Different research studies have proven that there are many herbal plants like Withania somnifera etc. are exhibit antitumor, antiproliferative, and anticancer activities. The details are below-

1. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): Variations in the anti-tumor constituents of W. somnifera were observed, and in-vivo growth inhibitory effects of the root extracts of the plant were demonstrated in a transplantable mouse tumor sarcoma 180 in 1992 (1527) BALB/c mice.

The extracts of the plant as well as the isolated withanolides, withaferin A, have emerged as potent anticarcinogenic agents in lung, breast, colon, cervical, brain, prostate, and other cancers. WFA, Withanolide D, Withalongolide A, and its triacetate derivatives have been found to possess anticarcinogenic activities in cells (Devi P U et al., 1992).^[3]

2. Curcuma longa (Haridra): Anti cancer activity of turmeric(curcumin) was evaluated, in vitro and in vivo studies in mice. The active constituent was curcumin showed cytotoxicity in different cancer cells. (Kuttan R et al 1985)^[4]

3. Abrus precatorius (Gunja): The in vitro anti-cancer activity of the ETA extract was evaluated against P815 tumour cells. (M. lebri et al. 2015)^[5]

4. Semecarpus anacardium (Bhallatak): Water, alcoholic and oil extract of semicarpus anacardium were antimutagenic on human lymphocytes (A B Kothari et al. 1997)^[6]

5. Vinca rosea (Sadabahar): Vinca alkaloids are vincristine and vinblastine where isolated from the plant and were given to patients with breast cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukaemia, testicular cancer and lung cancer (Cragg and Newman 2005, Mann 2002)^[7]

The main mechanism of action of these agents are that they bind to tubulin and disrupt the function of micro tubules particularly those comprising the mitotic spindle apparatus by arresting metaphysic of the cell cycle (Moudi et al. 2013)^[8]

6. Taxus baccata (Sthouneyak): The in vitro cytotoxic effect of aqueous, ethanolic, methanol and ether extract of plant T. Baccata on BHK-21. The cytotoxic effects were determined for leaves and Bark of T. baccata on BHK -21 fibroblast cell line (Ankita joshi et al. 2012)^[9]

15. Aegle marmelos (Bilva): The hydro- alcoholic extract of A. Marmelos shows antiproliferative activity of transplanted Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in swiss albino mice. (A Ganesh Chandra jagetia et al. 2005)^[18]

16. Vitex negundo (Nirgundi): Chloroform, ethanol and aqueous root extracts of V. negundo shows potent anticancer activity, the in- vitro evaluation method against Dalton’s ascites lymphoma cell lines. (B Edwin jose et al. 2021)^[19]

17. Cannabis sativa (Bhanga): Cannabidiol and Cannabis sativa found as potent anticancer in prostate cancer cells. (R kowsalya et al. 2015)^[20]

18. Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi): An in vitro study, aqueous and dry extract of the Ocimum sanctum plant has shown cytotoxic agent against oral squamous cancer line (ca 9-22). O. Sanctum can be used as an anticarcinogenic and chemotherapeutic agent. (A M Luke et al. 2021)^[21]

19. Calotropis procera (Arka): In vitro study of methanolic, hexane, aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of the Calotropis procera root shows antiproliferative property against human Hep 2 cancer cell line. (R Mathur et al. 2009)^[22]

20. Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga): The in vitro study of Achyranthes aspera leaf, stem and root acetone extract has shown the cytotoxicity against the Hela cell line. (Nafisehsadat et al. 2020)^[23]

Modern View of Cancer

Cancer encompasses a diverse range of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in organs or tissues. These cells proliferate uncontrollably, extending beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjacent tissues and potentially spread to distant organs - a process known as metastasis. Common terms used interchangeably with cancer include neoplasm and malignant tumour.

Globally, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death, claiming an estimated 9.6 million lives in 2018 alone, representing approximately 1 in 6 deaths worldwide. Among men, lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers are prevalent, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancers are more common among women.

Types of Carcinomas:

Adenocarcinoma: Originates in glandular epithelial cells lining organs, i.e., The prostate, breast, large intestine, pancreas, and renal parenchyma. It includes renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Epidermis is the most common form of skin cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Arises from the squamous cell epithelial part of the skin epidermis, commonly occurring in the sun-exposed part like the whole face, ears, neck, arms, and feet, and also in the mucous membranes of pulmonary tissue, oesophagus, and scalp and throat.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): mostly in milk ducts. DCIS is non-invasive and curable.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: it is also found on breast milk ducts, like DCIS, but it can spread into surrounding tissue. If left untreated, it can metastasize. Most common type of breast cancer.

Sarcoma: Sarcomas develop in connective tissues such as Blood, bone, cartilage, fat, muscular part of body. Sarcomas can originate in different regions of the body, spanning from the head to the toes:

Leukaemia: This cancer affects white blood cells and originates in tissues responsible for blood cell production, like the bone marrow. Leukaemia refers to cancers originating from blood cells, beginning in blood-forming tissues like the bone marrow. The bone marrow produces cells that mature into white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, each serving distinct functions:

White blood cells combat infections.
Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs.
Platelets aid in clot formation to prevent bleeding.

In leukaemia, the bone marrow generates an excessive number of abnormal cells, primarily affecting white blood cells. These abnormal cells accumulate in the bone marrow and bloodstream, hindering the normal functions of blood cells.

Different types of tumour markers are used based on an individual's health history, cancer diagnosis, and presenting symptoms. Here are some common tumour markers and their applications, some of which are specific to certain cancers while others are associated with multiple cancer types:

Conventional Treatment Modalities for Cancer Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to eradicate cancer cells. Discover how chemotherapy functions against cancer.

Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is employed to impede the growth of hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancers.

Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia entails heating body tissues to temperatures up to 113°F to induce damage and destruction of cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy harnesses the immune system to combat cancer.

Photodynamic Therapy: Photodynamic therapy employs light-activated drugs to eliminate cancer and abnormal cells.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy utilizes high-dose radiation to eradicate cancer cells and reduce tumour size.

Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cell transplants restore stem cells that produce blood cells in individuals whose cells have been depleted by intensive chemotherapy or radiation.

Surgery: Surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue from the body.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy focuses on specific changes in cancer cells that facilitate their growth, division, and spread.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Cancer

Arbuda Samprapti (Su.Ni.11/13-15)

गात्रप्रदेशे क्वचित दोषाः सम्मूच्छिता मांसमभिप्रदूष्य \\
वृत्तं स्थिरं मन्दरूजं महान्तमनल्पमूलं चिरवृद्धयपाकम \\
कुर्वन्ति मांसोपचयं तु शोफं तदर्बुदं शास्त्रविदो वदन्ति \\
वातेन पित्तेन कफेन चापि रक्तेन मांसेन च मेदसा च \\
तज्जायते तस्य च लक्षणानि ग्रन्थेः समानानि सदा भवन्ति ।। १५ ।। ^[30]

Sometimes the defects in the region of the body are stunned and contaminate the Mams, the circle is stable, slowly painful, great, not small,

However, its primary emphasis lies in preventive measures. Hartwell compiled data on approximately 3000 plants with documented anti-cancer properties, many of which have been utilized as potent anti-cancer drugs (Balachandran and Govindrajan, 2005). Among Ayurvedic herbs, around 30 have demonstrated antitumor activities, with the potential for this number to increase as more herbs are investigated (Ramakrishnan et al., 1984).

Samprapti of Arbuda (Cancer)

The Ayurvedic perspective on cancer is primarily rooted in the Dosic theory, focusing on Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Cancer development, according to this theory, occurs due to an imbalance among the Doshas. Vata, being the active Dosha, plays a role in the metastatic process. Pitta, with its increased metabolic activity, fuels the growth of cancerous cells, while Kapha, characterized by its bulkiness, contributes to the aberrant multiplication of cells.

Various types of Arbuda (tumours) are classified based on Doshas and Dhatus. Dosha-based classifications include Vata, Pitta, Kapha, and Tridoshja, while Dhatus-based classifications include Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscles), and Medas (fat).

The development of Arbuda can be triggered or precipitated by irritability and trauma. For instance, Mamsarbuda, arising from trauma, manifests as a painless, immovable, stone-like swelling at the site of the injury and is deemed incurable. Certain types of tumours, particularly those that exude heavily or are located in critical organs, are also considered incurable.

Arbudas, by nature, do not generate pus due to the prevalence of Kapha and Medas, which contribute to the stability of the Doshas and the formation of hard masses.

In the quest for medicinal herbs with potential antitumor properties within Ayurveda, numerous herbs exhibit diverse pharmacological actions. However, identifying them can be challenging, as some are scarce, have toxic side effects, or are rarely used. Consequently, we have opted to focus on a select few herbs that are well-established, readily available, cost-effective, uncontroversial in identity, devoid of known toxicity, and have been in use for centuries.

Conclusion

Herbal plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are recognized for their diverse health benefits. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential anti-cancer properties of various herbal compounds. Plants play an important role in our daily lives. Plants have many nutritional and therapeutic benefits for humans. Many constituents extracted from herbal plants have been studied. Various studies have shown clear evidence that herbal constituents have efficacy in preventing and treating cancer, and exhibit anti-proliferative bioactivities with extensive safety against cancer. In the recent decade, treatment with herbal plants has increased worldwide. Prevention is an active measure to decrease the risk of cancer. Improper dietary habits, an unhealthy lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors are major contributors to carcinogenesis.