The function of mitochondria from an Ayurvedic point of view »

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. They help turn the energy we take from food into energy the cell can use. Present in nearly all types of human cells, mitochondria are vital to our survival. They generate most of our adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's energy currency. Mitochondria are also involved in other tasks, such as signaling between cells and cell death, otherwise known as apoptosis. Different cell types have different numbers of mitochondria. For instance, mature red blood cells have none, whereas liver cells can have more than 2,000. Cells with a high energy demand tend to have more significant mitochondria. Mitochondria take up around 40 percent of the cytoplasm in heart muscle cells.

What are mitochondria from the Ayurvedic perspective? First, we must understand that the cell was not described in all the minute details we know today through modern scientific research. However, we find the concept of jīvaparamāṇu (the minor units of life) mentioned in the Carakasamhita. Vāta is said to be responsible for its fission and fusion. But apart from the concept of the human body being made up of innumerable jīvaparamāṇus that can divide and combine, details of cell structure, its differentiation, and the existence of cell organelles are not found in the Ayurvedic texts. For this reason, it is very challenging to discuss what mitochondria could be from the Ayurvedic perspective. We can say that mitochondria were not described in Ayurvedic texts.

But if we understand the functions of mitochondria, we can probably try to interpret this organelle from the Ayurvedic perspective. The Ayurvedic model of the human body is not structural. Instead, it is functional and focuses on relationships.

Let us look at the primary functions of the mitochondria. Mitochondria generate the chemical energy needed to power the cell's biochemical reactions. Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Looking at the above function of the mitochondria and its role in the extraction of energy from the food that we consume as well as its storage, we can say that mitochondria are concerned with the functions of pitta and Agni that convert the digested essence of food (rasa) into Ojas (energy).

Further, mitochondria are also concerned with cell death or apoptosis and heat production, which are functions of pitta and Agni. In Ayurveda, pitta and Agni have been distinguished. So we need to discuss whether mitochondria can be correlated with pitta or Agni. If it is pitta, can we connect it with a specific subtype of pitta? On the other hand, if we are to associate mitochondria with Agni, then the question arises whether it should be considered as a manifestation of dhātvagni or bhūtāgni.

Ojas are said to be present throughout the body. Considering the presence of mitochondria in almost all the cells of the body, can we consider the mitochondria as the substrate of Ojas in the body?

Yet another question that comes to our mind is the relationship between Udānavāta and the functions of mitochondria. Udānavāta is said to be responsible for the strength (Bala) of the human body. Udāna helps in the performance of actions, energy, and also memory. It has been found that mitochondria are also concerned with memory. It has been proposed that mitochondria are the substrate of cellular memory.

Keeping the above points in mind, this lecture will attempt to give an Ayurvedic perspective and understanding of the functions of the mitochondria.