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CTRI Number  CTRI/2025/07/091935 [Registered on: 29/07/2025] Trial Registered Prospectively
Last Modified On: 29/07/2025
Post Graduate Thesis  Yes 
Type of Trial  Observational 
Type of Study   Cross Sectional Study 
Study Design  Other 
Public Title of Study   Effect of Heartfulness Meditation on Mitochondrial Function 
Scientific Title of Study   Effect of Heartfulness Meditation Practice on Mitochondrial Function: A Biochemical and Genomic Approach 
Trial Acronym  NIL 
Secondary IDs if Any  
Secondary ID  Identifier 
NIL  NIL 
 
Details of Principal Investigator or overall Trial Coordinator (multi-center study)  
Name  Dr Mansee Thakur 
Designation  Professor and Head  
Affiliation  MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGMIHS  
Address  Department of Medical Biotechnology, MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGMIHS Sector-1 Kamothe Navi Mumbai

Raigarh
MAHARASHTRA
410209
India 
Phone  9769909212  
Fax    
Email  mansibiotech79@gmail.com  
 
Details of Contact Person
Scientific Query
 
Name  Dr Mansee Thakur 
Designation  Professor and Head  
Affiliation  MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGMIHS  
Address  Department of Medical Biotechnology, MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGMIHS Sector-1 Kamothe Navi Mumbai

Raigarh
MAHARASHTRA
410209
India 
Phone  9769909212  
Fax    
Email  mansibiotech79@gmail.com  
 
Details of Contact Person
Public Query
 
Name  Ms Amita Kirar 
Designation  Ph.D. Scholar 
Affiliation  MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGMIHS  
Address  Department of Medical Biotechnology, MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Sector-1 Kamothe Navi Mumbai

Raigarh
MAHARASHTRA
410209
India 
Phone  8850441290  
Fax    
Email  kiraramita082000@gmail.com  
 
Source of Monetary or Material Support  
MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGMIHS, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai  
 
Primary Sponsor  
Name  Dr. Mansee Thakur 
Address  MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGMIHS, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai  
Type of Sponsor  Other [Self] 
 
Details of Secondary Sponsor  
Name  Address 
NIL  NIL 
 
Countries of Recruitment     India  
Sites of Study  
No of Sites = 1  
Name of Principal Investigator  Name of Site  Site Address  Phone/Fax/Email 
Dr Mansee Thakur  MGM Central Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, MGMSBS   Room No 1, IInd floor, MGM School of Biomedical Sciences MGMIHS Sector-1 Kamothe Navi Mumbai
Raigarh
MAHARASHTRA 
09769909212

mansibiotech79@gmail.com 
 
Details of Ethics Committee  
No of Ethics Committees= 1  
Name of Committee  Approval Status 
Ethics Committee of Research on Human Subjects of MGM Institute of Health Sciences   Approved 
 
Regulatory Clearance Status from DCGI  
Status 
Not Applicable 
 
Health Condition / Problems Studied  
Health Type  Condition 
Healthy Human Volunteers  participants (25-40 yrs) with no history of bacterial/viral/fungal infections in the past two months, no co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, PCOS/PCOD, etc. 
 
Intervention / Comparator Agent  
Type  Name  Details 
Intervention  Nil  Nil 
 
Inclusion Criteria  
Age From  25.00 Year(s)
Age To  40.00 Year(s)
Gender  Both 
Details  participants will be from the age group 25-40 years, healthy (with no history of bacterial/viral/fungal infections in the past two months, no co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, PCOS/PCOD, etc.).  
 
ExclusionCriteria 
Details  Dropout meditators unwilling to continue the practice or unable to do daily practice, attend group meditation session and individual session from 3 to 4 weeks
Individuals with chronic conditions affecting mitochondrial function (e.g., diabetes, Hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases and cvd).
Participants performing other yoga and meditation like brahma kumari, mindfulness, kriya yoga, Sahaj Yog etc.
Inability to read or comprehend the consent form; subjects with medical conditions in which a blood draw would be contraindicated (e.g., severe anaemia); use of antibiotics or probiotic/prebiotic participants living outside of the country.  
 
Method of Generating Random Sequence   Not Applicable 
Method of Concealment   Not Applicable 
Blinding/Masking   Not Applicable 
Primary Outcome  
Outcome  TimePoints 
1. Mean Loneliness Score,
2. Mean Gratitude Score,
3. Mean Self-Consciousness Score,
4. Mean Comprehensive Intellectual Humility Score
5. Mean Well-being Score
6. Mean Burnout Score
7. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NAD+) and Cytochrome c Oxidase levels
8. Mitochondrial DNA copy number
9. Gene expression of key mitochondrial markers.
10. Mitochondrial membrane potential 
This cross-sectional observational study involves the collection of blood samples from participants at a single point in time ie. Baseline. Blood samples will be analyzed to assess specific biomarkers relevant to the study objectives. 
 
Secondary Outcome  
Outcome  TimePoints 
Meditation, particularly practices like Heartfulness, has been associated with enhanced mitochondrial function, offering insights into its cellular benefits. Studies show increased ATP production in meditators, indicating more efficient energy synthesis. Additionally, reduced oxidative stress and upregulated mitochondrial gene expression suggest improved cellular resilience and regulation. These biological changes reflect better mitochondrial health, serving as a potential mechanism underlying the broad health benefits of meditation. The findings deepen our understanding of how mind-body practices impact cellular function and open avenues for integrating meditation into therapeutic strategies to promote overall well-being by targeting mitochondrial efficiency and cellular homeostasis  After one year 
 
Target Sample Size   Total Sample Size="105"
Sample Size from India="105" 
Final Enrollment numbers achieved (Total)= "Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials"
Final Enrollment numbers achieved (India)="Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials" 
Phase of Trial   N/A 
Date of First Enrollment (India)   15/08/2025 
Date of Study Completion (India) Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials 
Date of First Enrollment (Global)  Date Missing 
Date of Study Completion (Global) Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials 
Estimated Duration of Trial   Years="1"
Months="0"
Days="0" 
Recruitment Status of Trial (Global)   Not Yet Recruiting 
Recruitment Status of Trial (India)  Not Yet Recruiting 
Publication Details   N/A 
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement

Will individual participant data (IPD) be shared publicly (including data dictionaries)?  

Response - NO
Brief Summary  

Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key factor in various socioeconomic and health challenges, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic syndromes. Psychological stress, prevalent in modern society, has been linked to mitochondrial impairment, exacerbating these conditions. This research focuses on investigating the potential health benefits of yoga and meditation, particularly Heartfulness meditation, in reducing stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Addressing these impacts can significantly improve public health outcomes, especially in stress-prone populations, while also easing the burden on healthcare systems.

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy production, apoptosis, and managing oxidative stress. Their health is vital for maintaining overall physiological functions. Any alteration, such as mitochondrial fragmentation or oxidative damage, can lead to the progression of chronic diseases. Therefore, safeguarding mitochondrial integrity is essential for preventing and managing a wide range of diseases. Mitochondrial biogenesis and the balance between free radicals and antioxidants are also fundamental aspects of health that can be influenced by lifestyle and stress management practices.

Yoga and meditation, especially Heartfulness techniques, have shown promise in enhancing mitochondrial health. These practices can reduce oxidative stress, promote DNA repair, and improve mitochondrial function through psycho-neuro-immune regulation. This study will investigate the effects of Heartfulness meditation on mitochondrial integrity through biochemical and genomic analyses, offering a scientific basis for its role in disease prevention and health promotion.

Through this research, we aim to provide evidence on how regular Heartfulness meditation may improve mitochondrial function, offering a potential therapeutic intervention for stress-related disorders. The study will highlight its capacity to promote cellular health and well-being, providing valuable insights for integrating mind-body practices into public health initiatives.

 
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