Rasayana is a specialized stream of Ayurveda that has seen scientific limelight in its possible role in combating the fatal disease of cancer. Modern science is now validating what ancient Indian medical texts have been stating for thousands of years. We should explore some potential these traditional medicines could have in this fight against cancerous cells.
As Rasayana Ayurveda has been identified as a promising complementary therapy in cancer care, this paper seeks to establish the following sub-questions;
Rasayana is the outstanding branch of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is mainly concerned with rejuvenation and the physiology of longevity. In other words, it is based on the science of developing the quintessence of each tissue in the body to improve health.
Research at institutes like AIIMS has proved that Rasayana herbs contain potent compounds capable of killing cancerous cells. These compounds work in different ways: some stop the growth of the cancerous cell, while others enhance the body’s defense mechanisms to work against it.
How do Rasayana herbs attack cancer cells?
Recent scientific studies have found that Rasayana herbs work against cancer in multiple ways. Here are the main ways these herbs fight cancer cells:
Direct effects on cancer cells:
- Stopping cancer cell growth
- Making cancer cells die naturally
- Preventing cancer cells from spreading
- Stopping blood supply to the tumors
- Reducing inflammation
Support for the body’s defense system:
- Boosting immune system function
- Protecting healthy cells
- Supporting liver health
- Reducing treatment side effects
- Improving overall strength
Which Rasayana herbs are the most anti-cancer-prone anticancer?
Some Rasayan plants have been seriously studied for their ability to fight cancer. However, Triphala, a group of three fruits, has been found in research done in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology to inhibit the progress of different kinds of cancer cells.
The other important Rasayana plant is ashwagandha. It has also proved excellent in providing laboratory results. Scientists of the Tata Memorial Centre discovered that extracts of the Ashwagandha plant can potentially exterminate malignant cells without harming other healthy cells.
Among all the Rasayana compounds, curcumin in turmeric has been studied the most. Over 50 articles have been written on its anticancer potential, and more than 3000 papers are available on anticancer properties. Studies show that it can counter cancer in at least ten ways.
How do Rasayana herbs explain modern science about the effects of cancer?
Modern scientific tools let us understand at the molecular level how Rasayana herbs work. Research at the International Journal of Molecular Sciences showed that most Rasayana herbs possess compounds that can:
- Turn off genes that help cancer grow
- Turn on genes that prevent cancer
- Stop inflammation that leads to cancer
- Assist in the repair of damaged cells
- Promote the body’s normal detoxification activities
Do Rasayana herbs help during standard chemotherapy therapy?
Research from leading cancer institutions suggests that one or more Rasayanas can improve the response to standard therapies.
For example, research at the Gujarat Cancer Research Institute has demonstrated that some Rasayana herbs may:
- Improve the response to chemotherapy
- Reduce the side effects of treatment
- Spare healthy cells from damage
- Facilitate a more rapid recovery after treatment
- Increase the amount of strength and immunity of the patient
However, due to the adverse effects some of these herbs have on other drugs, any herbal treatment must be done under medical recommendation.
Challenges appear when asking;
“What makes Rasayana unique and new amongst all other remedies for anticancer treatments?”
The rationale for the uniqueness of Rasayana is because of its holistic approach. Unlike other treatments that target cancerous cells alone, Rasayana herbs take the fight to multiple dimensions:
- They fight cancer directly
- Strengthen the body’s defense system
- Help in mental well-being
- Help in overall health improvement
- Prevent the return of cancer
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine explained how the multiple pathways make this approach more effective than single-target therapies.
It remains to explain:
How do Rasayana herbs strengthen the body’s defense mechanism against cancer?
Our body has several natural ways to fight cancer cells, and Rasayana herbs help increase these defenses. Research shows they can:
- Increase the number of white blood cells
- Improve how well immune cells work
- Help the body recognize cancer cells
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- Enhance detoxification activities of the body
What have scientists said about the Rasayana in the prevention of cancer?
Rasayana therapy is a preventive medicine. Investigations at different research institutes in India found that using some Rasayana herbs regularly can probably prevent the onset of cancer by:
- Protecting the DNA from damage
- Oxidative stress decreased
- Healthy cells proliferation
- Immunological protection
- Cellular systems repair
How should patients take Rasayana herbs?
According to ancient insight and present-day science, the efficacy of Rasayana herbs can only be achieved through correct usage.
Scientists of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences suggest the following recommendations:
- Taking herbs at the right time
- Using proper preparation methods
- Combining herbs correctly
- Following dietary guidelines
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Current Research Underway:
Presently, several prominent research centers are researching Rasayana herbs. For example:
The National Cancer Institute is researching how these herbs might prevent cancer
Indian research centers are conducting clinical trials on specific herb combinations
International collaborations are finding new ways to utilize the herbs in question effectively
Conclusion:
While more research is sure to be needed, the evidence collected so far suggests that Rasayana Ayurveda contains up-and-compromising cancer prevention tools. More importantly, these herbs should be administered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan with proper expert healthcare.
Remember, Rasayanas are promising anticancer herbs but always work in combination as part of an integrated approach to health and healing. On severe matters like cancer, one should always refer to healthcare practitioners before starting a new treatment.