Anti – cancer drugs from u.p. himalaya
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti – cancer drugs from u.p. himalaya
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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M. R. Uniyal, L. C. Tewari
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Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti – cancer drugs from u.p. himalaya
Year: 1991
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper titled "Anti-Cancer Drugs from U. P. Himalaya" by M. R. Uniyal and L. C. Tewari discusses the traditional treatments of cancer as referenced in various Ayurvedic texts. Notable authors such as Vagbhata, Caraka, and Susruta have documented various forms of cancer, referred to as "arbuda," particularly those affecting region-specific organs. The authors emphasize the rising incidence of cancer in India, indicating a projected increase in cases of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and lung from 1986 to 2001. The study aims to provide accessible information on various Himalayan plants traditionally used as remedies for cancer, particularly in its early stages.
Anticancer Properties of Himalayan Plants
The authors systematically list a variety of plants from the U. P. Himalaya, detailing their botanical names, traditional uses, and observed anticancer activities. For example, Abrus precatorius (Gunj) contains the protein abrin, which has demonstrated antitumor effects against tumors in animal models. Similarly, other plants such as Alastonia scholaris (Chhatan) and Anona squamosa (Sitaphala) show potential anticancer properties, with extracts exhibiting effectiveness against various human carcinoma types in tissue culture studies. Each plant's unique chemical constituents contribute to its therapeutic potential, highlighting the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge coupled with pharmacological testing in discerning viable cancer treatments from nature’s offerings.
Conclusion
The research underscores a significant gap in the extensive study of medicinal plants with potential anti-cancer properties. The authors call for further investigation into the Himalayan flora to properly isolate, identify, and engage in pharmacological testing of these compounds. By doing so, there is an opportunity to discover more potent herbal treatments for cancer, which would be especially beneficial in developing countries where access to conventional medicine may be limited. The acknowledgment of support from research organizations emphasizes the collaborative effort needed to advance this vital area of health care research.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study on anti-cancer drugs?
The study aims to provide information about traditional herbal remedies from the U.P. Himalayas used for treating cancer in its primary stages, which may help educate people in developing countries about these natural options.
What is arbuda in Ayurvedic texts?
Arbuda is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as a term equivalent to cancer, specifically referring to tumors or malignant conditions affecting various body parts such as the mouth, tongue, and breast as noted by Vagbhata, Caraka, and Susruta.
Which plants from the Himalayas are noted for anti-cancer effects?
Several plants, including Abrus precatorius, Alastonia scholaris, and Podophyllus emodi, have been identified for their potential anti-cancer activities, with reported effects against human epidermal carcinoma and various types of sarcoma in laboratory studies.
What is recommended for future research on anti-cancer plants?
The authors recommend conducting more thorough investigations into the isolation, identification, and pharmacological testing of the active compounds in Himalayan plants to discover more potent anticancer herbal drugs.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti – cancer drugs from u.p. himalaya”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the beneficial effects or actions that certain plants or their extracts might exhibit, particularly in the context of health and medicine. In the article, activity is associated with anti-cancer properties and the effectiveness of herbal substances against various forms of cancer, indicating the importance of studying these plants for medicinal use.
2) Cancer:
Cancer is a significant and widespread health issue mentioned in the text, linked to traditional treatments in Ayurveda. The paper highlights the increasing prevalence of different cancer types in India, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments harnessed from Himalayan plants, which may show anti-cancer properties.
3) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
Himalaya denotes the region where the studied plants are sourced. This mountainous area is not only rich in biodiversity but also in medicinal plants traditionally used for healing practices. The unique environmental conditions contribute to the cultivation of various plants with potential therapeutic uses, particularly in cancer treatment.
4) Ulcer:
Ulcer, referenced in relation to plant applications, refers to lesions that can occur on the body’s surface, often causing pain and discomfort. Specific plants cited in the text are used to treat ulcers, showcasing the broader medicinal applications of these Himalayan plants beyond anti-cancer activity.
5) Drug:
Drug in the context of the article refers to any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of diseases. The study emphasizes the extraction of potential anti-cancer compounds from plants, which may lead to the development of new herbal drugs for cancer therapy.
6) Arbuda:
Arbuda represents an ancient term used in Ayurvedic texts, often viewed as equivalent to cancer. It is crucial to understanding how traditional medicinal practices identify and classify diseases, as well as how specific plants are employed to address various forms of arbuda in various body parts.
7) Berberis aristata:
Berberis aristata, also known as Daruharidra, is a significant plant highlighted for its medicinal properties. Rich in berberine, this plant exhibits anti-cancer activities and is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, indicating the potential of local flora in treating diseases such as cancer.
8) Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius, known commonly as Gunja, is noted for its seeds containing potent alkaloids like abrin, which have shown antitumor activity. Its inclusion exemplifies the importance of studying specific plants for isolation of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment.
9) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the branch of medicine that focuses on the uses, effects, and mechanisms of drugs. The paper discusses the need for pharmacological testing of herbal extracts to validate traditional claims and understand the bioactive compounds responsible for the observed medicinal properties.
10) Daruharidra (Dāruharidrā, Daru-haridra):
Daruharidra is the vernacular name for Berberis aristata. This plant is recognized for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating ailments related to digestion and infections, and showcases the versatility of Himalayan flora in traditional medicine, especially regarding its anti-cancer properties.
11) Shitaphala (Śitāphaḷa, Śitāphala, Śītaphala, Shita-phala, Sitāphala):
Sitaphala, or Anona squamosa, is highlighted for its astringent and tonic properties among other beneficial compounds. Its mention showcases the diversity of plants researched for their medicinal value, particularly in contributing to preventive measures in cancer treatments through traditional practices.
12) Substance:
Substance translates to any specific biologically active material obtained from plants that could be useful in treating diseases. In this context, various plant substances are described for their potential anti-cancer effects, proving critical in developing new herbal therapies and understanding traditional medicine.
13) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance within the body. The article reflects on the integration of Ayurvedic practices in understanding cancer treatment, particularly how natural herbs are used as remedies that are supported by historical texts and modern research.
14) Vagbhata (Vāgbhata):
Vagbhata was an ancient scholar whose works contributed to Ayurveda, particularly in defining diseases like cancer, referred to as arbuda. The text underscores the relevance of ancient knowledge in current medicinal practices and supports the exploration of plants referenced in historical texts.
15) Shatavari (Śatāvarī, Satāvarī):
Satavari represents Asparagus racemosus, a plant noted for its tonic properties and benefits to female reproductive health. Its inclusion in the context of anti-cancer activity emphasizes the importance of various plant compounds and their applications in traditional healing practices.
16) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context denotes the systematic study and exploration of medicinal plants to discover their effects, mechanisms, and potential uses. The authors advocate for more rigorous scientific approaches to validate traditional uses of Himalayan plants in treating cancer.
17) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is another traditional medical system from India that, like Ayurveda, uses natural substances for healing. The reference indicates a shared cultural heritage in understanding health, inviting an exploration of plants prevalent in the Himalayas and their roles in Siddha practices.
18) Caraka (Cāraka, Cārāka):
Caraka, an ancient Ayurvedic physician, contributed significantly to the understanding of diseases and treatments, including those for cancer. His references reinforce the historical context of traditional medicine, affecting the recognition and study of specific herbs for their medicinal benefits.
19) Brahmi (Brāhmī):
Brahmi, or Bacopa monnieri, is identified for its potential medicinal properties. It adds to the repository of plants showcasing diverse uses in traditional medicine, particularly in enhancing cognitive functions while also demonstrating its anti-cancer activity, thereby broadening its therapeutic implications.
20) Bitter:
Bitter often describes the taste profile of certain medicinal plants known for their therapeutic benefits. In the context of Ayurvedic medicine, bitter plants are often valued for their cleansing and detoxifying properties, which may play a role in overall health management and disease prevention.
21) Kanti (Kaṇṭī, Kānti, Kamti, Kantī):
Kandi is the vernacular name for Bauhinia racemosa, highlighted for its anticancer activity. This association signifies the practical knowledge of local flora and emphasizes the relevance of traditional medicine in discovering therapeutic properties within native plant species.
22) Arka (Ārka, Arkā):
Arka refers to Calotropis gigantea, which possesses medicinal properties. It is noted for its active components, contributing to traditional practices for ulcer treatment and showcasing its potential importance in cancer studies, underlining the need to understand these contributions to modern medicine.
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