Issue : 01 DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.8147277

INTERNATIONAL

JOURNAL

DIAGNOSTICS

AND

RESEARCH

Volume : 01

Abstract

Although there is much advancement in its understanding, cancer is still one among the leading causes of death. . People from

every corner of world are having some health problems due to environmental pollution, which leads to oxidative stress. Changed

lifestyle is also one of the greatest cause of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in body increases and we start cellular aging. Many

factors are associated for causing the cancer. It may be caused either by external or internal factors or both. Consumption of

tobacco and alcohol, exposure to hazardous chemicals, ionizing radiation, infectious organisms, and other lifestyle factors comes

in external factors, whereas internal factors include inherited mutations, an imbalanced hormone level, and poor immune

conditions. This affect the incidence and mortality of cancer by modifying cellular systems of the organism. Internal factors such

as hereditary mutation cannot be modified. Lifestyle and environmental factors are the external factors which need to be modified

to control the incidence of cancer. Silent course of pathogenesis of cancer leads to poor prognosis. Early diagnosis therefore is

very essential from the prognostic point of view for cancer. Looking at the pervasive nature of cancer, this may be hypothesized

that the cause of cancer must be related closely to our lifestyles and environmental exposures. Ayurveda, an ancient health-care

wisdom presents its own principles to understand the cause of disease and health. One can choose to remain healthy by following

the recommended path for healthy living and even can revert to health. This review presents a comprehensive view of general

principles of health proposed by Ayurveda and attempts to see their applicability in the field of cancer prevention.

Keywords: Cancer, Ayurveda, oxidative stress, lifestyle, mutation, ionizing

Corresponding author: Dr. Pradnya Dakhole

Article Info: Published on : 15/04/2024

ISSN No. : 2584-2757

Volume : 01

Issue : 03

Publisher

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH

Preventive Measures of Cancer in Ayurveda : A Review

Dr. Pradnya Dakhole

, Dr. Charuta Parlewar

, Dr. Sheetal Asutkar

Professor& Head Dept. of Shalya Tantra Smt. Shalinitai Meghe Ayurved College, Hospital &RC, Bhilewada, Bhandara.

Associate Professor & Head, Dept. of Samhita Siddhant, Shri Gurudev Ayurved College and Hospital, Mozari.

Professor and Head, Dept. of Shalya Tantra DMIM’S, MGACH&RC, Salod, Wardha.

Cite this article as: - Dr. Pradnya Dakhole (2024) ; Preventive measures of cancer in Ayurveda : A Review ; Inter.J.Dignostics and

Research 1(3) 1-6,DOI :10.5281/zenedo.10972407

Introduction:

According to World Health Organization “Health is

a state of complete physical, mental and social

well- being and not merely an absence of disease or

infirmity." Later the ability to lead a "socially and

economically productive life" was added to it

[1]

One of the leading causes of death around the world

is Cancer. Although modern science is quiet

successful in understanding cancer and its

molecular basis, the knowledge about preventing or

treating cancer completely is still unknown. Factors

that are associated with the causation of cancer may

be external factors, internal factors or both.

Consumption of tobacco and alcohol, exposure to

hazardous chemicals, ionizing radiation, infectious

organisms, and other lifestyle factors are external

factors, whereas internal factors are inherited

mutations, an imbalanced hormone level, and poor

immune conditions

[2]

. They affect the incidence

and mortality of cancer by modifying cellular

systems of the organism. Internal factors like

hereditary mutation cannot be modified. To control

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cancer, external factors such as lifestyle and

environmental factors need to be modified. To

achieve this one should cease smoking, minimal use

of alcohol, increase consumption of fruits,

vegetables and whole grains, physical activity,

avoid direct exposure to sunlight, consume minimal

red meat , execute proper vaccinations and routine

screening. Oxidative stress, caused by the

overproduction of free radicals, leads to the

development of many chronic diseases including

cancer

[3]

. It has been shown that adopting changes

in lifestyle can reduce over 90% of cancer

incidence

[4]

. Although cancer is understood much

better today still, the search for an ideal treatment

that has minimal side effects and is cost-effective

continues. It is still a major health issue that

burdens high care cost and causes physical and

emotional difficulties to cancer patients. Besides

preventive measures, several therapeutic modalities

like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical

treatment have been developed. Though they are

very effective but very expensive treatment

measures and cause serious side effects. Many

times, patients develop resistance to the therapy

[5]

Poor prognosis of cancer is primarily attributed to

its silent course of pathogenesis. In prognostic point

of view early diagnosis in cancer is very crucial.

Looking at the pervasive nature of cancer, this may

be hypothesized that the cause of cancer must be

related closely to our lifestyles and environmental

exposures. Ayurveda, an ancient health-care

wisdom presents its own principles to understand

the cause of disease and health. To remain healthy,

one should follow the recommended right path for

healthy living. This review presents a

comprehensive view of general principles of health

proposed by Ayurveda and attempts to see their

applicability in the field of cancer prevention.

Aim : To evaluate the preventive measures of

cancer according to Ayurveda.

Objectives-

1. To evaluate causes of cancers.

2. To evaluate preventive measures of cancer

according to causes in Ayurveda.

Material and Method :

All the literature from classical texts of Ayurveda,

viz, Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and

Ashtang Hriday with their respective commentaries

were reviewed. Modern medicine books were

referred for modern perspective. The information

from various search engines and journals.

Discussion :

Ayurveda is an ancient science of life. It has two

important domains known as Swasthavritta and

Aturavritta. The main cause of disease is

considered to be Mandagni (diminished digestive

power). Recent researches have shown that lifestyle

modifications suppress down the occurrence of

Mandagni related disorders

[6]

. Ayurvedic treatise

are enriched with numerous preventive measures,

curative medicines and procedures as well. Many

researches are going in different fields of Ayurveda

such as Rasayana, Panchakarma etc., for

establishing their action in all fields of therapeutics.

It is the only known system of medicine across the

world which believes the need of regular

purification of the human biological system from

gross level to the molecular level to render it

suitable for self-recovery and therapeutic

responsiveness. The key principle followed in the

Ayurveda is “Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam”,

which means to maintain the health of the healthy,

rather than “Aturasya Vikara Prashamanamcha”,

means to cure the diseases of the diseased

[7]

Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritucharya

(seasonal regimen) have been mentioned for this

purpose in the classics of Ayurveda

[8]

. Applying

the knowledge of Ritucharya we can surely avoid

these by practicing regimen in accordance with the

Ritu (seasons) to maintain the harmony of the

Tridosha and to stay healthy ever. It is now evident

that ancient techniques, therapeutics (Rasayana),

Panchakarma and Yoga etc are being accepted to

accomplish the following goals of treatment :

1.Strengthen immune system.

2.Efficient detoxification system.

3.Responsive inflammatory system.

4.Optimal metabolic system.

5.Balanced regulatory system.

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6.Enhanced regenerative system.

7.Harmonize the life force.

8. Free radical scavenging or anti-oxidant

[9]

9.Consumption of tobacco and alcohol depends on

our mind, which we can call as Mansikvega and for

Dharan of Mansikvega ( mind control), person

should be aware of code and conduct ( Sadvritta)

mentioned by Ayurveda

[10]

. Human being is

constantly in search of happiness and there is no

happiness without righteousness. Hence all should

follow the path of righteousness. The rule of good

conduct, he who adapts it will attain long life,

health, wealth, reputation & also the eternal world

[11]

10.The code of conduct mentioned in Ayurveda is

in accordance to that era and the problems of today

need to develop new code of conduct so that we can

prevent diseases occurring due to exposure to

hazardous chemicals, ionizing radiations due to

occupation, also the pollution & changes in

environment, loss of ozone layer in atmosphere.

11.According to Ayurveda infection is not primary

cause of any disease. Occurrence of disease

depends on our immune system and not on

organism

[12]

immune system means presence of

‘Oja’ in proper level in body. Oja provides strength

to body in terms of physical, mental,

immunological and resistance of body

[13]

12.To strengthen the immunity Oja should be in it

limits, Ayurveda states if the metabolism of dhatu is

good the Oja produced is supreme as Oja is Prasad

Bhag of Dhatu . Regular exercise and work out

(Vividhascha Chesta) and healthy diet

Pathyakarahar) is must for good immunity

[14]

. The

causes of cancer are both infections and low

immune system will over by regular exercise and

healthy diet. To strengthen Oja, herbs of Jivaniya

Gan, milk and Mansa Ras has to be taken in regular

diet

[15]

13.Oxidative stress is a crucial factor in the

development of chronic diseases including cancer.

Antioxidants are thus required to counteract

oxidative stress and overcome cellular damage for

the prevention of oxidative stress related diseases

like cancer. The antioxidants can be produced by

cells endogenously or can be supplied to the cells

through food or exogenously

[16]

. Because of the

limitations in endogenous productions of

antioxidants by cells, exogenous supplements of

antioxidants can satisfy the requirement and thereby

reduce oxidative stress mediated cellular damage

and carcinogenesis

[17]

. According to one study

Ayurvedic medicine “ Jeevaneeya Rasayan" ( an

Ayurvedic polyherb formulation ) was found to

increase the anti oxidant enzymes and level of

glutathione content in arthritic rats. This

formulation also decreased the concentration of C-

reactive protein, thiobarbituric acid reactive

substances and ceruloplasmin in rats

[18]

. Means it

acts like anti inflammatory.

14.Hormonal imbalance – hormones create

emotions of Sukh ( happiness ) and Dukh ( sadness

). If one follows the guidelines of code of conduct

like exercising regularly, managing stress, getting

enough quality sleep, quitting smoking or using

tobacco products, having healthy food and

maintaining healthy weight, it will give good health

resulting in production of good balanced hormones.

Yoga and meditation also helps in hormone

regulation. Yoga has been shown to stabilize

emotional imbalances, prevent the abnormal

functioning of vital organs and restrain and control

the nervous system

[19]

15.Efficient detoxification- abnormal Doshas,

weakened Dhatus and weakened Agni are major

risk factors which weaken immune status and

predispose an individual to serious diseases such as

cancer. “Ama” is a toxic, heavy, unctuous, and

sticky juice which originates as a waste-product of

digestion and metabolism

[20]

. The word “Ama” can

be translated to mean “immature” or “incompletely

digested” food. “Ama” builds up in persons whose

digestion is either weak or overloaded with the

wrong foods

[21]

. Individuals with weak Agni (

digestive power) have weak digestive powers (a

characteristic associated with Kapha Prakriti) and

produce “Ama” more easily. Ayurveda states that

simple foods ( Laghu Ahar) minimize formation of

“Ama”. Consuming food or water before complete

digestion of previously consumed food also causes

“Ama” and leads to vitiation of all three Doshas.

Overall, a weakened Agni is the root cause of

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“Ama,” which is a major risk factor for disease

[22]

Since “Ama” is considered the root cause of

disease, it must be fully digested before one can

rectify vitiated Doshas

[23]

. Accordingly of 10 types

[24]

. Panchakarma is also a kind of Langhan so

Panchakarma procedures for eliminating vitiated

Doshas are only effective if preexisting “Ama” has

been completely digested

[25]

. Regular Panchkarma

leads to detoxification and reduces free radicals

which is one of cause of cancer.

16.Dharan (suppression) of Adharniyavega is the

cause of all disease

[26]

, it leads to Vatprakopa. Vata

is responsible for all kinds of action in body, even

accumulation of Vata leads to immflammation

[27]

This inflammation give rise to tumors and cancers

[28]

16.Cancer is a Santarpanothvyadhi and to get rid of

it one has to follow Langhan. Cause of oxidative

stress is ‘Aam’ which occurs due to Mandagni.

Hence Langhan or fasting (type of Langhan which

means there should be at least 12 hours gap

between two meals) is one of the preventive

remedies for cancer. A study shows fasting causes

autophagy. During fasting the cells break down

proteins and use them for energy

[29]

17.Harmonizing the life forces- Ayurveda has

described Ashwasan and Harshanchikitsa or

Satwawjaychikitsa for physical and mental well

being as these makes Pranprasanna (soul happy)

[30]

Conclusion :

The causes of cancer enlisted earlier can be

prevented by following preventive measures

mentioned in Ayurveda like :

1) To follow Dincharya, Ritucharya and Sadvritta

(code and conduct), one should not supress

(Dharan) the Adharniya Vega.

2) Always keep mind under control (Dharana of

Dharniya Vega).

3) Undergo Vaman, Virechan, Rakttamokshan

(bloodletting) and Basti in their Prakop Kal

(aggravated time) means Vaman in Vasant

Ritu, Virechan and Rakttamokshan in Sharad

Ritu, and

Basti in Varsha Ritu. After doing

Panchakarma one should take Rasayan and

Vajikaran treatment.

4) Always take healthy diet and do regular

exercise including yoga and pranayama.

5) Take Harshan and Ashwasan Chikittsa to

hormonise inner force. These are preventive

measures of not only cancer but all kind of

diseases.

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ISSN : 2584-2757

DOI : 10.5281/zenedo.10972407

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