Ayurveda describes tumor-like pathological conditions under the entities Granthi (localized, encapsulated swellings) and Arbuda (larger, progressively increasing and infiltrative swellings). Although these descriptions predate molecular biology, they present a systemic and functional understanding of abnormal tissue growth. The present narrative review aims to compile classical Ayurvedic explanations of Granthi and Arbuda and to conceptually correlate them with contemporary oncological mechanisms, particularly the hallmarks of cancer. Classical Ayurvedic concepts such as Dosha imbalance (with predominance of Kapha and Meda), Agnimandya, Ama formation, Srotorodha, Dhatu vitiation, and Oja kshaya are analyzed and interpreted in light of modern processes including chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, invasion, metastasis, and cancer-associated cachexia. Available preclinical and review-based evidence on Ayurvedic botanicals with anticancer potential is also summarized. The review highlights conceptual complementarities between Ayurveda and modern oncology while emphasizing the need for rigorous translational and clinical research for safe and evidence-based integration.
2Shabana Mokashi 1*Dr. Bishnupriya Mohanty (Sat,) studied this question.