1. An Indigenous Management Of Cancer.
Introduction-
The term ‘CANCER’ derives from the latin word cancer and the Greek
word Karkinus’both meaning crab. There is a worldwide increase in the incidence
of cancer,9%of all deaths in the developing countries are attributed to various types
of cancers and it is the second leading cause of death after cardio vascular
disease.Whereas in the developing countries it is the fourth leading cause of
mortality.The studies conducted in various parts of the country show high incidence
of gastro-intestinal and respiratory systeem in males whereas cancer of cervix and
breast in females.
In Ayurvedic Classics, AcharyaShushruta has described similar observations
and symptomatology but under different nomenculture like Arbuda ’Granthi’
AsadhyaVrana’Gluma etc.Whereas Acharya Vagbhata has not given any other
definition than this.On the other hand has described it as Arbuda and Granthi are
the same
The aim of this research paper is therefore on one hand to identify and classify
such diseases which are described in Ayurveda and may be considered as cancer.On
the other hand efforts are also been needed to explore the use of certain Ayurvedic
Concepts modalities of treatment and to find out drugs which could be effective and
non-toxic to other normal cells of the body.
Concept of managment-
According to Ayurveda it can be classified as follows-
A)Systemic
B)Local
A)Systemic manegment-
i)Samshodhan Chikitsa
ii)Shamana Chikitsa
iii)Rasayana Chikitsa
I)Samshodhana Chikitsa may be divided into three groups like i)medical
ii)Paramedical
iii)Surgical
II)Shaman Chikitsa- means to achieve the level of Dosha
samyvastha(equilibrium).Alep(applying paste),Parishek(Shower of medicated
decoction), Abyangam(Oil massage), Sweda(fomentation),Pachan(the therapy
which digest uncooked foodstuff),Deepana(carminative)
III)Rasayana Chikitsa(Rejuvenative)-Restoration and preservation of the strength of the
body by acting at the level of Digestion and metabolism, increasing the nutritional
quality of Rasa dhatu(Nutritive plasma)
Ayurvedic poorva karma i.e Snehan (internal oleation) proven helpful
especially in curing hazards like nausea,loss of apetite,weight
loss,anaemia,discolouration of skin, falling of hairs, followed by high incidence of
mortality e.g. Triphala ghrita is helpful in this regard before starting chemotherapy.
(Ayurvedic management of cancer by Dr. B.L.Prasad 1986, IMS,BHU,Varanasi)

2. The use of Chandanbalalakshadi tail for external oleation (oil massage) and
for internal oleation Padamakadi Ghrita are proven to be helpful for the side
effects of Radiation(Dr.Kulkarni at al,Ahwasana-II by B.S.D.T’s Cancer Research
centre,Wagholi).
Thus poorva karma are heipful not only prolonging the span of life of cancer
patients rather at the same time it is more effective in minimizing various hazards of
anticancer treatment modalities by stimulating the self defence mechanism.the
Rasayana drug(Rejuvenative) which may helpful
1.Amrita Bhallataka
2.Brahma Rasayana
Powder Form-Narsingh Choorna
Herbo-minearl preparation-
1.Shiva Gutika
2. Vasantakusumakara Rasa
Agni Karma-(Thermotherapy)
Use of Agnikarma has been greatly emphasized as an ideal method of
treatment of Arbuda,Gulma,Speenomegaly,Hepatomegaly.In macro
method,metallic or non metallic substances are heated upto fixed temperature and
applied over the disease or skin in different figures and shapes.
Arbuda which do not respond to medical treatment the parasurgical
technology is recommended.Agni karma and Kshar Karma are advised
followingsurgery for complete eradication of dosha
Blood letting-is also advised in some types of Arbudai.e.Medija Arbuda
Surgical treatment-Granthi and Arbuda if do not resolve by proper medical
treatment should be subjected to surgical exicision.In exicision of Arbuda, Acharya
Sushruta has described that metallic tourniquet should be applied around
tha base of Arbuda and followed by exicision ,Agni Karma and Kshar Karma
according to the depth of the root.
Classical medicament by C.C.R.A.S.1986 Ayurvedic management of cancer
Sanskrit name Lattin name Parts used
Yashtimadhu Glycerazhia glabra roots
Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia stem
Bhallataka Semicarpus anacardium Semicarp,seeds
Rohitaka Amoora Rohitaka bark
Single herb by Lalites and Mohan Kumar(1980)
Sitaphala Annora squmosa Ripe fruit
Kanchar Bauhinia variegata Bark
Chakramarda Cassia tora seeds
Lajjalu Mimosa pudia Whole plant
Karveera Nerium indicum root
Kustha Sassurea lappa root
Haritaki Terminalia chebula fruit
Sadpushpi Vinca rosea leaves
Arishta Xanthium strumarium root

3. Chemical agents (Ras Bhasma) commonly used in cancer by Lalites and Mohan
Kumar 1980
Name of the Constituents Comments
preparation
Arbudahara Rasa Mercury and sulphur macerated Mentioned in all
with the decoction of of betal types of cancer
leaves,Cow;s urine
Loknatha Rasa Mercury,sulphur,mica,Aloe,iron Mentioned in
oxide, ground with Solanum nigrum Liver,Spleen.GIT
types of cancer
Suvarna Gold dust Used in lymph node
enlargement
Tamra Bhasma Colloidal powder Mentioned in all
types of cancer
Abharaka Bhasma Mica Mentioned in all
types of cancer
Manashila Arsenic sulphide External
application of
tumour
Etiopathogenesis of cancer
As per the concept of present study the diseases can be collaborated under three
categories as mentioned earlier namely as
1. Resembles clear malignancy
2. Diseases may be considered as malignant
3. Disease where possibility of malignancy can be ruled out
The concept of classification the involvement of doshic factor is also answerable
wther cancer Vatic,Paittic,Shleshmic,Tridoshaja. As the high mitotic activity and
pain are suggestive of Vatic predominance property,voluminous growth factor is
suggestive of shleshmic property whilst enzymatic interaction indicates Paittic
property.
While going through the literature it has been observed that great emphasis
been given towards the rolr of Ahar and Vihar as one of the etiological factors for
various disease.Even in modern era,importance of dietary habits and environmental
factors are given one one the main etiological factors for precipitation of of
cancer.These are some examples of epidemiological survey conducted by some
scientists.
1. There are certain types of diets which modify intenstinal flora by the
presence large numbers of anerobic bacteria producing carcinogen by
dehydrogenating bile salts (Ariss et al,1969)
2. The eating of smoked fish and rice play an important role in the development
of carcinoma of stomach(Haeszel et al 1972)
3. low residual diet and high protein diet are considered to be primary cause of
large bowel carcinoma. similarly cigarette smoking may lead to carcinoma of
bronchus.(Basu et al 1976)

4. 4. The increasing use of pesticides and organize urea leads to precipitation of
cancer.(Chinese report)
5. Contaminated drinking water by industrial worker also greater risks of
hepatic carcinoma(Jolly,1973)
6. Use of betel leaves with lime,tobacco or excessive use of Khaini or Bidi
precipitates oral cancer (R Doll1977)
Acharaya Sushruta has given emphasis on the pathogenesis of the disease under the
different nomenclature of SHATAKRIYAKALA. Viz. six different stages of
etiopathogenesis
Pathological stage Etiopathogenesis of Doshas
Sanchaya The process of carcinogenesis start nearly 10-15 ys
earlier.Predominantly Kapha prakriti showing genetic
alteration.Carcinogen start stimulating the cells at gene level.
Prakopa Carcinogen interacts with the cell and start vitiating
particular dosha in the body.
Prasara Leads to mutagenic changes and releases its vitiated chemical
and enzymatic factors in the body system
Sthasamshraya Promoting agents acts on such dormant cells and alter them
at particular site resulting into development od cancer
Vyakti Obstruction or vition of dosha at particular site due to
particular cell receptor
Bheda Affects the particular Dhatu