Integrative Oncology: Role of Ayurveda in Cancer Care

Introduction: Cancer, one of the deadliest challenges spreading drastically in 21st century, has now officially become the most dangerous killer in the world according to the World Health Organization. A major drawback of conventional cancer therapies is the persistence of drug resistance, adverse reactions to chemotherapy, digestive damage, reduced quality of life, and high treatment costs. Researchers have been looking into the benefits of combining complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with traditional cancer treatments in order to solve these issues. Since ancient times, Ayurveda, the oldest Indian traditional medicine system, has used plant-based medications to prevent or reduce a variety of tumors. Additionally, experts are increasingly more interested in studying complementary and alternative medicine for cancer treatment. According to "Charaka" and "Sushruta Samhitas," cancer is characterized in Ayurveda as either inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling and is referred to as either "Granthi" (a little neoplasm) or "Arbuda" (a major neoplasm). Ayurveda's three fundamental systems—the nerve system (Vata, or air), the venous system (Pitta, or fire), and the artery system (Kapha, or water)—are crucial for regular bodily functions. All three systems become uncontrollable (tridoshas) and lose their ability to coordinate with one another in malignant tumors, which damages tissue and results in a severe condition. Tridoshas cause excessive metabolic crisis resulting in proliferation. Focusing on preclinical and clinical research, mechanisms of action, and integration with contemporary oncology, Ayurvedic herbal medications are used to treat cancer.