Evaluation of Novel Biochemical Markers in Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) Practicing Individuals

Introduction

Breathing is the first act of life. Within the breath is the unexplored secret of life. Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful yet simple rhythmic breathing technique that incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath which results in harmonizing the body, mind and emotions.The technique eliminates stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression leaving (a) the mind calm & focused and (b) the body energized & completely relaxed.¹ Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a special yogic package designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living Foundation. SKY is a rhythmic breathing exercise called Sudarshan Kriya (SK), and pranayama involving Ujjayi breathing (breath touching the throat) besides emphasizing importance of prayers, asanas, pranayama, meditation, vegetarian satvic (pure) diet and interactive discussions for attitude training based on ‘Art of living’ knowledge points. Sudarshan Kriya and its accompanying practices, taught by the Art of Living Foundation world-wide, are health promotion and health management techniques, wherein health benefits are being validated by modern medical science. Sudarshan Kriya is the unrevealed secret to health, happiness, peace and an insight of life beyond.

It is known to have several constructive effects on the body. Such yogic techniques can help harmonize various metabolic reactions in the body and help to integrate vital functions.² Certain studies done earlier has demonstrated betterment of antioxidant status and anxiety levels by practice of SKY in apparently healthy adults.³ It is known to bring out proper synchronization and balance of a various hormones endocrine system and enzymes of our system which play innumerable vital role in thousands of biochemical reactions of our body.

Trans-unsaturated fatty acids, produced largely during the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils, have been implicated in raising Lp(a) plasma levels.⁴ Trans- and cis-fatty acids have different metabolic effects on plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and possibly on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which could adversely affect lipoprotein profiles. In addition, stress and lifestyle modifications could impart more to such alterations by increase in reactive oxygen species and decrease in antioxidant levels.⁵ Biochemical alterations which are known to benefit from control of stress and emotions over the body well-being by practice of such yogic techniques include decrease in oxidative stress and increase in antioxidant levels, along with bringing in a positive change in lipoprotein profiles as well. This study was conducted with aim to evaluate serum levels of Trans-fatty acids in Sudarshan Kriya Yoga practicing and non-Sudarshan Kriya Yoga practicing healthy participants and to compare serum levels of Oxidative stress markers in Sudarshan Kriya Yoga practicing and non-Sudarshan Kriya Yoga practicing healthy participants.

Materials and methods

A comparative study was conducted on 50 Participants from each group from Art of Living Centres, Bengaluru for duration on 2 years. Convenient sampling was done based on the interview using formulated questionnaire which included the practice and duration of Sudarshana Kriya Yoga. 50 participants practicing Sudarshana Kriya Yoga from Art of Living Centers across Bengaluru and was considered in Group 1.50 healthy age and gender matched participants, who were non-practicing Sudarshana Kriya Yoga or could be practicing any other type of yogic exercises served as controls, who were included in Group 2. Participants who were practicing Sudarshana Kriya Yoga regularly for more than 6 months and free from any major illness such as diabetes or hypertension were included from the study and participants practicing Sudarshana Kriya Yoga for less than 6 months, participants who were practicing Sudarshana Kriya Yoga irregularly or being treated for any form of illness such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension will be excluded from the study. After obtaining approval and clearance from the institutional ethics committee, the participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study by obtaining informed consent.

Tools:

3 ml venous sample shall be collected in plain vacuum tubes under aseptic precautions. Serum separated following centrifugation was analyzed for Human Trans Fatty Acid, Glutathione peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Total Antioxidant Capacity along with Glucose and Total Protein. Human trans fatty acid was analyzed by ELISA kit, obtained by Sincere Biotech Co.,Ltd.⁶ Glutathione peroxidase was determined by t-butyl hydroperoxide (tbHP) method.⁷ Superoxide dismutase was assayed using its inhibitory action onquercetin oxidation.⁸ Catalase was determined colorimetrically based on peroxidase activity.⁹ Colorimetric assay was employed for measurement of total antioxidant capacity.¹⁰ Plasma glucose was estimated by GODPOD method¹¹ and total proteins in serum was measured by Biuret method.¹²

Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software Version 20.0. Mean & Standard deviation was calculated and compared between the two groups. Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare two sample means. p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Table 1 shows the age distribution, gender distribution along with average number of years as well as average number of days per week of practice of Sudarshana Kriya Yoga among Group 1. Age and gender distribution among control group (Group 2) is also been depicted.

Table2 depicts the mean & standard deviation of biochemical parameters between Group 1 & Group 2. These parameters includes random glucose, total protein in serum, Serum Human Trans Fatty Acids, Glutathione peroxidase activity in serum, Superoxide dismutase levels in serum, Catalase levels in serum and Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity.

Discussion

Beneficial effects of yoga and exercise on blood glucose homeostasis has been well documented. Our study reveals that the average random blood glucose levels were comparatively higher in individuals who were not practicing Sudarshan Kriya yoga. A randomized controlled intervention trial to assess the effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and Pranayam on glycemic control and quality of life in patients with diabetes in addition to the standard treatment of diabetes showed a trend toward improvement in glycemic control as well as quality of life.¹³

The serum Trans fatty acids levels were significantly higher in individuals who were not practicing Sudarshan Kriya yoga.¹⁴ The effect of yogic lifestyle on some of the modifiable risk factors could probably explain the preventive and therapeutic beneficial effects derived out of its regular and methodical practice.¹⁵

Free radicals generated in the body can be metabolized and their levels can be altered by several interventions, which include dietary restrictions and exercise. Cellular intracellular enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, along with non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione act as primary line of defense to handle with the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species.

Glutathione peroxidase antioxidant levels were higher in SKY practicing individuals. Other antioxidant enzyme levels, namely, superoxide dismutase and catalase were comparable between SKY and non-SKY practicing individuals. Also, Total Antioxidant Capacity was comparable between two groups. It has to be noted that antioxidant enzymes in the cytosol namely superoxide dismutase, selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase were known to increase by means of dietary restrictions, rather than exercise. However, catalase activity remains unaffected by restrictions in diet, and would increase with exercise.¹⁶

Conclusion

The findings obtained from the study thus implies the beneficial effects of SKY in mitigating the damage that results from free radical generated oxidative stress.

This adds to the growing database of evidence that SKY improves the antioxidant status and promotes healthy life style.