An ayurvedic perspective on life
Below is some information on using Ayurveda as a supportive treatment for people with cancer. I am not aware of any specific Ayurveda treatments for cancer but know there are many useful ways in which Ayurveda can support those with cancer or going through medical treatments for cancer.
The original article is: available here
Although it does not contain any references or cite any research material, I thought it would be interesting to include it here. The article is included below: Continued…
Categories: Cancer.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center and Baylor Research Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.
Although turmeric (Curcuma longa; an Indian spice) has been described in Ayurveda, as a treatment for inflammatory diseases and is referred by different names in different cultures, the active principle called curcumin or diferuloylmethane, a yellow pigment present in turmeric (curry powder) has been shown to exhibit numerous activities. Extensive research over the last half century has revealed several important functions of curcumin. It binds to a variety of proteins and inhibits the activity of various kinases. By modulating the activation of various transcription factors, curcumin regulates the expression of inflammatory enzymes, cytokines, adhesion molecules, and cell survival proteins. Curcumin also downregulates cyclin D1, cyclin E and MDM2; and upregulates p21, p27, and p53. Various preclinical cell culture and animal studies suggest that curcumin has potential as an antiproliferative, anti-invasive, and antiangiogenic agent; as a mediator of chemoresistance and radioresistance; as a chemopreventive agent; and as a therapeutic agent in wound healing, diabetes, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and arthritis. Pilot phase I clinical trials have shown curcumin to be safe even when consumed at a daily dose of 12g for 3 months. Other clinical trials suggest a potential therapeutic role for curcumin in diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, hypercholesteremia, atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, psoriasis, chronic anterior uveitis and arthritis. Thus, curcumin, a spice once relegated to the kitchen shelf, has moved into the clinic and may prove to be “Curecumin”.
PMID: 17900536 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
A recent research conducted by University of Pittsburgh revealed that ‘Triphala’, a general ayurvedic medicine meant for stomach ailments has the property of hindering growth of cancer cells in the Pancreas. The Research report, conducted by Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, shows that use of Triphala inhibited the growth of cancer in mice, which were implanted with human pancreatic tumors.
This study has generated quite a lot of interest in Western health and medical circles, particularly, when a growing interest is seen in alternative therapies, including Ayurveda and Chinese herbal medicine.
Although Indian scientists have supported the anti-cancerous properties of ‘Triphala’ long back, this is the first time that a western research has proved it. However, it still has a long way to go before actually being used as herbal remedy in pancreatic cancer treatment, as the research is still at its budding stage.
‘Triphala’ is one of the most popular Ayurvedic medicines, and is also used as an antioxidant for treating various intestinal disorders. It also promotes digestion and is a mild laxative. This herbal drug is made by the dried and powdered fruits of three different plants – Hartaki (Terminalia chebula), Amlakai (Emblica officinalis) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), all taken in equal proportions.
Professor Sanjay Srivastava, who led the research, said “Our results strongly indicate that ‘Triphala‘ has the potential to be used as novel therapeutic agent for treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. The tumors in Triphala-treated mice were found to be only half the size of those in untreated mice, without leaving any side effects on normal pancreatic cells.
Categories: Cancer.
This is an interesting article By DONNA CHISHOLM – Sunday Star Times of Sunday, 03 February 2008
Tens of thousands of New Zealanders are in jobs that put them at increased risk of cancer but neither they nor their doctors know it.
Investigators from Massey University’s Centre for Public Health Research are calling on family GPs and cancer specialists to be better informed about their patients’ occupations current and past in the hope of improving diagnosis and treatment. Continued…
Categories: Cancer.