The Role of Ayurvedic Phytoconstituents and Formulations in Modern Cancer Management

Background: Cancer remains a premier global healthcare challenge characterized by toxic conventional treatments, drug resistance, and compromised patient quality of life. Traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) offers a holistic approach that can complement modern oncology. This review explores the mechanisms, clinical evidence, and supportive capacities of Ayurvedic drugs within the contemporary oncology paradigm. Methods: Literature from peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) covering classical principles and contemporary clinical/preclinical studies up to recent years was synthesized. Results: Key Ayurvedic botanicals—including, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), b and formulations like Triphala—demonstrate distinct anticancer activities by modulating pathways related to proliferation, apoptosis, and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, they provide crucial host-directed benefits, notably mitigating chemotherapy-induced toxicities like mucositis and nausea. Conclusion: Integrating validated Ayurvedic drugs into standard oncological regimens offers a highly personalized, patient-centric model. However, widespread adoption requires stricter standardization, bioavailability enhancements, and rigorous, large-scale clinical trials.