Cancer is a major health problem worldwide, with 19.3 million new cases and 10 million deaths in 2020. By 2030, it is expected that there will be 21.7 million new cancer cases and 13 million deaths, mainly because the population is growing and leading towards a multiple number of lifestyle and metabolic disorders every day. Factors like genetics, the environment, and unhealthy habits can cause cancer. Common treatments for cancer include surgery, Chemotherapy, and radiation, which can be effective but often come with serious side effects. These side effects can consist of a weakened immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections, and extreme tiredness. Despite these challenges, research continues to explore better ways to treat cancer with fewer harmful effects.
These challenges have sparked growing interest in alternative approaches, including herbal medicine and Ayurveda, to improve outcomes and quality of life.
- Living a healthy lifestyle is key to reducing cancer risk.
- Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking and too much alcohol
- staying at a healthy weight can help prevent cancer
- Balancing work and personal life is also important
Stress, lack of sleep, and sitting too much can weaken the immune system and increase cancer risk. Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system, offers natural remedies that can support cancer care. Herbs like Triphala, Ashwagandha, Haridra, Neem, Guduchi and many more magical herbs of Ayurveda work as healing heroes by helping strengthen the immune system, reduce tumor growth, and ease chemotherapy side effects. Ayurveda suggests that balancing the body’s energies can help prevent and heal cancer.
In modern medicine, Chemotherapy is the first line of treatment method for many types of cancer, especially for metastatic diseases. Chemotherapy and anti-cancer therapeutic drugs do not work properly on cancer as they are mainly targeted to kill cancer cells but do not repair the regulatory function of healthy cells. As a result, the degradation takes place continuously, which will affect the patient’s quality of life in the long term.
Whereas Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda rejuvenates the body, delays aging, boosts immunity and enhances vitality, intellect, and strength. These herbs nourish all tissues, prevent degeneration, and offer protective benefits against radiation and toxins. Ayurveda emphasizes restoration and healing and can be used in conjunction with disease-modifying treatments.
Haridra (Curcuma Longa)
A cornerstone of Ayurveda, combats cancer through curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. It inhibits tumor growth, induces apoptosis, blocks angiogenesis, regulates the cell cycle, and reduces oxidative stress. By modulating epigenetic pathways, Haridra offers a holistic, safe, and potent approach in integrative oncology.
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)
Revered in Ayurveda as “Amrita,” exhibits potent anti-cancer properties through its bioactive compounds. It inhibits tumor proliferation, induces apoptosis, blocks angiogenesis, and reduces oxidative stress. By enhancing immune response, protecting DNA, and suppressing inflammation, Guduchi offers a safe and natural approach to cancer prevention and treatment, aligning seamlessly with integrative oncology practices.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
A tested Ayurvedic adaptogen, exhibits powerful anti-cancer properties through its withanolides. It inhibits tumor growth, induces apoptosis, blocks angiogenesis, and reduces oxidative stress. By enhancing immune defense, protecting DNA, and suppressing inflammation, Ashwagandha offers a widespread approach to cancer prevention and treatment, aligning seamlessly with integrative oncology.
Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum)
Valued and worshipped as the protector of every household, exhibits potent anti-cancer properties through bioactive compounds like eugenol and ursolic acid. It inhibits tumor growth, induces apoptosis, blocks angiogenesis, reduces oxidative stress, and boosts immune response. Tulsi offers a holistic and healing approach to cancer prevention and integrative treatment by protecting DNA and suppressing inflammation.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
A powerful anti-cancer agent in Ayurveda, is rich in bioactive compounds such as gingerol and shogaol. These compounds effectively inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and prevent angiogenesis. Ginger combats oxidative stress, enhances immune function, safeguards DNA, and curtails inflammation, providing a safe and healthy approach to cancer prevention and therapy.
Yashtimadhu
Also known as Licorice, holds a prominent place in Ayurvedic medicine for its exceptional anti-cancer properties. Enriched with bioactive compounds like glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and saponins, Yashtimadhu exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, making it a powerful natural remedy against cancer.
Shigru (Moringa Oleifera)
An esteemed Ayurvedic herb, boasts potent anticancer properties. Its bioactive compounds exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, effectively inhibiting tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, and mitigating oxidative stress. Shigru enhances immune response, offering a comprehensive, natural approach to cancer prevention and integrative therapy.
NeemNeem (Azadirachta Indica)
Neem is effective against leukemia, lung, breast, skin, and liver cancers. It boosts immune function, induces apoptosis, and prevents angiogenesis. Its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties neutralize carcinogenic effects, enhancing the body’s resilience and offering a natural, holistic defense against cancer progression.
Along with the above-mentioned mechanism of actions of various potential Ayurveda drugs in cancer management, let’s also gain insight into the indications of the drugs in various types of cancers.
- Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Breast, Lung, Prostate, Colon cancers
- Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Breast, Lung, Colon, Liver, Prostate cancers
- Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): Leukemia, Lymphoma, Breast, and Liver cancers
- Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum): Breast, Lung, Colon, Prostate, Skin cancers
- Ginger (Zingiber Officinale): Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Liver cancers
- Shigru (Moringa Oleifera): Breast, Colon, Liver, Stomach, Leukemia
- Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Leukemia, Lung, Breast, Skin, Liver cancers
- Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Lung, Breast, Colon, Leukemia
Conclusion
Ayurvedic herbs and formulations offer a holistic approach to cancer care, aligning with the principles of balance and harmony within the body. Their properties, such as tumor inhibition, apoptosis induction, inflammation reduction, and immune enhancement, support the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Rooted in ancient wisdom, these remedies work synergistically with modern oncology, providing a sustainable and integrative path to health, with growing scientific validation reinforcing their therapeutic potential in cancer prevention and treatment.
