road, Gautam
Puri, Sarita Vihar,
New Delhi ‑  110 076, India.
E‑mail: vaidyaniranjanram
@gmail.com
Received: 07‑08‑2024
Revised: 08‑11‑2024
Accepted: 12‑11‑2024
Published: 28-12-2024
Department of
Dravyaguna, All India
Institute of Ayurveda,
New Delhi, India
Short Communication
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DOI:
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How to cite this article: Ram N, Athul TP,
Deogade M, Nesari TM. A theoretical framework for
integration of technology with fundamental principles
of Ayurveda to develop a prototype instrument to
assess Guna (viz. Gurvadi guna). Int J Ayurveda Res
2024;5:306-10.
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3. Ram, et al.: Development of a prototype instrument to assess Gurvadi guna International Journal of Ayurveda Research  | Volume 5 | Issue 4 | October-December 2024 307
are thought to be the essential qualities that design the
nature of every being. In the complicated framework
of Ayurveda, Sattva represents purity and wisdom,
Raja exemplifies energy and dynamism, while Tama
signifies inactivity and stagnation. The interaction and
equilibrium of these Gunas are thought to impact the
constitution and well‑being of people and the broader
cosmic order.
[1]
The state of equilibrium is essential
for an individual to attain health and happiness,
which is being achieved through Ahara (~diet) and
Aushadha (~medicine) dravya. Furthermore, the
relationship between Dravya (~substance) and Guna
is described as Samavayi (~concomitant/inseparable
relation). In this context, Gunas are seen as qualities
residing within Dravya, implying that the qualities or
attributes are an integral part of the substance itself.
[2]

This association between Dravya and Guna simplifies the
principles of Ayurvedic treatment. The Sharira (~human
body) acquires distinct qualities, termed Guna, through
the influence of Dravya. These Guna(s), inherent in
Ahara and Aushadha dravya(s), experience disintegration
when they interact with the internal milieu of Sharira,
facilitated by Pachakagni (~metabolic factors located in
the digestive tract) and Dhatvagni (~metabolic factors
located in Dhatu [~major structural components of
body]). Subsequently, the resulting Gunas nourish
specific Dhatus that have equivalent attributes. Guna
assumes a pivotal role throughout Ayurveda, acting
as a foundational pillar in Hetu (~causative factors),
Linga (~signs and symptoms), and Chikitsa (~treatment).
Notably, Gurvadi guna (~physical attributes) holds
significant importance for its applications within the
domain of Chikitsa.
[3]
In ancient times, the assessment of
Guna was intricately tied to the Karma (~action) imparted
on the human body when administered through Dravya.
For instance, the Guru guna (~heaviness) is believed
to induce Brumhana karma (~nourishment/restorative
measures). By assessing the extent of Brumhana karma
in the human body through various subjective and
objective parameters, the inherent Guru guna of a
Dravya would be evaluated.
[4]
Few of similar attempts
have been done in the recent decades to assess the
Gurvadi guna, i.e., more focused on Ushna and Sheeta,
Guru and Laghu, and Snigdha and Ruksha guna. One
of the studies suggests that body weight changes
are a significant indicator for evaluating Ushna and
Sheeta guna.
[5]
Another researcher has shown the
efficacy of Snigdha and Ruksha guna in hyperlipidemia
and suggested that the drugs bearing Ruksha guna
properties are more potent to treat hyperlipidemia
than Snigdha guna drugs.
[6]
One of the research on
Gunasankarya (i.e., a combination of different Gunas)
suggests that the action of any substance is based
on its inherent Guna, and combining different Gunas
leads to specific effects. The potency of Gunas varies
depending on their area of action, such as Ruksha guna
being more potent for digestion and Sheeta guna for stool
formation, highlighting the complex interaction of these
qualities in Ayurvedic treatments.
[7]
There is significant
heterogeneity in the procedures and parameters used
by previous researchers to assess the Gurvadi guna, and
most of these studies were conducted preclinically.
Although these studies provide a strong foundation for
assessing Gurvadi guna, the perspective and approach
we aim to present in this theoretical framework differ
from the interpretations used in previous research. This
conceptual approach to develop a prototype instrument
is innovative.
This divergence arises from the fact that in ancient
Bharat, knowledge was passed orally from Vaidya to
Vaidya, leading to challenges in accurately assessing
Guna through its Karma on the human body. Many
such secrets and skills are either almost on the verge of
extinction or may be practiced by a very limited number
of Vaidyas in India. Recognizing these challenges,
a compelling necessity emerged to evolve novel
approaches to assess the Guna inherited in the Dravya
by integrating insights from other fields of science
along with technological advancement. Therefore,
the question arises in mind  – whether it is possible to
define the physical  (in raw form) as well as biological
qualities  (after ingestion) of each Dravya and accordingly
construct a tool to assess the unbalanced  (i.e., deviated
from normalcy, either increased or decreased) Guna in
the human body as well as the natural Guna present
in Dravya. Aiming with this statement, further, the
discussion is based on possible mechanisms to develop
a prototype to assess the Guna (i.e., particularly, Gurvadi
guna) simultaneously in Dravya and in the human body.
With the following objectives, here the discussion is
going to explore various possible directions by taking
an integrative approach to the development of basic
science: 1. Classify the Dravya (Aushadha and Ahara)
according to Tara– Tama (~percentage) Bheda of Gurvadi
guna, 2. Development of physicochemical parameters
to assess the Gurvadi guna with the help of emerging
fields of basic sciences, and 3. Assessment of unbalanced
Gurvadi guna in the human body and estimation of that
Guna in Ahara and Aushadha dravya.
PROPOSED METHODOLOGIES TO
ASSESS GUNA
Instruments developed with the help of
chromatography techniques
Chromatography is a technique for separating
components in a mixture. Advanced analytical methods
that allow for precise quantification and characterization
of herbal compounds is the key to achieve this goal. In
this context of assessing Gurvadi guna, it could be applied
as follows:
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4. Ram, et al.: Development of a prototype instrument to assess Gurvadi guna 308 International Journal of Ayurveda Research  | Volume 5 | Issue 4 | October-December 2024
High‑Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This technique could be used to separate and quantify
specific compounds in herbs or formulations that are
associated with particular Guna.
Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS)
This combined technique helps in both detection,
identification, and determination of the molecular structure
of a particular component present in the herb or bodily
fluids  (in metabolomics studies). Identification of specific
ingredients could help in correlating different Gunas.
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
This method could be employed to analyze volatile
compounds in herbs or bodily fluids that may correlate
with certain Guna.
The chemical constituents identified by these
chromatographic techniques can be further categorized
according to their mode of action with the literature
available. This finally enables the creation of standardized
reference database for each Guna with respect to their
Karma in a living entity.
[8]
Instruments developed with the help of
spectroscopic techniques
Spectroscopy deals with the study of interaction between
matter and electromagnetic radiation. In assessing
Gurvadi guna, these spectroscopic techniques may be
applied as:
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
This technique could be used to analyze the molecular
structure of compounds in herbs or bodily fluids.
It possibly helps in identifying structural features
associated with specific phytochemicals, which indirectly
helps in indicating a particular Guna from the database
created using chromatographic techniques.
Near‑Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy
This technique
[9]
could be used to analyze body tissues
or fluids, potentially correlating spectral patterns with
different Gunas.
Raman spectroscopy
This procedure could be used to study the vibrational
modes of molecules in herbs or bodily tissues, potentially
linking specific vibrational signatures to Guna.
Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy
This method helps in the detection and identification of
particular molecules in Ayurvedic herbs or bodily fluids
based on their unique light absorption patterns. Different
compounds absorb Ultraviolet  (UV) light at characteristic
wavelengths, creating unique spectral fingerprints. These
fingerprints can be associated with specific Guna.
[10]
Instruments developed with the help of
biophysical techniques
Biophysical techniques involve applying physical
principles and methods to biological systems. For
Gurvadi guna assessment, this could include:
Electro‑Interstitial Scan (EIS)
This noninvasive technique measures electrical
conductivity in interstitial fluid, potentially correlating
electrical patterns with different Gunas.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
This method measures body composition and could
potentially be used to assess Guna related to body tissues
and fluids.
Thermography
This technique measures heat patterns in the body,
which could potentially be correlated with Guna related
to temperature and metabolism.
[7]
Instruments developed with the help of
biomaterials and nanotechnology
This approach involves using advanced materials and
nanoscale technology for Guna assessment:
Biosensors
Nanotechnology‑based biosensors could be developed
to detect specific biomarkers in bodily fluids that may
correlate with different Gunas.
Nanoparticle‑based imaging
Specially designed nanoparticles could potentially be
used to visualize physiological processes related to
different Gunas.
Smart textiles
Clothing embedded with nanoscale sensors could potentially
monitor various physiological parameters over time,
providing data that could be interpreted in terms of Guna.
[11]
By any of these methods or any other methods, once it
is possible to develop an instrument that can estimate
the parameters responsible for representing a particular
Guna (either in the Dravya or human body), it will direct a
new path in disease diagnosis and choosing the best drug
for a particular disease according to different Prakruti.
HYPOTHESIZED OPERATING
GUIDELINES
The proposed guidelines consist of two main parts. The
first part focuses on the identification and quantification of
Guna in Dravya, as illustrated in Figure  1. The second part
addresses the identification and quantification of Guna in
the human body, as shown in Figure  2. Additionally, we
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5. Ram, et al.: Development of a prototype instrument to assess Gurvadi guna International Journal of Ayurveda Research  | Volume 5 | Issue 4 | October-December 2024 309
have proposed a sensor‑based instrument to assess both the
parameters, building upon the key concept of the electronic
tongue for the taste assessment,
[12]
as depicted in Figure  3.
After evaluating the imbalance of Gunas in the body
according to an individual’s Prakriti, the percentage of
Gunas in commonly prescribed Dravyas is compared
using an instrument previously developed. The
substance with opposing Gunas is then identified as the
most appropriate treatment for restoring balance in a
specific disease, tailored to the individual’s Prakriti.
RESULTS
This theoretical framework proposes several potential
methodologies for assessing Gurvadi guna using modern
technologies. These include:
Chromatographic techniques
We suggest using HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS to identify
and quantify specific compounds in herbs or formulations
that might correlate with particular Guna.
Spectroscopic methods
The NMR, NIR, Raman, and UV spectroscopy could
potentially link spectral patterns or signatures to specific
Guna in both substances and bodily tissues or fluids.
Biophysical approaches
We propose exploring EIS, BIA, and thermography to
measure various physiological parameters that might
correspond to different Gunas.
Nanotechnology and biomaterials
The proposed framework suggests developing biosensors,
nanoparticle‑based imaging techniques, and smart textiles
to monitor physiological processes related to Guna.
We have conceptualized a hypothetical workflow for
identifying and quantifying Guna in both Dravya and the
human body. This includes creating a reference database
of chemical constituents and their associated Guna, which
could be used to classify Dravya and assess imbalances
in the human body.
DISCUSSION
The proposed theoretical framework represents a
novel approach to objectify Gurvadi guna assessment in
Ayurveda. By integrating modern scientific techniques
with traditional Ayurvedic principles, we aim to bridge
the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary
evidence‑based practice. The potential applications of such
a framework are vast. For instance, it could revolutionize
the way Ayurvedic practitioners diagnose imbalances and
select treatments. By providing objective measurements of
Guna in both medicinal substances and the human body,
it could enable more precise and personalized treatment
plans based on an individual’s Prakriti.
Figure 1: Identification and quantification of Guna(s) in Dravya
Figure 2: Identification and quantification of Guna(s) in human body
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6. Ram, et al.: Development of a prototype instrument to assess Gurvadi guna 310 International Journal of Ayurveda Research  | Volume 5 | Issue 4 | October-December 2024
However, the significant challenges that may arise during
the practical designing of this prototype are to define
proper parameters  (physical and biological) for each of
the Gurvadi guna, develop the sensor that simultaneously
can assess the Gunas of the Dravya and also of the human
body from skin, portability of the tool so that it can be
easily taken along with other Outpatient Department/
Inpatient Department instruments during examination,
cost‑effectiveness, and clinical validation through rigorous
clinical trials. Simultaneously, care must be taken to ensure
that any new technology complements rather than replaces
the traditional diagnostic methods used in Ayurveda.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
This framework emphasizes the importance of
interdisciplinary collaboration, calling for cooperation
among Ayurvedic experts, physicists, chemists, biologists,
and engineers. Establishing research networks and
collaborative platforms is crucial. Initial pilot studies
could assess one or two Gunas using a single technological
approach, providing proof‑of‑concept data for larger studies.
Artificial intelligence may aid in interpreting complex
data, enhancing Guna assessment and treatment selection.
Ethical considerations, especially regarding data privacy,
are essential as more objective measures in Ayurveda are
introduced. Comprehensive education and training for
Ayurvedic practitioners will ensure proper use of emerging
technologies. This attempt may bestow a new direction for all
the policymakers, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs, helping
Ayurveda become more evidence based.
[13]
CONCLUSION
The whole procedure of developing of a single tool that can
assess Guna simultaneously in Dravya and the human body
may take several attempts and years together to accomplish
this arduous endeavor. Along with that, the integration
between the fraternities of basic and applied sciences from
national or international institutes and the field of Ayurveda
is the core essentiality of this project. Funding from different
government or nongovernment agencies is also very much
vital to make this vision into reality. Ultimately, this could
support Ayurveda’s integration into modern healthcare
by 2047, enhancing its relevance  (~Vyavahara) while
maintaining its core principles (~ Tatwa and Shastra).
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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Figure 3: The basic principle of a sensor‑based instrument assessing Guna(s) in human body
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