THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF AYURVEDIC HERBAL DRUGS FOR ARBUDA (CANCER): AN INTEGRATIVE CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a multifactorial disease characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, tissue invasion, and metastasis, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in conventional therapies, challenges such as adverse effects, drug resistance, and recurrence necessitate the exploration of complementary therapeutic approaches. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, describes conditions analogous to cancer under the concept of Arbuda and advocates the use of medicinal plants for disease management. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts, peer-reviewed research articles, and scientific databases to explore the Ayurvedic understanding of Arbuda and the therapeutic potential of Ayurvedic medicinal plants in cancer management. Discussion: Ayurvedic medicinal plants possess diverse bioactive constituents that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory properties. These phytochemicals may influence multiple molecular targets involved in carcinogenesis by reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory pathways, inducing apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, inhibiting abnormal cellular signalling, suppressing tumour cell invasion, and preventing genetic mutations. Such multifaceted actions highlight their potential role as supportive agents in cancer prevention and management. Conclusion: Emerging evidence suggests that Ayurvedic medicinal plants may offer promising therapeutic benefits in cancer management through the modulation of key cellular and molecular pathways associated with tumour development and progression. Further experimental and clinical investigations are warranted to validate their efficacy, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and facilitate their integration into evidence-based oncology.