Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Cancer

by Dr. Joban Modha

Today diseases like Cancer, HIV-AIDS, Hematological
and Auto Immune disorders are increasing. They are
very complicated as the complexity is at every level of
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
and Gene Expression. So treating such disease is a big
challenge. Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy,
MDT, Hormone Therapy, Blood Transfusion etc. are
being tried to cure such diseases.
But limited success in these diseases (like in cancer
with all conventional therapeutics overall 2.4% survival
for 5 years after diagnosis) due to various factors like
resistance, difficulty in targeting the specific disease
area and additionally, toxicity of the drugs, Ablative
Surgery, Radiation Damage and Chemotherapy
Hazards.
Moreover drug research is a very costly task now a day.
Studies published in 2006 report an average pre-tax
cost of approximately $ 500 million to 2,000 million
dollars depending on the therapy or the developing firm.
(1) These figures relate only to new, innovative drugs
(drugs with a New Chemical Entity BCE, also called
New Active Substance NAS). Each year, worldwide, only about 26 such drugs enter the market (2005:
26, 2004: 24, 2003: 26, 2002: 28). The $800 million quoted include the cost of all drug development
which did not result in a new drug. It also includes some 400 million $ of opportunity costs.
In India, traditional medicinal knowledge is very scientific and rich due to it is in practice since more than
5000 years, where many natural products are used as medicine. After the famous bio-piracy case of
U.S. patent - TURMERIC for healing - (patent No. 5,401,504 ), The "Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research" (C.S.I.R) in India have digitalize more than 35,000 prescriptions and remedies for various
diseases under the project Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). (2)
It is a wise step to conserve the knowledge & to provide this data to mine as well to work upon to find out
the solution for these complicated disorders and safe -standardized medicines for other less drastic but
complicated disorders like R.A., B.P.H., C.R.F., Obesity, Asthma, Diabetes etc., so the scientific
community worldwide is looking at traditional holistic system of the medicines for a satisfactory approach
in this direction.
On the other side, patients and the relatives of the patients start to search out alternate magical cure for
cancer and mostly they meet quacks on the road. Being an Ayurveda practitioner, I have experienced the
bitter truth that they expect MAGICAL CURE no matter whether the disease is in stage 4 or with or
without metastasis. As there is a myth in society that Ayurveda can do magic and can cure any condition.
But let me accept the truth that as an Ayurvedic Consultant we have our scope & limitations too. But
there are many quacks claiming to cure all kinds of cancers & that to without examining the patients,
without going through their reports. In fact such mal practice leads to mis-impression for entire pathy,
Ayurveda.
Let me be honest that, in reality the classics of Ayurveda have never claimed such miracles. Ayurveda
verbally means "Science of life" is mostly based on timeless classics better known as Samhitas like
Charaka Samhita, Sushrut Samhita etc. written by Rishis. The Rishis were aware of chronicity and

complications of the diseases and they have honestly classified the diseases according to the prognosis
in 4 categories.

Saadhya: the disease which can be cured easily.

Krichha Saadhya: the disease which can be cured after hard efforts and with the help
of Panchakarma and other procedures.
Yaapya: The diseases which cannot be cured, but can be stabilized with the help of
medicines and Panchakarma or surgery.
Asaadhya: the disease which cannot be cured.
The word "CANCER" may be new to the field of Ayurveda, but ancient Ayurvedic classics did mention
the clinical features resembling - cancer with the titles of Apachi, Gulma, Granthi, andArbuda. The
disease was even prevalent during the Vedic period. The story of Acceptance of Matsyagandha - reveals
that the King Shantanu was afflicted with a type of cancer (Pundrika Arbuda). Some of the conditions
mentioned in Ayurvedic classics can be summarized as follows:

Manifestations in Ayurveda Ref: 3-21

Charmakeel
Padminikantaka
Shosha / Pandu
Medoja Galganda
Apachi
Agantuja Stanaroga
Yakrutodara
Pleehodara
Raktagulma
Rakta, Mamsaja, Medoja, Oshta Roga
Kachchapa, Raktarbuda, Mamsa Sanghata
Balasa, Gilayu, Kantha Roga
Mamsatana
Swarabhanga
Karnarbuda
Ajakajata
Nasa Arsas
Nasaarbuda
Raktapitta, Pandu

Manifestations in Modern Medicine

Keloid
Papilloma of skin
Leukaemia
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin's Disease
Cancer of the Breast
Hepatomegaly due to liver Metastasis
Spleenomegaly due to Infiltration in Spleen
Tumours of Uterus / Ovary
Carcinoma of Lips
Carcinoma Palate
Bronchogenic Ca. and Lung tumours
Tumours of the Pharynx
Tumours of Larynx
Cauliflower Ear
Staphyloma
Neoplastic Nasal Polyps
Rhinoscleroma
Various Type of Leukemia

Keeping this truth in mind it can be stated that that Ayurveda can be helpful in the management of cancer
many ways, as prophylactic, palliative, curative & supportive and no doubt it helps to improve quality of
life (QOL) as follows:
1. As adjuvant or co-therapy along with chemotherapy or radio therapy; & Post surgery care:
a. To minimize the side effects of these therapies.
b. In reducing the therapeutic doze of the various drugs used as in some studies on cow urine.
c. Can be helpful in targeting the specific tissues as in some studies on nano-particles of gold.

2. To slower the progress of the cancer, when chemo therapy, radio therapy or surgery is contraindicated due to many reasons and patients have no other choice;
3. With anti tumor action with the help of herbal/herbo-mineral compounds found to be effective in some
studies.
4. Cell protective activity of drugs prescribed in Rasayana therapy: to improve comfort and the quality of
life for individuals with cancer.

1. As adjuvant or co-therapy along with chemotherapy

or radio therapy:
Chemotherapy is the first and significant medical modality of cancer, which involves introduction of strong
medicines. The target is fast growing cells. However the important obstacle is the toxicity it causes to
normal tissues of the body and presence of mutations that confer resistance to these chemotherapeutic
agents.
The use of antioxidants during chemotherapy enhances therapy by reducing the generation of oxidative
stress induced aldehydes. Natural drugs which are used as Rasayans have been proved earlier to have
antioxidant activities.
Rasayana (rejuvenation) is one of the 8 specialize branches of Ayurveda. In therapeutic process Rasa is
concerned with the conservation, transformation, and revitalization of energy. Rasa nourishes our body,
boosts immunity and helps to keep the body and mind in best of health. (22)
Rasayana therapy enriches rasa with nutrients to help one attain longevity, memory, intelligence, health,
youthfulness, excellence of luster, complexion & voice, optimum development of physique and sense
organs, mastery over phonetics, respectability and brilliance. (23)
Rasayana herbs and formulas are similar to adaptogens but although the categories overlap, they are
not identical. Adaptogens are nontoxic herbs that work in a nonspecific way to balance the normal
physiology of the body, by acting upon the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system. Rasayanas are
nontoxic herbs or formulas which balance the body in a generalized way although they may work on a
specific organ or function and do not necessarily affect the HPA axis. Rasayanas also overlap with tonics
but are amphoteric in that they will not over-tonify organs. ( 24)
Most commonly all the drugs which are used in Rasayana therapy have property like Tridoshashamana.
The most commonly prescribed Rasayana drugs are Triphala (Terminalia Chebula, Embellica officinale,
Terminalia ballarica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifoia) and Punarnava (Bohhervia diffusa). According to my
clinical experience such drugs have shown very impressive effect to protect body from the side effects (of
chemo and radio therapy) like Alopecia, Nausea, Nail changes, Constipation, Anorexia and Vomiting.
Myelo-suppression one of the fatal toxicity of chemotherapy led to delay in the schedule of
chemotherapy. The patients who are receiving the Ayurveda Rx along with CT have also shown more
regularity in maintaining the chemotherapy cycles as the hematological levels can be maintained up to
normal state. More than 50 research work has been carried out at M.D. and Ph.D. level on cancer at
various Ayurvedic institutes including Gujarat Ayurveda University, which has shown the very effective
action as chermo-preventive radio-preventive agents. (25)
Interestingly, Snehana i.e. intake of various medicated ghee or oil preparations in a classical way a week
or 10 days prior to chemo therapy or radio therapy have also shown less toxic effects during RT/CT.
There is need is to establish biomarkers to assess the effect of Rasayan therapy in terms of apoptosis.
Cyto-protection, cell recovery, anti-neoplastic activity and vital of all immune augmentation. (26)

2. To slower the progress of the cancer:

There are many conditions when chemo therapy, radio therapy or surgery are contra indicated or not
prescribed due to many reasons like the age factor, body resistance, severe side effects, location etc. In
that case doctor or patients have no other choice left. Many patients do not prefer such modern
management or some have deep faith in Ayurveda. Such patients more often comes to Ayurveda
practitioner. Few cases are presented here:

Patient Diagnosis &

#
Stage
1

Rectal Cancer

Chief complaints
Bleeding per rectum,
Severe constipation
disturbed sleep,
Weight loss,
Constant tiredness,
occasional Vomiting

Treatment given
Anuvaasana Basti
(Ashwagandha
Tailam)

Result
Excellent relief from
sufferings, relived
constipation. Improved
the quality of sleep.
Patient died with a
smile after 6 months.

Anal Cancer
(Squamous Cell
Carcinoma)

Severe pain,
Pichu of
disturbed sleep. Loss Mahanarayana oil,
of appetite, Anal
Aamapachana Vat
itching. Swollen
lymph nodes in the
anal area.

Excellent relief from

pain and itching;
Improved the quality
of sleep. Patient died
with a smile after 8
months

Cancer Lanrynx.
Squamous cell
carcinoma
(advanced stage)

RT and Tracheotomy
/
Dryness of mouth
and esophagus,
weakness, disturbed
sleep

Moneta Wellness noni

(combination of herbal
drugs like Morinda
citrifolia, Withnia
Somnifera, Triphala &
Guduchi satva)

Dryness reduced
remarkably, increased
appetite and vitality,
reduced the side
effects of radio
therapy

Lung Cancer
(April '05) (Sq. C.
carcinoma with
hemoptysis)

Patient had weight

loss, daily
hemoptysis, radiating
pain in right arm.
Sonography showed
metastatic changes in
liver

Conservative treatment
at OPD level
IPGT&RA, Jamnagar
Drugs prescribed were
Aampachana vati,
Sitopladi churan,
Samir pannaga rasa

Intervals of
Hemoptysis reduced
up to occasional per
week. Weight gain up
to 5 kgs. Prognosis of
death was of 4-6
months, he is still
living since last 24
months.

Pancreatic Cancer Surgery done/ still

had complaints like
Jaundice, Pain,
Weight loss, mouth
ulcers, Digestive
problems, Diabetes
mellitus

Guduchi satva,
Complaint of
Moneta Welness Noni xerostomia,
Shankha vati
Abdominal pain was
reduced within 5 days,
mouth ulcers were
healed within 10 days.

3. Anti-tumor Plant Drugs:

Comprehensive reviews of the technical and folklore literature have been published (27), wherein
citations are recorded for the use of different plant species which have been used or recommended in
various parts of the world for the treatment of cancer or other conditions such as warts and tumors. In

the USA, the Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Centre (CCNSC), now incorporated into the
Development Therapeutic Programme (DTP) has screened thousands of plant extracts against standard
tumor systems consisting of solid tumors and leukemias.
At the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) in Bombay, more than 600 species of indigenous (drugs) plants
have been screened using standard transplantable tumors. Eight plants have exhibited meaningful anticancer properties. The Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) at Lucknow started in 1964, a
programme for the screening of plant extract for a wide range of biological activities. CDRI has found out
about 70 plants whose anti-cancer activity has been confirmed.[Certain common drugs in Ayurveda like
Ginger (Ardrakao, Tagar, Antamoola, Bala, Sapotaparna, Shallaki have been reported for their specific
anti-tumor activities by various researchers (28)

Cell Protective Activity:

There are many herbs which can protect cells from various toxic effects. For example: Regular blood
transfusions at regular intervals develop chronic iron overload in the body, which ultimately produces
many hazardous effects like cirrhosis of liver, cardiac problems etc. in the body. During my Ph.D.
research work, the cellular protective effect of two poly herbal compounds against iron sorbitol induced
chronic iron overloading was studied in Charles foster rats (150-250 gm). The test drugs showed
remarkable cell protection against the toxicity. Such drugs can also be useful for the cell protection
against detrimental effects of RT-CT. (The photographs of histological slides and other results will be
discussed in details during the presentation.)

Drugs and Herbs of Ayurveda can be used in Treatment of Cancer

Every plant contains thousands of various alkaloids, steroids, flavinoids, terpinoids and other molecules
with bioactivity, and Ayurveda preparations may consist of many different plants. The presence of such a
wide variety of ligands suggests that the preparation may be acting on a wide variety of tissues through a
number of different mechanisms. So it is always advisable to prescribe drug as a whole instead of
specific derivative. Here is the list of some important poly-herbal, herbo-mineral compounds which are
proven as very useful in different types and stages of cancer:

Drugs and herbs of Ayurveda used according to specific system location:

Brain Cancer -Shatavari (Aparagus), Yashtimadhu (licorice), Mandukaparni (Bacopa
) & Kastoori Bhairav Rasa, Brahmi Vati, Smritisagar Rasa etc.
Oropharyngeal Cancers - Pathyadi kwath, Varunadi Kwath, Kaishor guggulu,
Kasamarda (Cassia oxidentalis), Mahalaxmivilas Rasa etc.
Lung Cancers - Malla sindura, Samir pannaga Rasa, Somal Bhasma, Kantakari,
Vyaghri, Vasasava, Kanakasava, Chitraka Haritakiavaleha, Bhallatakavaleha, Pippali
(Piper longum), Hirak Rasayana etc.
Stomach Cancers: Shatavari (Asparagus resimosus), Amlaki (Philanthus amblica),
Aloe Vera, Changeri Ghrita, Mahakalyanaka Ghritam, Bhomi Amalaki, (Philanthus
nurare), Avipattikara Churnam, etc.
Intestinal Cancers: Shigru (Moringa olifera), Panchamrit parpti, Brihada Gangadhara
Churnam, Kutaja Ghanavati, Kutaja avaleha, etc.
Female Genital Cancers: Ashoka (Saraka Ashoka), mukta panchamrita rasa, Fala
Ghrita, Dhanvantara Tailam etc.
Mail Genital Cancers: Shilajit, vanga Bhasma, Chandrodaya Rasa, chyawana prash,
Triphala, Makardhvaja etc.

Liver Cancers; Bhumvamalaki, Bhallataka, Triphala, Guduchi, Arogyavardhini,

Phalatrikadi Kwatha etc.
Blood Cancers: Somala Bhasma, Ashvagandha, Samirpannaga rasa, Anantmula
(Hermidesmus indicus)-Suvarna Vasant Malti Rasa etc.
Bone Cancers: Aabha Gugglu, Madhu Malini Vasant Rasa, Sariva etc.
Breast Cancers: Gojivha, Chinchabhallataka, Jivaniya gana etc.
Skin Cancers: Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Sameera Panaga Rasa, Kaishor
Guggulu, Gandhak Rasayan etc.
Drugs for Symptomatic Relief:
All Gugglu preparations for pain relief, and tumor reducing.
Chhardiripu Vati, Sutshekhar ras, Shatavari etc. for nausea and vomiting
Gandhak Rasayan, Mahalaxmivilas Ras etc.for recurrent infections
Bilva, Mayurpichha, Kutaja, Tankan, etc. for loose motions
Shankhavati, aamapachana Vati, Shigru, Chitrakadi vati etc.for pain in the abdomen
Katuki, Rohitaka, Shamaka yoga etc.for pain in pancreas and renal colic.
Pathyadi Kwatha, Navajivana Rasa, Shirashooladi vajra rasa, etc. for headaches
Phalatrikadi Kwatha, Katuki, Triphala, Beejapuraka, trikatu etc. in jaundice
Praval panchamit, Vasa+Goat milk etc. in epistaxis, bleeding
Ashvagandha Tailam, Guggulu, Aabha+Madhumandura etc.in bone pain
As adjuvant or co therapy with RT-CT:
Triphala Rasayana, Chyawanprash, Aamalaki Rasayana, Amrit Rasayana, Brahm Rasayana,
Kamdugdha Ras, Laxami Vilas Ras, Laxman Vilas Ras, Makrdhawaj vati, Mukta Panchamrit Rasayana,
Nari Kalyan Pak, Navjeevan Ras, Navratna Ras, Navratnakalp Amrit, Panchamrit Ras, Smritisagar Ras,
Suvarna Vasant Malti, Swapanmehtank, Vasant Kusmakar Ras, Visha Rasaayana, Brihada
Vangeshwar Rasa, Chandanadi powder, etc.
In nut shell, it can be concluded with a word that Ayurveda can be very useful both ways; to add years to
life, and to add life to years. To combat cancer and combining traditional healthcare knowledge with
conventional systems will make complete health care setup under one roof. With sincere pulled efforts
and with a multidisciplinary approach of devoted Ayurvedic physicians, Oncologists, surgeons,
Pharmacologist, experimental biologists an appropriate solution may be find out for the cancer.
References:

1. Adams C, Brantner V. "Estimating the cost of new drug development: is it really 802 million dollars?". Health Aff
(Millwood) 25 (2): 420-8. PMID 16522582.
2. Johnston, Barbara and Webb, Ginger (1997). "Turmeric Patent Overturned in Legal Victory". HerbalGram Fall
1997 (41): 11.
3. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 13
4. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 13
5. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthanam 16.
6. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 11
7. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 11
8. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 10
9. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthanam. 13.
10. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthanam 13
11. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthanam 5

12. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 16

13. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 11
14. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 16
15. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 16
16. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 16.
17. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 11
18. Sushrut Samhita Uttara Tantram 17
19. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 29
20. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 29
21. Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthanam 29.
22. Tillotson, Alan, AHG, PhD D.Ay, Understanding Herbs.
23. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthanam 1
24. Winston, David & Maimes, Steven. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, Healing Arts
Press, 2007
25. Bhavana Bhoot et al, Poorvi Vyas et al, I.P.G.T. & R.A. Gujarat Ayurveda University Jamnagar.
26. Zankhana Mankad et al, I.P.G.T. & R.A. Gujarat Ayurveda University Jamnagar.
27. Hartwell 1971.
28. Chitnis, M.P. et. al : Ind-J. Med. Res : 60:359 (1972).Dhar M.L., et. al : Ind. J. Expt. Biol. 6 : 232
(1968).Mukerji B. et. al: Ind. Med. Gaz. 77-723 (1942), Chem. Abstra, 37-3877 (1943).;Mukerji S. et. al. Ind. J.
Pharm. 32, 48 (1970); Indian Medicinal Plants: chemexil; Bulletin of the Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre Vol. XVII No. 23, Jan (1993).
Dr. Joban Modha, M.D. (Ph.D.) Ay. is Consultant Ayurveda Physician
Dr. Neha Modha, M.D. Ph.D is Lecturer, International Centre for Ayurveda Studies, Gujarat Ayurveda University,
Jamnagar

Disclaimer:

Information provided in this article is for the sole purpose of imparting education on Ayurveda and is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.