140 Handbook of herbs and spices
The general concept of biological therapy or gene therapy is defined as the transfer
of genetic material (transgene) to a target cell for therapeutic reasons. Introduction of
the transgene into a somatic or a germ cell can restore a lost function (gene substitution),
initiate a new function (gene addition), or interfere with a gene’s function (gene
inhibition).
Autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) has been increasingly used
in the treatment of malignant diseases. When these preliminary results are analyzed,
it is apparent that the outcome of this treatment modality is affected by several
factors such as disease status or tumor burden at the time of ABMT, the anti-tumor
effect of the pretransplant intensive therapy and the extent of bone marrow invasion
by tumor cells.
9.4 Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM)......................
9.4.1 Cancer in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, cancer is a disease that is caused by the involvement of the three body
elements, i.e., vata, pitta and kapha. The cancer represents a negative life energy
usually formed from an excess apana (the downward movement of air). Distension,
constipation and diarrhea may be the basis of the symptom according to Ayurveda.
Cancer cells, lacking oxygen (prana), represent a growth in the body outside the rule
of the life force. In the Vedic system, cancer is caused by disruption of the aura
allowing the entrance of negative astral force which will be cured by emotional
cleansing, mantra and meditation.
According to Ayurveda, medicinal substances and living bodies are similar in
composition. Hence herbs and drugs influence the body according to their nature and
attributes. According to Charaka, medicines are those substances which, after entering
the body, are eliminated through the gastro-intestinal tract within a specified period
after their corrective role is over. Sometimes there will be overlap between foods and
medicines, and foods also have medicinal properties and medicines have also tissue
building action. Also, the human body is constituted of five basic elements, i.e.,
ether, air, water and earth which manifest as three basic principles or elements,
‘tridosha’, i.e., Va t a, pitta and kapha. These three basic elements control all the
biological, psychological and physiopathological functions of the body, mind and
consciousness and when the balance of three elements disturbs, they contribute to
disease processes. The basic constitution of the body (prakruti = nature) of an individual
remains unaltered during the lifetime as it is genetically controlled and it is made up
of a combination of all the three elements with a predominant tendency towards one
or more. All Ayurvedic treatments attempt to establish a balance among the bodily
elements, i.e., Va t a, pitta and kapha.
Herbal therapies for the treatment of cancer are of different types. It may be an
alterative or blood purifier, which destroy toxins. These herbs are used fresh along
with a detoxifying diet. This category of herbs is claimed to cure lymphatic or skin
cancer and are better for Pitta and Kapha varieties. The second category of herbs are
circulatory stimulants that promote blood circulation and aid in the healing of tissues.
Breast and uterine cancer are treated with these herbs which will affect all the three
elements. The third category of herbs are immune strengthening tonics which are
better in debility conditions and usually work on Va t a. The fourth category of herbs
include special expectorants. They are used for thyroid, neck or lymphatic cancer.