Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India, has gained attention in recent years for its potential as a complementary or alternative treatment for cancer. Ayurvedic cancer treatments involve a holistic approach to cancer management, with a focus on restoring balance to the body and strengthening the immune system. These treatments typically involve a combination of herbal medicines, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and body therapies. While some Ayurvedic treatments have shown promising results in preliminary studies, further research is needed to validate their efficacy as cancer treatments. Nonetheless, Ayurvedic cancer treatments offer a complementary approach that can be used alongside conventional cancer treatments to help manage cancer symptoms and improve quality of life.
MAK-4 (AMRIT) AND MAK-5
MAK-4 (AMRIT) and MAK-5 are two Ayurvedic medicines that have been traditionally used for cancer treatment. They are made up of a combination of various herbs and natural ingredients that have been known to possess anti-cancer properties. MAK-4 (AMRIT) is prepared using 23 different herbs, including Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). On the other hand, MAK-5 is prepared using 26 different herbs, including Kanchanara (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), and Varuna (Crataeva nurvala).
The anti-cancer properties of MAK-4 (AMRIT) and MAK-5 have been attributed to their ability to inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and boost the immune system. They have been shown to be effective in the treatment of various types of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. In addition, these medicines are known to have very few side effects, making them a safer alternative to conventional cancer treatments.
Despite the promising results of several studies, there is still a need for more rigorous clinical trials to validate the efficacy of MAK-4 (AMRIT) and MAK-5 as cancer treatments. However, their long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, coupled with their low toxicity and potential benefits, make them a promising avenue for further research.
Reference: Gupta, A. K., Sharma, R. K., & Dobhal, M. P. (2010). Evaluation of anticancer activity of herbal preparation (MAK-4) in Swiss albino mice. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 48(9), 916-920.
CARCTOL®
CARCTOL® is an Ayurvedic medicine that has been used for cancer treatment since the 1980s. It is made up of a combination of eight different herbs, including Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Kanchanara (Bauhinia variegata), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). CARCTOL® is administered in the form of capsules and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various types of cancers, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer.
The anti-cancer properties of CARCTOL® have been attributed to its ability to inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and boost the immune system. It has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the side effects of conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Despite the promising results of several studies, there is still a need for more rigorous clinical trials to validate the efficacy of CARCTOL® as a cancer treatment. However, its long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, coupled with its low toxicity and potential benefits, make it a promising avenue for further research.
Reference: Chaudhary, A., Singh, N., Kalam, N., Singh, O., & Jaggi, M. (2018). Carctol: a review on its clinical utility in cancer treatment. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 15(3), 1-8. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2017-0138
