Let us share a technical overview of Rasayana Ayurveda’s potential to reduce cancer incidence!
Cancer comprises 100 unique diseases by which mutation multiply rapidly, affect the adjacent tissues and metastasize to far off organs by means of lymph and blood spread bringing about cancer environment in the body.
Rasayana Ayurveda incorporates different rejuvenative modalities including diet, lifestyle, herbo-minerals and detox methods that focus on the root cause of this condition and transforms to reestablish the body’s inborn imperativeness and resistance.
What are different Rasayana compounds that have shown anti-cancer properties in the preclinical examinations through various components?
- Ayurvedic mulikas such as Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Shatavari contain withanolides, flavonoids, lactone intensifies that slow down cell multiplication flagging pathways (Jak-Detail, MAPK/ERK), cell cycle proteins (p53, p21, p27, pRB) and inflammatory arbiters (NF-kB) to control oncogenesis.
- Bhasmas, which are metallic compounds that have been calcined, like Swarnamakshika Bhasma and Abhraka Bhasma, which are made using special Ayurvedic processes, have a selective cytotoxic effect, causing apoptosis only in carcinoma cell lines while sparing normal cells.
- Rasayana elixirs like Chyawanprash increase activity and expression of antioxidant/detoxification system enzymes (CAT, SOD, GST, QR etc) conferring chemoprevention against carcinogens and tumorigenesis.
- Certain therapies like Vamana (medicated emesis) and Raktamokshana (blood-letting) eliminate vitiated doshas/toxins thereby preventing biochemical accumulation that can trigger mutations and malignant changes.
Discussion:
However, Rasayana modalities being multi-componential and synergistic approaches require tailoring to cancer subtype and stage of progression based on comprehensive Ayurvedic assessment of contributing factors. They are better suited alongside conventional therapies rather than stand-alone options for suspected malignancies which can then be addressed by specific anticancer formulations.
Large scale randomized controlled trials are lacking and hence clinical evidence remains limited regarding remission or long term survival without recurrence. Consultation with an experienced Ayurveda specialist is thus imperative.
Observation:
In summary, Rasayana as adjuvant therapy demonstrates promising potential to assist cancer management through diverse pharmacological actions and addressing etiological factors, but confirmation requires extensive clinical validation. Outcomes likely depend on the presentation of unique prakriti, doshas, doshas and point of intervention in disease trajectory.
