Researchers have devoted a great many years of fundamental research to a thorough investigation of the mechanism involved in these crucial steps, with the aim of selecting molecules capable of specifically correcting or arresting cell disturbances at the nucleic acid level and of enhancing beneficial gene expression.

The challenge of the cancer cell must be met on three different levels. First, cancer cell multiplication must be selectively arrested without injury to normal cells; second, competence of the immune system must be protected and/or restored for an active local and whole body defense. The third necessity concerns enzymes whose activity escapes normal biological regulation (this may be a cause or consequence of cancer) and contributes to disease development.

With these targets in mind, we define, a non-toxic, selective strategy encompassing the multiple aspect of the fight against cancer (9). These were the statements given by “Mirku Beljanski” – Centre Oncologique et Biologique de – Recherche Appliquee” – France. I think this gives us direction for rational thinking, regarding the probable use of Ayurvedic medicines in Cancer therapy.

Of course one has to admit the fact that the philosophical base of Ayurveda is far different than the philosophy of the modern medicine. One is impressed by the vast conceptual canvas and framework of Ayurveda. It is important to realize that Ayurveda isn’t confined to medicine only; it tackles the whole subject of life in its various ramifications. This can be seen by variety of topics discussed therein, such as re-birth, renunciation, salvation (Moksha), soul (atma) etc. (10). The emphasis on the maintenance of positive health or swastha vritta, is a distinguishing feature of Ayurveda. Many a times we feel that what has been told by modern medicine is the last word, but surprisingly, Werner Heisenberg has said “Every word or concept, clear at it may seem to be, has only a limited range of applicability. Scientific theories can never provide a complete and definitive description of reality. They will always be approximations to the true nature of the things. Science advances through tentative answers to a series of more and more subtle questions which reach deeper and deeper into the essence of natural phenomenon”.

No doubt that as in the field of Ayurvedic medicine, we have never given a separate thought about action of our Ayurvedic drugs on genetic levels but certainly we are in a better position to offer various treatment modalities which may help us to improve patients’ immunity status. Also we know that certain organization basically not of Ayurvedic origin, have worked a lot on herbs and found that certain plants have got specific anti-tumor activities against specific types of tumors.

Instead of discussing about case histories, which I personally feel, will not be appropriate to do because of various reasons, viz. My personal experience in my own opinion is very little in this field (tackling of cancer patients) I would like to list up probable probabilities of therapeutic modalities, naming some of the drugs on whom direct or indirect documentation has been available.

Rasayana Drugs :

(Immunomodulators / Adaptogenic Drugs) :

Certain drugs like Ashwagandha (withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus ratemosus) Guduchi (Tinuspora cordifoia) were given to cancer patients along with conventional chemotherapy (in certain studies they were given along with cyclophosphamide) and was found to decrease the adverse reaction (Myelosuppression effect caused by Cyclophosphamide) C12)

Because everyone is aware the high cell toxicity of the drugs and radiation commonly used for conventional cancer therapy (13, 14, 15). The two main immediate dangers are chromosome breakage and destruction of the bone marrow cells which give rise to blood cells: leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets. As a result, immune defense are highly impaired or even destroyed (16, 17). Lymphocytes (which make up about a third of total leukocyte count) are choice victims.