cancer prevention through ayurveda & natural herbs, one of the most deadly challenges spreading
drastically in 21st century, has now officially become the most dangerous
killer in the world according to the World Health Organization. Who can deny
the fact that cancer is related to adversary of modernization and advanced
pattern of irregular and stressed life dominated by Western medicine.
Scientists are making their best efforts to fight this disease; however the
sure-shot cure is still awaited.
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| "Giloy vatti plant" |
Ayurveda, the oldest Indian indigenous medicine system of
plant drugs is known from very early times for preventing or suppressing
various tumors using these natural drugs. And nowadays scientists are keener to
researches on complementary and alternative medicine for the management of
cancer. In Ayurvedic concept, according to ‘Charaka’ and ‘Sushruta Samhitas’
cancer is described as inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling and mentioned
either as ‘Granthi’ (minor neoplasm) or ‘Arbuda‘ (major neoplasm). The nervous
system (Vata or air), the venous system (Pitta or fire) and the arterial system
(Kapha or water) are three basics of Ayurveda and very important for normal
body function. In malignant tumors all three systems get out of control
(Tridoshas) and lose mutual coordination that causes tissue damage, resulting
critical condition. Tridoshas cause excessive metabolic crisis resulting in
proliferation.
The modern cancer therapy which is known to burdened by
drug-induced toxic side effects hoping perfect cure of disease form the
complementary and alternative medicine system. The main goal of Ayurvedic
therapy is to find the ultimate cause of an illness while the therapeutic
approach of Ayurveda is divided into four categories as Prakritisthapani
chikitsa (health maintenance), Rasayana chikitsa, (restoration of normal
function), Roganashani chikitsa (disease cure) and Naishthiki chikitsa
(spiritual approach). Commonly used herbal decoctions reported in Ayurveda are
made of multiple herbs possessing great potential for a cancer cure;
scientifically these formulations work on multiple biochemical pathways and
influence different organ systems all together and nourish the body as a whole
by supporting body‘s deference systems.
Herbs help total healing, reduces the side effects and
cancer-associated complications. Andrographis paniculata, Annona atemoya,
Phyllanthus niruri, Piper longum, Podophyllum hexandrum, Tinospora cordifolia,
Semecarpus anacardium, Vitis vinifera, Baliospermum montanum, Madhuca indica,
Pandanus odoratissimum, Pterospermum acerifolium, Raphanus sativus, Barleria
prionitis, Prosopis cineraria, Amorphopallus campanulatus, Oxoxylum indicum,
Basella rubra, Flacourtia romantchi, Moringa oleifera, Ficus bengalensis,
Curcuma domestica, Allium sativum, Calotropis gigantean, Datura metel,
Hygrophila spinosa, Juniperus indica, Moringa oleifera, Nigella sativa,
Picrorrhiza kurroa, Rubia cordifolia, etc. are various plants having scientific
evidence of anticancer property. Nowadays, many herbs are under clinical
studies and being investigated phytochemically to understand their anticancer
potential. More than 25% of drugs used during the last 20 years are directly
derived from plants, while the other 25% are chemically altered natural
products. Nine plant-derived compounds including vinblastine, vincristine,
etoposide, teniposide, taxol, navelbine, taxotere, topotecan and irinotecan
have been approved for use as anticancer drugs. 10-hydroxycamptothecin,
monocrotaline, d-tetrandrine, lycobetaine, indirubin, colchicinamide, curcumol,
curdione, gossypol and homoharringtonine are few more plant-derived compounds
of high hope.
Each herb contains multiple active principles that often
operate synergistically producing therapeutic benefits and lowering the risks
of adverse effects; and avoids the need for supplemental therapy to manage
cancer cachexia. Now it is important to raise awareness and encourage
implementation of Ayurvedic therapies for combating cancer and suggest an
integrated approach in tumor management and treatment.
REFERENCES
1. Bhishagratha KL.
Sushruta samhita. Sushruta samhita. Varanasi: Choukhamba Orientalia;
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Govindarajan R. Cancer: An ayurvedic perspective. Pharmacol Res. 2005;51:19–30. [PubMed]
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Dhahanukar S. Ayurveda, the natural alternative. Sci Today. 1991;2001:12–8. [Google Scholar]
