Ekadashi fasting, a biweekly practice rooted in ancient Vedic traditions and aligned with lunar cycles, has been reinterpreted through modern scientific lenses by Sri Amit Ray. This review examines Ray's mathematical model, which employs impulsive differential equations to quantify the impacts of periodic 36-hour fasts on key aging biomarkers, including autophagy flux, mitochondrial quality, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and NAD⁺/NADH ratios.

The model highlights an optimal fasting window of 120°–132° lunar elongation for the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and 300°–312° for the waning phase (Krishna Paksha), with an extended practical range of ±12° (108°–144° and 288°–324°, respectively) to accommodate preparation, core fasting, and gentle breaking phases. Simulations over 365 days demonstrate that biweekly fasting induces autophagy spikes, enhances mitochondrial integrity by approximately 22%, reduces ROS by 18%, and elevates NAD⁺/NADH ratios by 1.4-fold, promoting metabolic resilience and healthy aging.

Abstract | 1. Introduction | 2. Background on Ekadashi Fasting | 3. Scientific Basis of Lunar Alignment in Fasting | 4. The Mathematical Model | 5. Autophagy Dynamics and Timeline | 6. Benefits of the 36-Hour Fasting Protocol | 7. Discussion | 8. Conclusion | References

The 36-hour protocol aligns with autophagy activation timelines, peaking in mitophagy between 24–36 hours, and offers benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and neuroprotection, as supported by empirical studies. Integrating chronobiology, gerontology, and Vedic spirituality—particularly the activation of Vaikuntha chakras in Ray's 114-chakra system—this model bridges traditional practices with quantitative biology. Limitations include assumptions of biological uniformity and the need for longitudinal human trials. Future directions involve stochastic extensions and AI-driven personalization for precision chrononutrition.