The Role of Ayurvedic Botanicals in Cancer Care: An Integrative Approach

Abstract

Cancer residues a foremost global health challenge, accounting for approximately 19.4 million new cases and 10 million deaths annually. Conventional treatment modalities, though effective, are often limited by issues such as convenience, high costs, and significant adverse effects. The vast pharmacopeia of Ayurveda offers promising alternatives, presenting anticancer, immunomodulatory, and palliative properties. Ayurvedic medicinal plants have served as a prolific source of bioactive leads for drug discovery, with several novel compounds presently under clinical evaluation. Widespread research has documented the therapeutic potential of numerous Ayurvedic herbs and their residents in cancer management. This includes key botanicals such as Triphala, Guduchi, Pippali, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Bhallathaka, and Varuna, each investigated for their active compounds, mechanisms of action, and supporting clinical evidence. There is a growing interest in integrative approaches that combine Ayurvedic botanicals with conventional cancer therapies to improve efficacy and minimize side effects. Experiments related to standardization, quality control, and clinical validation remain critical, alongside emerging research directions encircling advanced extraction techniques, innovative drug delivery systems, and genetic-level interventions. Overall, this comprehensive review underscores the therapeutic potential and scientific rigor necessary to establish Ayurvedic medicinal plants as valuable components within the global oncology landscape, offering accessible, affordable, and holistic treatment possibilities. Prominently, Ayurvedic practices are intended as complementary strategies-supporting cancer prevention, reducing health risks, strengthening the body, and promoting immune recovery post-treatment-rather than replacing modern oncological therapies. This review examines recent progress in integrative oncology, emphasizing the role of Ayurvedic medicinal plants in cancer treatment and supportive care. It consolidates evidence on the phytochemical profiles, biological effects, cellular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of various Ayurvedic herbs used in cancer management.