Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Oncology: Ayurvedic formulations for Arbuda in context of Cancer Management

Deepika Singh; Shalini Varshney; Atul Babu Varshney

doi:10.21760/jaims.10.6.21

Deepika Singh Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, Delhi, India.
Shalini Varshney Associate Professor, Department of Dravyaguna Vigyan, Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, Delhi, India.
Atul Babu Varshney Member, Board of Ayurveda, National commission for Indian System of Medicine, Delhi, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.10.6.21

Keywords: Ayurveda, Arbuda, Cancer, Ayurvedic formulations, Sadapushpa, Vanatrapushi, Upodika

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic and nature-aligned perspective on health and disease. Arbuda is considered analogous to malignancies, including carcinoma and sarcoma. Cancer, now the leading global cause of death, is increasingly prevalent due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. Ayurveda attributes the etiology of Arbuda and the influence of carcinogenic factors such as Ama, Visha, and Viruddha Ahara, which disrupt cellular homeostasis and immunity. While conventional treatments are effective, their non-selective cytotoxic effects can lead to considerable adverse outcomes. Ayurvedic therapies, particularly herbal formulations, may offer complementary benefits by mitigating treatment-induced side effects and promoting systemic recovery. This study seeks to catalog classical Ayurvedic formulations and single drugs referenced in the context of Arbuda, with the aim of exploring their integrative potential in preventive, palliative, or supportive cancer care.

Materials and Methods: This study involved a systematic review of classical Ayurvedic texts including Bruhatri and Laghutrayi, alongside 25 Nighantus and other Samhits. Electronic databases were searched using keywords "Arbuda".

Results: The review identified 35 formulations and three single drugs indicated for Arbuda. Single classical herbs such as Sadapushpaa, Vanatrapushi, and Upodika have shown potential anticancer activity in recent studies.

Discussion: Ayurvedic management of Arbuda employs a multifaceted approach targeting diverse pathogenic factors. This study emphasizes the potential role of classical formulations and single-drug therapies in integrative oncology and palliative care.

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