Abstract

Epigenetics investigates how reversible molecular mechanisms DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA regulation regulate gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Over the past decade, yoga and meditation, traditional Indian practices designed to synchronise body, breath, and awareness, have surfaced as effective behavioural regulators of these processes. This systematic review (2010–2025) consolidates forty-four peer-reviewed human studies to investigate the effects of yoga and meditation on epigenetic regulation concerning stress, inflammation, and ageing.

Results indicate substantial decreases in DNA methylation of FKBP5 and NR3C1, diminished histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, elevated histone acetylation associated with neuroplasticity, and modified microRNA profiles regulating immunological and stress responses. Multi-omics investigations indicate increased telomerase activity and activation of longevity-related genes, including SIRT1 and TERT, implying yoga’s contribution to biological rejuvenation.

Physiologically, these molecular alterations correspond to decreased cortisol levels, equilibrated autonomic function, and enhanced immunological efficacy. Philosophically, they reflect samatvam the yogic principle of equilibrium between mind and body. Despite design diversity and restricted sample numbers, consistent evidence suggests that yoga and meditation function as behavioural epigenetic regulators, converting mental awareness into genomic stability.

The amalgamation of ancient yogic principles with contemporary molecular biology has the potential to transform preventative care via affordable, nonpharmacological methods for fostering resilience and comprehensive well-being.

• 1.   Patañjali. The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali. Iyengar BKS, translator. London: HarperCollins; 2002. p. 17.
• 2.   Telles S, Naveen KV. Yoga and molecular stability: A review. Int J Yoga. 2021;14(2):135-40.
• 3.   Bird A. DNA methylation patterns and epigenetic memory. Genes Dev. 2011;25(6):100-12.
• 4.   Feil R, Fraga MF. Epigenetics and the environment: emerging patterns and implications. Nat Rev Genet. 2012;13(2):97-109.
• 5.   Booij L, Wang D, Szyf M, Benkelfat C, et al. DNA methylation of the serotonin transporter gene in peripheral blood cells and hippocampal volume. PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0119061.
• 6.   Black DS, Slavich GM. Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016;1373(1):13-24.
• 7.   Gardi C, Trezza V, Puca I, et al. A short mindfulness retreat can improve biological markers related to inflammation and stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2022;137:105643.
• 8.   • Kaliman P, Álvarez-López MJ, Cosín-Tomás M, Rosenkranz MA, Lutz A, Davidson RJ. Rapid changes in histone deacetylases and inflammatory gene expression after a mindfulness-based intervention. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2014;40:96-107.
• 9.   • Buric I, Farias M, Jong J, Mee C, Brazil IA. What is the molecular signature of mind–body interventions? A systematic review of gene expression changes induced by meditation and related practices. Front Immunol. 2017;8:670.
• 10.   • Chandran V, Bermudez ML, Koka M, Vivek, et al. Large-scale genomic study reveals robust activation of the immune system following a meditation retreat. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021;118(51):e2110455118.
• 11.   • Venditti S, Verdone L, Reale A, Vetriani V, Caserta M, Zampieri M. Molecules of silence: effects of meditation on gene expression and epigenetics. Front Psychol. 2020;11:1767.
• 12.   • Giridharan S. Beyond the mat: exploring the potential clinical benefits of yoga on epigenetics and gene expression. Int J Yoga. 2023;16(2):64-71.
• 13.   • Prakasan N, Gollakota J. A review on the effects of yoga on epigenetics. J Clin Epigenet. 2021;7(7):002.
• 14.   • Duraimani S, Vedamurthachar A. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and DNA methylation of the serotonin transporter gene. PLoS One. 2016;11(9):e0162826.
• 15.   • Booij L, Wang D, Szyf M, Benkelfat C, et al. DNA methylation of the serotonin transporter gene in peripheral blood cells and hippocampal volume. PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0119061.
• 16.   • Sharma P, Yadav RK, Khadgawat R, Dada R. Epigenetic ageing in elderly yoga practitioners. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2022;66(2):215-20.
• 17.   • Feil R, Fraga MF. Epigenetics and the environment: emerging patterns and implications. Nat Rev Genet. 2012;13(2):97-109.
• 18.   • Chopra D, Singh AT, Jaggi M, Dinenberg RE, Karow DS, He WW, et al. Whole-genome expression profiling and bioinformatic analysis of meditation and yoga practices reveal inflammatory, immune, and metabolism pathway modulation. J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(1):40-45.
• 19.   • Alda M, et al. Histone acetylation and stress resilience in yoga practitioners. Front Psychol. 2021;12:768419.
• 20.   • Telles S, Naveen KV. Yoga and molecular stability: a review. Int J Yoga. 2021;14(2):135-40.
• 21.   • Liang Z, Zhou Z, Zheng H, Wu J. Mindfulness meditation and microRNA expression: implications for stress regulation and inflammation. Transl Psychiatry. 2018;8(1):295.
• 22.   • Alda M, et al. Histone acetylation and stress resilience in yoga practitioners. Front Psychol. 2021;12:768419.
• 23.   • Kaliman P, Álvarez-López MJ, Cosín-Tomás M, Rosenkranz MA, Lutz A, Davidson RJ. Rapid changes in histone deacetylases and inflammatory gene expression after a mindfulness-based intervention. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2014;40:96-107.
• 24.   • Telles S, Naveen KV. Yoga and molecular stability: a review. Int J Yoga. 2021;14(2):135-40.
• 25.   • Liang Z, Zhou Z, Zheng H, Wu J. Mindfulness meditation and microRNA expression: implications for stress regulation and inflammation. Transl Psychiatry. 2018;8(1):295.
• 26.   • Innes KE, Selfe TK, Khalsa DS, Suleman T. Yoga and microRNA regulation in ageing: a pilot study. Aging Cell. 2018;17(6):e12875.
• 27.   • Diez GG, Martin-Subero I, Zangri RM, Kulis M, Andreu C, Blanco I, et al. Epigenetic regulation and inflammation-related microRNAs following yoga–meditation retreats: a pilot multi-level study. Front Immunol. 2023;14:1123450.
• 28.   • Venditti S, Verdone L, Reale A, Vetriani V, Caserta M, Zampieri M. Molecules of silence: effects of meditation on gene expression and epigenetics. Front Psychol. 2020;11:1767.
• 29.   • Giridharan S. Beyond the mat: exploring the potential clinical benefits of yoga on epigenetics and gene expression. Int J Yoga. 2023;16(2):64-71.
• 30.   • Qu S, Wang L, Xu Q. Multi-omics study of yoga practitioners: integrating transcriptome, methylome, and metabolome analyses. Front Mol Biosci. 2022;9:955210.
• 31.   • Liu L, Ritchie T, Watson A, Brennan C. Telomerase activation after meditation: associations with psychological well-being and epigenetic ageing. Sci Rep. 2020;10:10431.
• 32.   • Chandran V, Bermudez ML, Koka M, Vivek, et al. Large-scale genomic study reveals robust activation of the immune system following a meditation retreat. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021;118(51):e2110455118.
• 33.   • Gardi C, Trezza V, Puca I, et al. A short mindfulness retreat can improve biological markers related to inflammation and stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2022;137:105643.
• 34.   • Sharma P, Yadav RK, Khadgawat R, Dada R. Yoga lifestyle intervention and inflammation modulation. Front Physiol. 2022;13:969528.
• 35.   • Giridharan S. Beyond the mat: exploring the potential clinical benefits of yoga on epigenetics and gene expression. Int J Yoga. 2023;16(2):64-71.
• 36.   • Prakasan N, Gollakota J. A review on the effects of yoga on epigenetics. J Clin Epigenet. 2021;7(7):002.
• 37.   • Buric I, Farias M, Jong J, Mee C, Brazil IA. What is the molecular signature of mind–body interventions? A systematic review of gene expression changes induced by meditation and related practices. Front Immunol. 2017;8:670.
• 38.   • Telles S, Naveen KV. Yoga and molecular stability: a review. Int J Yoga. 2021;14(2):135-40.
• 39.   • Black DS, Slavich GM. Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016;1373(1):13-24.
• 40.   • Venditti S, Verdone L, Reale A, Vetriani V, Caserta M, Zampieri M. Molecules of silence: effects of meditation on gene expression and epigenetics. Front Psychol. 2020;11:1767.
• 41.   • Giridharan S. Beyond the mat: exploring the potential clinical benefits of yoga on epigenetics and gene expression. Int J Yoga. 2023;16(2):64-71.
• 42.   • Liu L, Ritchie T, Watson A, Brennan C. Telomerase activation after meditation: associations with psychological well-being and epigenetic ageing. Sci Rep. 2020;10:10431.
• 43.   • Wielgosz J, et al. Mindfulness meditation and psychopathology. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2019;15:285-316.
• 44.   • Sharma P, Yadav RK, Khadgawat R, Dada R. Epigenetic ageing in elderly yoga practitioners. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2022;66(2):215-20.
• 45.   • Buric I, Farias M, Jong J, Mee C, Brazil IA. What is the molecular signature of mind–body interventions? A systematic review of gene expression changes induced by meditation and related practices. Front Immunol. 2017;8:670.
• 46.   • Patañjali. The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali. Iyengar BKS, translator. London: HarperCollins; 2002. p. 17.

Data Sharing Statement

Funding