Ayurveda - A third Dimension to Cancer Therapy !

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Dear All,

Please go thro' an article on Cancer therapy with Ayurveda !

 

AYURVEDA – THIRD DIMENSION TO CANCER THERAPY ….?

Dr.Aashish Phadke, Navi Mumbai

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 !!

 

 

REFERENCES :

1. Fox, R.M. Mendelsohn, J. Barbosa, E. et al : Nature New Biol;

245, 234-236 (1973).

2. beljanski, M, Beljanski M.S., Plawecki, M. et al: C.R.

Acad.Sci. (Paris) (D) 280, 363-366 (1975).

3. stockdale, F.E., Topper, Y.J. : Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci, (USA),

56, 1283-1289 (1966).

4. Bischoff R., Hohzer H.J. J. Cell. Biol. 36, 111-127 (1968).

5. Lotem. J., Sachs F: Proca Natl. Acad.Sci. (USA) 76, 5158-5162

(1979)

6. Farber E: Biochemistry of Carcinogenesis : Cancer Research :

28-2338-2349 (1968)

7. Beljanski, M: Ed. S. Wolsky : Exper Biol: & Medicine :

Karger, Basel : Vol. 8, 1-189 (1978)

8. Mirko Beljanski : A new Approach to cancer therapy :

Proceeding of an International Seminar on Tr. Med. Nov 7-9th , 1992,

Calcutta.

9. Darnell J.E. : Science : 202, 1257-1261 (1978)

10. Lele R.D. Ayurveda & Modern Science : bharatiya Vidya Bhavan P

11. Charaka Somhita – Vol. 1-Chaukhamba publication.

12. Dahanukar S.A., Thatte U.M. : Ayurveda Revisiated : Popular

Publication.

13. Farber E: Cancer Res. 28: 2338-2349 (1968).

14. Borek C: J. Supramol Struct. Cell Biochem, 16, 311-336 (1981).

15. Urano, M., Koike, s. Ohara K: Cancer (Phila) : 43, 151-156

(1979).

16. Braun, D. Haris JE : Modulation to the Immune Response by

Chemotherapy: Pharmac. Ther., 14, 89-122 (1982).

17. Filder I_j., Gernstern D.M., Hart 1. r. The Biology of Cancer

Invasion & Metastasis : Ed. Klein Weinhoase : Advances on Cancer

Research : Academic Press New York : 149-250 (1978).

18. Sharandharagharya – Sharandhara Samhita – Pratham Khandha.

19. Batter O.P. : Ind. J. Expt. Biol: 20, 572 (1982).

20. Bouthank c. et. L : Planta Med. 38-138 (1983).

21. Chitnis, M.P. et. al : Ind-J. Med. Res : 60:359 (1972).

22. Dhar M.L., et. al : Ind. J. Expt. Biol. 6 : 232 (1968).

23. Mukerji B. et. al : Ind. Med. Gaz. 77-723 (1942), Chem.

Abstra, 37-3877 (1943).

24. Mukerji S. et. al. Ind. J. Pharm. 32, 48 (1970).

25. Indian Medicinal Plants : chemexil.

26. Bulletin of the Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre – Vol.

XVII No. 23, Jan (1993).

27. Vitamin Revolution, Newsweek June 7, 1993.

28. The Lancet Vol. 338, Oct 19, (1991).

 

 

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 – Ayurinstitute-Institute of Ayurveda & Panchakarma

Therapy,Navi Mumbai,India

Centre for Ayurveda & Panchakarma Therapy,Navi Mumbai ,India

e.mail -ayurinstitute

 

Thanking you,

With warm regards,

Prof.Dr.Aashish Phadke,Mumbai,India

[Guest guest]

Dr. Phadke,

You mention that auyrveda too has its limits. What do

you think are the chances of saving a patient from

AutoImmuno diseases like Severe Aplastic Anemia? Have

u come across such patients? I just need to confirm

coz I was told by haemo doc that ATG/ALG was the only

option. Can someting be done through ayurveda? Also

are there herbs that can stabilize the level of

platelets in the body?

 

I know it makes no point in asking for an online

consultation without seein the patient, but i just

need you views on this. Can Ayurveda handle Aplastic

Anemia? I dont seek a cure, but atleast a stabilizing

level of platelets enogh to keep the patient from

haemorraging inside...

 

Requesting sincere advices...

 

Regards,

Kashyap

 

--- "Prof.Dr. Aashish Phadke"

<ayurinstitute wrote:

 

> Dear All,

> Please go thro' an article on Cancer therapy with

> Ayurveda !

>

> AYURVEDA – THIRD DIMENSION TO CANCER THERAPY ….?

> Dr.Aashish Phadke, Navi Mumbai

[Guest guest]

Ayurveda brings the body back into balance so that it can move in the

direction of health. There are so many other variables such as Karma,

genetics and mental attitude that Ayurveda can help alleviate symptoms with, but

it is not a cure all for everything.

 

On the other hand I was watching a documentary on TV about two years ago where a

Tibetan Monk had clamed he could cure Cancer with Herbs. He came to San

Francisco and took on 5 stage four Cancer patients. He gave them all herbal

formulas and told them no caffeine or alcohol. Four of them started to get well.

The one that wasn't, didn't think a one glass of wine at night and one cup of

coffee in the morning would make a different. After the Monk refuse

to treat her; she begged him and assured him that she would stop; and she

started to get better. This just shows you that it doesn't take much to stop a

speeding train!

 

After having Astrology as a part of my medical tools for the last ten years I

have come to realize we have very little choice over our immediate future.{Well

may be a little} I believe the planets provide use with opportunities and

depending on our use of them determines our future lives but not our immediate

future. We all are going to die! It's the quality of life while we are here that

makes the difference.

 

Bottom line, Ayurveda has been known to cure cancer, but it will not cure them

all. But then what have you got to lose for Trying?

 

Noel Gilbert

 

>You mention that auyrveda too has its limits. What do

> you think are the chances of saving a patient from

> AutoImmuno diseases like Severe Aplastic Anemia?