Standardization and contemporary validation of Anjali Pramana in Healthy Adults: A Cross-sectional observational study with pilot validation

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurveda defines Anjali Praman as an individualized volumetric measure used to quantify bodily constituents such as Dhatus, Malas, and Doshas. Despite its clinical importance, this concept lacks standardization using modern scientific methods. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 healthy adults (175 males and 175 females) aged 25–60 years at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pune, to standardize Anjali Praman and evaluate its correlation with anthropometric indices. Anjali Praman was measured as the average water volume held in both cupped palms across five trials, along with height, weight, and BMI. A pilot validation in 10 participants compared with four Anjali for urine volume with maximum daytime voided volume recorded over three consecutive days. A literature review of postpartum breast storage capacity and modern bladder capacity was also undertaken for comparison with the classical concepts of Stanya and Mutra Pramana. Results: The mean Anjali Praman was significantly higher in males (120.40 ± 20.52 ml) than females (94.63 ± 15.85 ml) (p < 0.001). It showed positive correlations with height (r = 0.39) and weight (r = 0.36) in both sexes, while BMI demonstrated a weaker association, significant only in females. The mean urine volume (449 ± 75.6 ml) closely matched the calculated four Anjali (427 ± 87.4 ml; p = 0.557), supporting the classical standard. Conclusion: The study establishes Anjali Praman as a physiologically meaningful and measurable individualized parameter. Its strong alignment with classical references for Mutra and Stanya volumes reinforces the empirical accuracy of Ayurvedic measurements and supports their relevance in modern research and clinical assessment.