Exploring the Prakriti (Body Constitution) of Stroke Patients: A Scoping Review From an Ayurvedic Perspective

The ever-rising burden of stroke is a major problem for developing nations with inadequate resources, such as India. Current strategies largely focus on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs); however, there is a growing need to shift toward predictive approaches that enable timely lifestyle modification and risk reduction. Ayurveda's concept of Prakriti, the distinctive body constitution or psychosomatic temperament of an individual, offers a novel framework for understanding disease predisposition. This scoping review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of studies that have examined the classification of Prakriti among stroke patients. Online search engines were used to conduct a literature search using both Sanskrit and English keywords, employing Boolean operators to combine relevant terms. Full-text articles on stroke, hemiplegia, or Pakshaghata were retrieved, screened, and included based on the presence of Prakriti analysis. A total of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 13 randomized controlled or quasi-experimental studies, 12 case studies or case reports, and 2 cross-sectional studies. Across these studies, Vata-dominant Prakriti (Vataja, Vata-Pittaja, or Vata-Kaphaja) was reported in 24 out of 27 studies, either independently or in combination with another Dosha. Only three studies reported a predominance of other constitutions. This scoping review highlights a notable gap in existing stroke research, wherein Prakriti assessment is frequently overlooked. Integrating Prakriti-based profiling into predictive medicine may enhance individualized stroke risk assessment and contribute to more personalized preventive strategies.