Year: 2024 | Month: July-September | Volume: 9 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 325-331
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20240339
The Role of Herbal Medicines and Ayurveda in Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review
Jassim Rahiman K1, Om Prakash Singh2, Rukhsar Parveen3, Sowmiya V4, Yadav Pooja Shivshankar5
1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Apex Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine and Hospital, Chunar, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh
2Professor, 3Junior Resident, 4Junior Resident, 5Senior Resident
Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
Corresponding Author: Jassim Rahiman K
ABSTRACT
Cancer is a major global health issue, with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often associated with significant side effects, leading to an increased interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), particularly Ayurvedic herbal medicines. This comprehensive review evaluates the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic herbal medicines in cancer treatment, focusing on preclinical and clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and integration with modern oncology. Some important discoveries include the fact that herbs like Triphala, Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Ashwagandha may be able to stop tumors from growing, boost the immune system, and lower the harmful effects of chemotherapy. The lack of rigorous clinical trials, variations in herbal formulations, and potential interactions between herbs and drugs have hindered the widespread use of Ayurvedic therapies in oncology. The review highlights the need for standardization of herbal formulations, well-designed clinical trials, and a deeper understanding of herb-drug interactions to facilitate the integration of Ayurveda with modern cancer care. The holistic approach of Ayurveda, combined with contemporary medical practices, offers the potential for more comprehensive and patient-centered cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords: Ayurvedic Medicine, Cancer Treatment. Integrative Oncology, Herbal Medicine