Evaluation of the status of Agnibala and Kostha among subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome: An observational study

Background

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) persists as a significant clinical challenge in the 21st century, being one of the most relevant functional gastrointestinal disorders affecting diverse populations. The global variability in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) subtypes reflects underlying heterogeneity in gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and digestion, which may be meaningfully interpreted through the Ayurvedic concepts of Agnibala and Kostha. Agni, as a fundamental determinant of digestion and metabolism, and Kostha, representing bowel nature and evacuation patterns, together offer a functional framework for understanding IBS phenotypes.