Correspondence Address:
Dr. Amit S Ahire M. S. Department of Samhita & Siddhant, SSAM, Ganeshwadi, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
Date of Acceptance: 2024-08-24
Date of Publication:2024-09-05
Article-ID:IJIM_325_10_24 http://ijim.co.in
Source of Support: Nill
Conflict of Interest: None declared
How To Cite This Article: Ahire A. A novel theory of Necrotic Neoplasm treatment on Ayurvedic principles of Rasayan Chikitsa. Int J Ind Med 2024;5(8):12-14 DOI: http://doi.org/10.55552/IJIM.2024.5803
Introduction: - Necrotic neoplasms, or necrotic cancer tumors, are observed in many cancer patients of different origins. The cause of this phenomenon is not fully understood by modern medicine, and there is no specific treatment available. In this context, we seek to explore the condition and potential treatment from an Ayurvedic perspective, particularly through Rasayana Chikitsa. Aim: -To postulate a theory for treating Necrotic Neoplasm according to the Ayurvedic principles of Rasayana Chikitsa. Methods: - As this is a critical study, material collection from various sources was done. Critical reading was done. Critical thinking with deductive reasoning was done. Upon discussion with peers, the conclusion was deducted.
Keywords: Cancer, Necrosis, Rasayana, Ayurveda, Novel, Neoplasm, Amla, Triphala, Pippali, CD4 CD8 NK Cells, Immune-remodeling.
Cancer is a widespread disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the potential to spread to other parts of the body. The Indian subcontinent sees a high prevalence of lung cancers, followed by mouth cancers, making cancer a significant health concern in the region. In the female populous, breast cancer is the most prevalent followed by cervix.
In India, the prevalence of lung and oral submucosal carcinomas surpasses that of other cancer types such as prostate cancer due to widespread tobacco usage in various forms. This has contributed significantly to mortality and disability rates in the country. Necrosis can be described as an uncontrolled and disordered process of cell destruction. It has only recently gained attention in cancer research. Its presence indicates rapid cell division, surpassing the rate of angiogenesis, and is considered a hallmark of aggressive tumors. Additionally, it is associated with hypoxia, inflammatory responses, and poor prognosis. According to some recent studies, Tumor necrosis is seen in Small Hepatocellular carcinomas (sHCC) at around 46%, in Breast Cancers 45%. Tumor necrosis causes pro-inflammatory cytokines that may stimulate angiogenesis and cancer progression.
Hypoxia
Hypoxia promotes high-grade tumour features and necrosis is associated with tumour progression. This also translates to chemotherapy and radiation therapy resistance making it difficult to treat. A recent study found that a high level of potassium was released from necrotic tumour cells. The study suggests that the extracellular potassium released from tumour necrosis inhibits both CD4 and CD8 T cell activities that are critical for anti-tumour immunity. Ayurveda has dedicated specific chapters in various Samhitas to Rasayana. Rasayana is described as a practice aimed at anti-aging, sustaining quality of life, and invigorating treatment. It encompasses various formulations with diverse contents. Ayurveda delineates numerous medicinal and non-medicinal (Aachar) rasayana therapies. There are several promising plants with anticancer properties used in rasayana, with the most common plants being Indian Gooseberry (Amla), heart-leaved moonseed (Gududchi), trifala (Amla+Hirda+Beheda), and long pepper (Pippali). These herbs have demonstrated significant anticancer and immunomodulatory functions, leading to an increase in CD4 and CD8 counts as well as the activation of Natural Killer cells.
The field of tumor necrosis in cancer remains a relatively unexplored area with limited studies dedicated to understanding its origins and developing treatments.
Currently, Ayurveda offers a promising approach with its immune-remodeling drugs and concepts, providing a viable option in the present scenario.
The study of Rasayan chikitsa should delve into investigating various dosages and formulations to reliably treat Necrotic Neoplasm.