Review of research on gynecological cancers in ayurveda – an update

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review of research on gynecological cancers in ayurveda – an update”. 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) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a malignant growth or tumor resulting from the uncontrolled division of cells. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, significantly affecting lives, including through gynecological cancers like cervical and breast cancer in women.

2) Drug:
In the context of the text, a drug refers to any substance or compound used for the treatment, management, and prevention of diseases. For gynecological cancers, various Ayurvedic drugs like Haridra, Bhallataka, and Ashwagandha have been studied for their efficacy and safety.

3) India:
India is significantly mentioned as it holds a substantial burden of gynecological cancers. The research on cancer treatment and prevention through Ayurveda is highly relevant in India due to the rising incidence of cancers such as cervical and breast cancer among Indian women.

4) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a conventional cancer treatment mentioned in the text. It involves the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Ayurveda research focuses on supplementing chemotherapy with herbal preparations to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.

5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine mentioned throughout the text. It offers various herbal and herbo-mineral medicines for preventing and managing gynecological cancers, leveraging ancient texts like the Carakasamhita and Sushruta-samhita.

6) Death:
Death rates from gynecological cancers are alarmingly high worldwide. The text stresses the importance of addressing cancer mortality through early diagnosis, effective treatment, and possibly through Ayurvedic interventions to improve life expectancy and quality.

7) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to the ministry overseeing traditional medicine systems in India, which supports research on Ayurveda for cancer treatment. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) operates under Ayush and develops protocols for cancer management.

8) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological studies are crucial for understanding the mechanisms and effectiveness of Ayurvedic drugs in the treatment of gynecological cancers. These studies involve testing herbal and herbo-mineral preparations in both clinical and preclinical settings.

9) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the adverse effects caused by substances like chemotherapy drugs. Ayurvedic treatments aim to reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicity, thereby improving the quality of life for cancer patients and increasing the tolerability of the treatment.

10) Bhallataka:
Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium) is an Ayurvedic herb studied for its anticancer effects, particularly in breast cancer. Research indicates its potential to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and improve the efficacy of cancer therapeutics.

11) Bharathi:
Dr. K. Bharathi is an author mentioned in the document, contributing significantly to the research on gynecological cancers in Ayurveda. She is affiliated with the PG Department of Prasutitantra and Striroga at the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.

12) Mineral:
Mineral drugs, like Arsenic trioxide, have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. In Ayurveda, mineral compounds are used in conjunction with herbal preparations for managing various cancers, including gynecological cancers.

13) Arbuda:
Arbuda in Ayurveda refers to tumors. Contextually, certain types of Arbuda, like Rakta arbuda and Mamsa arbuda, are described as incurable and are studied in relation to their symptomatic similarity to malignancies, including gynecological cancers.

14) Radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy is another conventional cancer treatment that uses radiation to kill cancer cells. The text mentions studies on using Ayurvedic drugs to mitigate the side effects of radiotherapy and enhance its therapeutic outcomes.

15) Haridra:
Haridra (Curcuma longa), commonly known as Turmeric, is extensively studied for its anticancer properties. Research suggests that it can play a role in preventing metastasis, reducing side effects of chemotherapy, and enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.

16) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, the scientific name for Turmeric, is highlighted for its active compound curcumin, which exhibits significant anticancer activities, including the inhibition of metastasis and the enhancement of chemotherapy effects.

17) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation refers to the process by which normal cervical cells become malignant due to HPV infection. Ayurveda-based interventions like polyherbal formulations aim to revert this transformation at early stages and prevent cervical cancer.

18) Animal:
Animal studies are a crucial part of the pharmacological research process. They provide initial insights into the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic drugs on cancer cells before proceeding to human clinical trials.

19) Indian:
The research and trials mentioned are predominantly conducted in the Indian context, addressing the high burden of gynecological cancers in Indian women and exploring solutions through traditional Ayurvedic practices.

20) Blood:
References to blood in the document relate to conditions described in Ayurvedic texts, such as Raktapradara, which involve abnormal bleeding that could be symptomatic of gynecological cancers, thereby guiding the formulation of Ayurvedic treatments.

21) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, also known as Amla, is one of the ingredients in polyherbal formulations like 'Basant,' studied for its role in preventing HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer.

22) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is noted for its anticancer properties. Several studies have shown its effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells and enhancing overall cancer treatment.

23) Menstrual blood:
Menstrual blood is significant in Ayurvedic diagnosis of gynecological conditions. Symptoms involving menstrual blood like excessive or foul-smelling bleeding are used to diagnose conditions that may translate to modern gynecological cancers.

24) New Delhi:
New Delhi is relevant as it hosts institutions like CCRAS and hospitals where significant research on Ayurvedic treatments for gynecological cancers is conducted, contributing to the body of clinical evidence.

25) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
Shalyatantra is a branch of Ayurveda dealing with surgical techniques and includes the study of cancers. Research from institutions like the Institute of Medical Sciences in Varanasi integrates Shalyatantra with modern oncology.

26) Granthibhuta:
Granthibhuta artavadushti refers to menstrual bleeding appearing like clots, described in Ayurvedic texts and often compared to symptoms of endometrial carcinoma, guiding traditional treatment approaches.

27) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
Ashwagandha is traditionally known as Withania somnifera in Ayurveda, celebrated for its adaptogenic and anticancer properties. Research highlights its efficacy in preventing and treating breast cancer by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.

28) Manahshila (Manahsila, Manah-shila, Manas-shila):
Manahshila, a mineral containing arsenic, is used in Ayurveda. Research on mineral drugs like Manahshila, Gauripashana, and Haratala could offer new avenues for developing Ayurvedic cancer treatments, leveraging their medicinal properties.

29) Rohitaka:
Amoora rohituka is studied for its anticancer properties. Triterpenic acid, amooranin from this plant, has been shown to possess significant potential in inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells, showcasing Ayurvedic plant efficacy in oncology.

30) Striroga (Stri-roga):
Striroga, which translates to diseases of women, is a specialty in Ayurveda focused on female reproductive health. Dr. K. Bharathi’s work at the National Institute of Ayurveda references Striroga in the context of gynecological cancers.

31) Turmeric:
Turmeric, or Haridra, is a widely studied herb known for its anticancer properties. Research involves its use as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatments, highlighting its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth and reduce chemotherapy side effects.

32) Granthi (Gramthi):
Granthi refers to lumps or swellings, which, in the context of gynecological cancers, may be symptomatic of conditions described as arbuda (tumors) in Ayurvedic texts, helping in early diagnosis and traditional treatment approaches.

33) Disease:
Disease in this context refers to conditions like gynecological cancers that significantly impact women's health. Ayurvedic research aims to manage and prevent these diseases through herbal and herbo-mineral formulations.

34) Jaipur:
Jaipur is relevant as it is home to the National Institute of Ayurveda, where significant research on Ayurvedic treatments for gynecological cancers is conducted, particularly by contributors like Dr. K. Bharathi.

35) Delhi:
Delhi is significant as research institutions like the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) are based here. They are pivotal in conducting and disseminating research on Ayurveda, including cancer studies.

36) Pain:
Pain management is crucial in cancer therapy. Ayurvedic treatments aim to alleviate pain associated with gynecological cancers and the side effects of conventional therapies, improving the overall quality of life for patients.

37) Viru:
[see source text or glossary: Viru]

38) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is included in Ayurvedic compound formulations studied for their anticancer properties. It contributes to the holistic management of cancer, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment.

39) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, known as Neem, is an ingredient in polyherbal formulations like 'Basant,' researched for its potential to eliminate HPV infections from the cervix, thereby preventing the progression to cervical cancer.

40) Sour gruel:
Sour gruel, or Kanji, is used in Ayurvedic texts to describe certain pathological conditions. In the context of gynecological cancers, it refers to abnormal menstrual blood characteristics indicative of underlying serious conditions like cancer.

41) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta-samhita is a foundational Ayurvedic text that provides descriptions of surgical techniques and disease conditions, including classifications of tumors like Arbuda, which guide traditional diagnoses and treatment strategies for cancers.

42) Caraka-samhita:
Carakasamhita is a seminal Ayurvedic text that discusses various diseases and their treatments, including conditions analogous to modern gynecological cancers. It offers foundational knowledge for developing Ayurvedic therapeutic regimens.

43) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a response to injury or infection, often linked with cancer progression. Ayurvedic treatments like those involving Turmeric aim to reduce inflammation, thereby potentially preventing the development or worsening of cancer.

44) Vijayawada (Vijayavada, Vijaya-vada):
Vijayawada is mentioned in the context of the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Skin Disorders, where Ayurvedic research, including studies on cancer treatments, is conducted under experts like G. Babu.

45) Vishavarga (Visavarga):
Vishavarga refers to a category of toxic substances in Ayurveda. Research suggests the potential use of Vishavarga drugs, including certain arsenic compounds, in developing effective anti-cancer treatments.

46) Irritation:
Irritation is noted as a side effect in some Ayurvedic treatments used in cancer research, such as the topical application of 'Praneem' in preventing HPV-induced cervical abnormalities, highlighting the need for gentle yet effective formulations.

47) Karnataka:
Karnataka is home to collaborative research efforts like those at St. Johns Medical College, Bangalore, where studies on improving quality of life for cancer patients using AYUSH-QOL-2C were conducted.

48) Substance:
Substance in the context of the document refers to chemicals and compounds used in Ayurvedic and conventional cancer treatments, like Curcumin from Turmeric, which have shown promise in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

49) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation in Ayurveda refers to the imbalance or disturbance of bodily humors (doshas). Conditions described with vitiation of all three humors in Ayurvedic texts can often be correlated with symptoms of advanced cancers, aiding diagnosis.

50) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata was an ancient Ayurvedic scholar whose texts provide comprehensive descriptions of diseases and treatments, including symptoms and management of gynecological conditions, guiding Ayurvedic approaches to cancer therapy.

51) Devadaru (Deva-daru):
Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) has demonstrated anticancer properties in in vitro studies. It shows cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, including those from breast and cervical tissues, indicating its therapeutic potential in Ayurveda.

52) Haritala (Hari-tala):
Haritala, similar to Manahshila and Gouripashana, is an arsenic compound used in Ayurveda. It is suggested for use in developing cancer treatments due to its potential effectiveness, as seen in conventional arsenic-based therapies.

53) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is significant due to the research conducted at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, particularly in the Department of Shalyatantra, which focuses on Ayurvedic treatments for cancer.

54) Haratala:
[see source text or glossary: Haratala]

55) Swelling:
Swelling, or Granthi, is a symptom often described in Ayurvedic texts, which can be indicative of tumors or cancerous growths. Ayurvedic treatments aim to manage and reduce such symptoms as part of cancer care.

56) Pregnant:
Pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials due to potential risks to the fetus. Specific exclusion criteria are highlighted in studies like those testing the efficacy of 'Basant' and 'Praneem' in preventing HPV-related cervical changes.

57) Samhita:
Samhita refers to ancient Ayurvedic texts like Carakasamhita and Sushruta-samhita that provide extensive descriptions of diseases, including those resembling modern gynecological cancers, forming the basis for traditional diagnostic and treatment practices.

58) Pradara:
Pradara, particularly Raktapradara, is an Ayurvedic condition involving excessive menstrual bleeding. Similar symptoms in Ayurvedic texts are used for diagnosing conditions that may be associated with gynecological cancers.

59) Methane:
Methane appears in the chemical structure of curcumin, a compound used in Ayurvedic preparations like 'Basant.' The scientific exploration of these compounds helps understand their mechanisms and potential in cancer treatment.

60) Siddha:
Siddha system refers to traditional medical practices similar to Ayurveda. It includes formulations like Kalpaamruthaa (KA), which contains Semecarpus anacardium and shows promise in treating cancer by altering lipid metabolism in cancerous animals.

61) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to calcined metal and mineral preparations in Ayurveda. Research suggests evaluating Bhasmas like Gouripashana and Manahshila for their potential use in cancer treatment, given their historical medicinal use.

62) Artava:
Artava is the Ayurvedic term for menstrual blood. Disorders related to Artava, such as Granthibhuta and Kunapagandhi artava dushti, are significant in diagnosing conditions that may correspond to gynecological cancers.

63) Andhra (Amdhra):
Andhra Pradesh, where Vijayawada is located, hosts Ayurvedic research institutions like the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Skin Disorders, contributing significantly to the study of traditional treatments for cancer.

64) Kunapa:
Kunapa-granthi artavadushti, described in Ayurvedic texts, manifests as heavy menstrual bleeding with a foul smell, indicative of possible endometrial carcinoma. Such descriptions guide the formulation of Ayurvedic treatments.

65) Powder:
Powder formulations in Ayurveda, like those containing Semecarpus anacardium or turmeric, are commonly used for medicinal purposes, including in the management of cancer, through both internal and external applications.

66) Kappa:
nuclear factor kappa B (NF-?B) is a substance that curcumin suppresses to inhibit breast cancer metastasis. Understanding such mechanisms helps establish the therapeutic potential of Ayurvedic compounds in oncology.

67) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa arbuda refers to solid tumors described in Ayurvedic texts. These are characterized as stony hard, fixed swellings that often correlate with malignant tumors in modern medical terms, guiding traditional oncology practices.

68) Rakta:
Rakta in Ayurveda denotes blood. Conditions like Raktapradara in Ayurvedic texts describing abnormal bleeding align with symptoms of gynecological cancers, informing the diagnosis and treatment strategies in Ayurveda.

69) Kanji (Kamji):
Kanji, or sour gruel, is used metaphorically in Ayurvedic texts to describe abnormal menstrual blood indicating serious conditions like gynecological cancers. It helps in the traditional diagnosis and formulation of treatment plans.

70) Nayak:
Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi collaborates on significant research, like studies on the 'Praneem' formulation, aiming to develop Ayurvedic treatments for HPV-related cervical cancer, enhancing traditional cancer therapy approaches.

71) Honey:
Honey is an ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations like Kalpaamruthaa. In oncology, it serves as a component of compounds aiming to provide therapeutic effects, including in cancer treatment and the reduction of associated symptoms.

72) Visha (Visa):
Visha, meaning poison, refers to toxic substances used in a controlled manner in Ayurveda. Drugs from the Vishavarga category, including arsenic compounds, are investigated for their potential in treating cancers like gynecological malignancies.

73) Babu:
G. Babu, an Assistant Director at the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Skin Disorders, is a contributor to research on gynecological cancers in Ayurveda, emphasizing traditional treatment approaches and their efficacy.

74) Neem:
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is incorporated in polyherbal formulations like 'Praneem' for its antiviral properties. It has been researched for its ability to eliminate HPV, potentially reversing precancerous changes in the cervix.

75) King:
Ashwagandha, known as the king of medicinal plants, holds significant therapeutic potential in Ayurveda, particularly for its anticancer properties. It is widely studied for its role in inhibiting the growth of various cancer cells.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 79]