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AYURVEDA – THIRD DIMENSION TO CANCER THERAPY ….?

Cell function and differentiation are the outcome of multiple and
complex events (1), (2), (3), (4), (50). Information contained in
the genes is transferred to the enzymes and machinery responsible for
protein synthesis via sophisticated biochemical pathways some of
which, despite their intricacy, are now well documented conversely;
genes received information which modulates their activity. Many
different molecules are able to bind neucleic acids (deoxyribonucleic
acids, DNA & ribonucleic acid RNA), thereby modifying gene activity
as well as that of various enzymes connected with it (6), (7), (8).
It is well established that the effect of endogenous or exogenous
molecules on such fundamental processes of cell life as DNA
duplication, transcription and translation may dramatically affect
other biochemical processes both downstream and upstream (7). Binding
of any molecule to DNA may influence cell life "for better or for
worse".

Researchers have devoted a great many years of fundamental research
to a thorough investigation of the mechanism involved in these
crucial steps, with the aim of selecting molecules capable of
specifically correcting or arresting cell disturbances at the nucleic
acid level and of enhancing beneficial gene expression.

The challenge of the cancer cell must be met on three different
levels. First, cancer cell multiplication must be selectively
arrested without injury to normal cells; second, competence of the
immune system must be protected and/or restored for an active local
and whole body defense. The third necessity concerns enzymes whose
activity escapes normal biological regulation (this may be a cause or
consequence of cancer) and contributes to disease development.

With these targets in mind, we define, a non-toxic, selective
strategy encompassing the multiple aspect of the fight against cancer
(9). These were the statements given by "Mirku Beljanski" – Centre
Oncologique et Biologique de – Recherche Appliquee" – France. I think
this gives us direction for rational thinking, regarding the probable
use of Ayurvedic medicines in Cancer therapy.

Of course one has to admit the fact that the philosophical base of
Ayurveda is far different than the philosophy of the modern medicine.
One is impressed by the vast conceptual canvas and framework of
Ayurveda. It is important to realize that Ayurveda is not confined to
Medicine only; it tackles the whole subject of life in its various
ramifications. This can be seen by variety of topics discussed
therein, such as re-birth, renunciation, salvation (moksha), soul
(atma) etc. (10). The emphasis on the maintenance of positive health
or swastha vritta, is a distinguishing feature of Ayurveda. Many a
times we feel that what has been told by modern medicine is the last
word, but surprisingly, Werner Heisenberg has said "Every word or
concept, clear at it may seem to be, has only a limited range of
applicability. Scientific theories can never provide a complete and
definitive description of reality. They will always be approximations
to the true nature of the things. Science advances through tentative
answers to a series of more and more subtle questions which reach
deeper and deeper into the essence of natural phenomenon".

No doubt that as in the field of Ayurvedic medicine, we have never
given a separate thought about action of our Ayurvedic drugs on
genetic levels but certainly we are in a better position to offer
various treatment modalities which may help us to improve patients'
immunity status. Also we know that certain organization basically not
of Ayurvedic origin, have worked a lot on herbs and found that
certain plants have got specific anti-tumor activities against
specific types of tumors.

Instead of discussing about case histories, which I personally feel,
will not be appropriate to do because of various reasons, viz. My
personal experience in my own opinion is very little in this field
(tackling of cancer patients) I would like to list up probable
probabilities of therapeutic modalities, naming some of the drugs on
whom direct or indirect documentation has been available.

Rasayana Drugs :
(Immunomodulators / Adaptogenic Drugs) :
Certain drugs like Ashwagandha (withania somnifera), Shatavari
(Asparagus ratemosus) Guduchi (Tinuspora cordifoia) were given to
cancer patients along with conventional chemotherapy (in certain
studies they were given along with cyclophosphamide) and was found to
decrease the adverse reaction (Myelosuppression effect caused by
Cyclophosphamide) C12)

Because everyone is aware the high cell toxicity of the drugs and
radiation commonly used for conventional cancer therapy (13, 14, 15).
The two main immediate dangers are chromosome breakage and
destruction of the bone marrow cells which give rise to blood cells:
leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets. As a result, immune defense
are highly impaired or even destroyed (16, 17). Lymphocytes (which
make up about a third of total leukocyte count) are choice victims.

Rasayana drug concept is again one of the most crucial concept of
Ayurveda
"Rasayanam tu tad dravyam, yad jaravyadhi vinashanam| I"
Rasayana means those drugs ,when consumed keeps diseases & ageing
process away,as it has been described by Sharandharacharya (18), thus
could be utilized as a different application as an adjuvant therapy
with chemotherapy.

There are list of herbal drugs, some of which are well known drugs in
Ayurveda, usually known for certain other famous indication, but have
been found to have confirmed Anti-tumor activity by various research
organizations. I personally feel why should not we pay attention that
what sort of research is going on in connection with our Ayurvedic
drugs with reference to cancer or that matter in any other problems …?

We may agree we may not, but one should know what is going on in our
parallel disciplines. As Sushrutacharya quotes (19).
"Ekam shastram adhiyanam na vidyat shastranischayam
Tasmat bahushrutam shatram vijaniyat sah tu chiksitah ||" feel we
must give a thought to know about these herbs and then one may also
think of this Ayurvedic-Dravya gunatmaka aspect too.

Anti-tumor Plant drugs :
Comprehensive reviews of the technical and folklore literature have
been published by Hartwell in 1971, 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 anti-cancer 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, Sap0taparna, Shallaki have been reported for their
specific anti-tumor activities by various researcher as listed below
(20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)

Anti-Oxidants:
One more important aspect I would like to point out over here is
regarding use of an anti-oxidants. There are very many Ayurvedic
drugs, which contains anti-oxidants, which are necessary for fighting
against various degenerative disorders. Anti-oxidants are those,
which fights against free Radical Reactions.

Free Radical is any species capable of independent existence that
contains one or more unpaired electrons. Free radicals are today a
part of normal physiology…….. ! If excessive free radicals are
generated which will overcome the normal defence mechanism, or if the
defense are compromised or both, the consequences can be enomorous.
Free radicals are known to produce adverse changes throughout the
body (27). By snatching an electron from a neighbour, it (free
radical) can set off a chain reaction that wrecks widespread havoc on
the cells, eating away at their membrane and damaging their genetic
material (28)

………… Excessive amount of these free radicals and the Oxidative stress
they generate, can lead to many disease states (29) some sources of
free radicals can be referred to – Prostaglandin synthesis,
Phagocytosis, Ezyme activities etc as resulted by cellular
metabolism, whereas Drugs like (Bleomycin, Doxorubicin-Anticancer
drugs), Pesticidies, Air pollutants, smoke, Radiation can be examples
of environmental sources, Free radicals which crop in our bodies with
every breath we take are implicated in some 60 age related
afflications including Cancer & Heart diseases (28).

Living organisms have two principle means of protecting themselves
from the potentially injurious effect of free radicals…… !

One is via enzymes such as Glutathione Peroxidase and Catabase which
contains specific trace elements (selenium, copper and zinc) and
second is by means of antioxidants especially Vitamin C, E &
Carotenoids which quench the reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen
(29). Countless stresses from smoking to ageing can accelerate
oxidative damage that is where the antioxidant vitamins come in (28).

Once again it reminds about RASAYANA DRUG concept, Amalki and various
metallic preparations Bhasma Kalpana – (Zn) Jasad Bhasma (Cu) tamra
Bhasma & cows ghee, seasoe oil to our mind. Can we think of making
use of these groups of durgs as an anti-oxidants to prevent
possibility of getting cancer ???

Of course one even important task is to be carried out and ie whether
we are going to equate the term cancer with Arbuda? And then to give
specific drugs like Hirakabhasma or many more on any stage of
Canger/Arbuda?
There are certain references available in the contemporary Ayurvedic
literature indicating the utility of Hirakbhasma in cancer patients,
but I think there should have been a planned controlled randomized
studies to undertake to revalidate these claims.The most important
question which most of the time being asked is, can Ayurveda really
cure the cancer ? The answer is no, in all cases , but yes in certain
specific cases, especially in early stages of specific cancers ,viz.
Breast cancer , I have seen a very good regression of the disease,
but the same is not possible with advanced stages of the same Breast
cancer or there are known prognostic criterias for various types of
cancers , viz. lung cancers, uterine cancers etc., the chances of
complete recovery is much more difficult.

What as an Ayurvedic physician , we can do in such cses , we can try
to to make patients condition better than what he is, to control the
various ill effects , unwanted effects of the chemotherapy or
radiation therapy he is suffering with.By giving the appropriate
Ayurvedic therapies one can certainly help, tackle problems of severe
hyperacidity, nausea, vomiting , burning sensation, loss of appetite
in such cases.
Another point we must do is , that we must educate the patient , that
with the help of Ayurvedic therapies we are building his (
patients ) resistance in a much better way ! We must reassure hime,
but should not give entirely a wrong or false hopes , but let us give
him & his family members a new approach towards looking at this
situation.

The more the anxiety , the more the stress, there is going to be a
more chances of his immunity being fired , & this is not just an
imagination, it has been proved beyond doubt that stress can affect
your immune axis.There is going to be more of vitiation of Vata
(Vataprakopa), which will in turns leading to increase of pain.So
advise him to do some forms of meditation along with the medication.
Some sort of breathing techniques, a chanting of mantra or just
pranava omkaara, as a form of daivavyapashraya chikitsa, which will
prepare him to face the problem in a much better way.

It has been observed in various studies , that if there is a positive
approach, positive attitude towards looking at the problem & if one
has immense will power, then these patients can servive much longer
than as predicted by the oncologist or oncosurgeons !

One must pay attention towards the MIND of the patient, apart from
his body or apart from his cancerous cells.Many patients ask us , "
Doctor, I have never smoked, neither took a sip of beer nor had non
veg throughout my life, ….! Then Why, why me ? Why am I getting this
( more emphasis on this , that means cancer ) disease ?" At that
point of time even we do not have an answer to what he is saying, but
again you may take help of Ayurveda & can say that , dear certain
times certain disease , why they are precipitating , we really don't
know, even our ancient masters have mentioned that
"Swabhavam eeshwarm kalam yadritchha niyati tatha I"
that means it's the nature of that disease , its destiny that decides
that it should happen on that time , to that person….!
But we will have to accept it as it is & we must fight with it & get
rid off from it !!


In my small experience of last 10 to 12 years of Ayurvedic practice,
I could get an opportunity to treat number of cases of malignancies
of various origins. Although this number does not exceeds in hundreds
of cases, still was quite a good number. Most of these cases were
with concomitant contemporary allopathic therapies, viz. chemotherapy
or radiation therapies. There wre few patients who were strongly
against of taking these chemo or radiation therapies. They were only
on our Ayurvedic therapies. Usage of siddha gritham & Rasayana kalpam
were found out to be really of great use in many cases. There has
been a studies published on Chyavanaprashavaleham , about its utility
in combating ill effects of chemotherapy.At times we have to refuse
to treat case only with Ayurvedic therapy.I recall one case history,
there was one family came to me from far off distance to show their
one year boy baby.they showed me his first birthdays snaps. In all
these snaps one could see a greenish glue , a golden green glue at
the site of his both pupils ( in eyes). As if it was cats eye seen in
the dark ! When clinically examined I could see Cats Eye reflexes in
both his eyes. When checked his vision , we could realize that he
could not actually see, but due to sound he use to look towards that
direction ! I told his parents, please ask his mother & granny to
wait out, granny refused & stayed in, I told them , " look if my
diagnosis will go wrong then I will be really happy, but I think this
seems to be a case of Retinoblastoma, a cancer of retina." His granny
said , "Yes, doctorsab, we knew it." She showed me 4 papers of
different leading ophthalmologist from Mumbai with the same
diagnosis ! All of them have suggested for removal of one eye &
radiation to other.I said, "Well, unfortunately , that was destined ,
so please go ahead with surgery ." That old lady said , " No doc, we
wont go for Allopathy, please you only treat him with Ayurveda, cure
him !!" It was a really though time , a vry difficult task for me to
convince them that in such case a role of Ayurveda is nil at that
moment, they must enucleate the eyeball, otherwise cancer would
spread in a great way & they might loose theior child as well ! I
suggested them not to waste as single minute & rush up to the Tata
Hospital. Finally they went to Tata Cancer, & got him operated, The
child was saved !! We gave Ayurvedic therapy when he was been kept on
radiation therapy. I am very happy to say that even today also he is
well ! Now he is 9 years old, able to see with one eye, other eye has
been provided prosthesis.


What I am trying to say over here is as an Ayurvedic Consultant we
must know definitely our scope & limitations.I really don't know how
one can say with great confidence ( or perhaps with little extra
overconfidence !!) , that I can cure all kinds of Cancers, & that to
without examining the patients, without going through their reports !
How come only one wonder drug or group of drugs can cure all types of
cancers !I think people, patient themselves or their relative should
understand , should think about it very seriously.In fact these
things brings about bad name to entire pathy, Ayurveda.

I am sure with sincere pulled efforts of many devoted Ayurvedic
physicians, modern medical Oncologists, Oncosurgeons,
Pharmacologist., experimental biologists, with a holistic approach,
with a multidisciplinary approach we may find out an appropriate
solutin for this disease , cancer.We can then proudly help the rest
all world with a unique therapy of cancer which has been tested on
the basis of evidence based medicine !!


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DR. AASHISH S. PHADKE
M.D. (Ayu.) (Bom), M.I.I.M. (Gold Medal).
M.I.O.A., D.Opt. (Bom),Dip.in Yogic Edu.(Y.V.N.)
AYURVEDACHARYA, AYURVED VACHASPATH
Director – Ayurinstitute-Institute of Ayurveda & Panchakarma
Therapy,Navi Mumbai,India
Centre for Ayurveda & Panchakarma Therapy,Navi Mumbai ,India
e.mail [email protected]
 

Message No. 5107 on http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurvedaonline

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