Integrating ayurvedic medicine into cancer research programs part 1: Ayurveda background and applications

Integrative Oncology in Cancer Care Continuum

“…There is a communication challenge in the translation of TCIM traditional texts and concepts for the mainstream scientific audience. Ayurvedic concepts such as Shatkriyakala, Prakriti, Agni and Ama provide profound contributions to the understanding of the disease process and could be explored as they are expressed in cancer patients undergoing or recovering from treatments [ 4 ]. Other barriers include financial constraints, ethical and medico-legal issues, lack of trained manpower in the domain, potential of herb-drug interactions and the availability of sufficient evidence for TCIM interventions in IO.…”

Integrative vision in cancer research, prevention and therapy

“…This is primarily due to pleiotropic activity of natural molecules. Studies in different cancer cell lines and animal models have shown that withaferin A has antiprolifrative activity due to cell cycle arrest, tumour growth inhibition by antiangiogeneisis, antimetastatic effect by inhibition of invasiveness and regression of tumour by induction of apoptosis [ 39 , 40 ]. The molecular pathways for these activities have been studied too.…”

“…While stressing the need of integration, it is stated, “Ayurveda also has an abundant resource of botanical products containing diverse pharmacoactive ingredients and millennia of experience of clinical applications for health benefits. But there is a lack of evidence-based research to demonstrate its efficacy and potential (Emphasis author's).” [ 2 ] The epistemology, Ayurvedic/plant cancer research and a long clinical experience of patients by astute Vaidyas, are cast away perfunctorily. Such reviews, despite the sizeable research cited, deter serious scientists to consider new approaches in cancer viz.…”

Integrating ayurvedic medicine into cancer research programs part 2: Ayurvedic herbs and research opportunities

“…Traditional recipes of these herb mixtures are called “ Rasayanas ” which are formulas of herbs, used in preventive and regenerative medicine, particularly for increasing strength and immunity and reversing the ageing process. Ayurvedic herbs ( Dravya ) are grouped according to their main effects on imbalances in the doshas(Vata, Pitta and Kapha) (see Part 1 of Review [ 1 ] ) and dhatu (tissues), providing corrective qualities (“ gunas ”) for the patients according to the principle of Dravyaguna [ 2 ]. These formulations may also target numerous biochemical pathways possessing a potential synergy of effects to nourish the body as a whole by supporting various organ systems [ 3 ].…”