Article: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC HERBAL AND MINERAL FORMULATIONS IN ARBUDA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CANCER

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1406163

Pages: 32-40

Author: Vimarsha Vinayak Bhatkalkar, Madduru Muni Haritha, Ajith Kumar, Prashant G Jadar *

Abstract: In the present era, cancer is a burning issue caused by the mutation in the cells in which cells divide uncontrollably, thus forming abnormal cell mass in the body. Other causative factors include hereditary factors, lack of exercise, alcohol, smoking, exposure to harmful radiation, consumption of red meat, high-fat diet, etc. Modern cancer therapy such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation therapy is considered to cause dangerous side effects such as hair loss, loss of appetite, anaemia, constipation, etc., causing destruction and depletion of the body's immune system. In Ayurveda, Acharyas have mentioned various herbs and herbo-mineral formulations indicated in Arbuda, which can be used in oncology and aim to strengthen immunity, restore equilibrium, build strength, and restore. Ayurvedic herbs, mineral formulations and lepas (external application) have been mentioned. Herbs such as Ashwagandha, Haridra, Guduchi, Bhallataka, Tulasi, Rasona, and Kanchanara etc., minerals such as swarna, tamra, abhraka, vajra bhasmas etc., herbal and mineral formulations such as Kanchanara guggulu, Talkeshwar rasa, Dinardha rasa, Nityananda rasa, Roudra rasa, etc. and few Lepas have been mentioned in the various texts which are indicated in Arbuda. Despite all these formulations and herbs mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, evidence-based research is lacking to demonstrate their efficacy and potential for cancer activity. Hence, an attempt is made to review various formulations mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts to incorporate them into clinical practice.

Keyword: Anticancer, Arbuda, Rasoushadhi, Kashtoushadhi, Ayurveda chikitsa