The Synergy Between Mitochondrial Function and Innate Heat in Traditional Persian Medicine: A Modern Scientific Perspective on Thermoregulation

Abstract

This study investigates the synergy between Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM)'s concept of innate heat (Hararat-e-Gharizi) and modern mitochondrial thermoregulation. TPM emphasizes innate heat as essential for sustaining life, paralleling modern understandings of mitochondrial ATP production and heat generation. This integration occurs through mitochondrial biogenesis, proton leak (via uncoupling proteins), and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) signaling, which correspond to the TPM concept of heat sustaining vital functions. These findings may guide novel therapeutic strategies that integrate TPM principles with mitochondrial biology. A comprehensive review of historical TPM texts and modern literature was conducted, comparing innate heat with mitochondrial roles in thermoregulation and energy balance. Data from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were analyzed to explore mechanisms of heat production in both traditional and modern contexts. Findings demonstrated that TPM's innate heat correlates with mitochondrial biogenesis, heat generation via Uncoupling Proteins (UCP1), and ROS regulation. These concepts reflect TPM’s understanding of maintaining bodily warmth for health and longevity. The relationship between Hararat-e-Gharizi and mitochondrial thermogenesis offers a bridge between ancient medicinal practices and modern cellular biology. Both emphasize the role of heat in maintaining homeostasis and preventing disease, with modern science validating TPM's holistic approach. Clarifying these mechanisms provides deeper insight into therapeutic implications, highlighting thermodynamic parallels and the role of ROS signaling as a novel framework for understanding disease etiology and treatment. This study bridges Traditional Persian Medicine and modern mitochondrial thermoregulation, introducing integrative perspectives for personalized healthcare. It also highlights thermodynamic parallels and ROS signaling as a novel framework for understanding disease etiology and treatment. This study underscores the relevance of TPM’s innate heat in modern medicine, emphasizing the importance of mitochondrial efficiency in thermoregulation and overall health. Integrating these perspectives can enhance personalized therapeutic strategies for disease prevention and longevity