The role of Panchakarma in cancer prevention

Health is not valued till sickness comes. Cancer is a multifactorial and complex disease, which continues to be a conundrum in global health. It is the fifth leading cause of death in males and 12th in females globally. (1)

The disease burden is increasing, exerting immense psychological and monetary strain on individuals, families, communities, and health systems. Moreover, there is a shifting focus to NCDs and cancer with the improvement in quality of life and fall in communicable diseases globally. Hence, the disease prompts the exploration of diverse approaches in its prevention and management.

“P4 medicine” considers disease prediction and prevention as pivotal as their management. Consequently, Cancer prevention strategies have attracted attention lately. As research expands into innovative strategies for cancer prevention, complementary and alternative therapies have also been spotlighted. Panchakarma, a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy, has garnered interest due to its holistic principles.

The potential actions of Panchakarma in cancer prevention is multimodal. Research studies identify restoration of gut eubioisis as one of the possible mechanisms of Ayurvedic disease prevention and management. (2) Significant changes were observed in the gut flora after Virechana Karma (therapeutic purgation) in 19 patients of obesity. (3) Therapeutic purgation also aids in enhancing microcirculation and regulating gut microbiome, which substantially helps in reversing cellular damage and plays a role in lowering oxidative stress. (4)

Immune modulation is another vital mechanism through which Panchakarma may contribute to cancer prevention. Basti (Enema therapy) was identified to be modulating immune responses by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulin, and functional properties of T-cells. (4) Seasonal purification also helps to expel elevated toxins by preventing the impeachment of carcinogens on the body, thus possibly obstructing the pathogenesis of Cancer. (5)

Shirodhara (Medicated oil dripping to forehead) exhibits psycho-neuro-immunological and sympatholytic effects and increases the level of natural killer cells [6] and re-establishes psycho-physiological balance. (7) Significant reduction was observed in Serum Cortisol and DHEA levels from 14.52 ug/dL and 36.50 ng/dL( at the baseline) to 09.45 ug/dL and 21.50 ng/dL respectively after Shirodhara for 7 days (8).

Panchakarma interventions also aid the elimination of toxins from the body, allowing tissue healing and channels, thus normalising digestion and mental functions. (9)

This presentation delves into the conceptual framework of Panchakarma and its potential impact on cancer prevention based on modest corroborative evidence which may lead to future potential in cancer prevention. It also explores the intricate interplay between gut microbiota, inflammation, and immune response in the prevention of cancer other than the known modalities of cancer prevention from change in lifestyle to avoiding risk factors. (10)

References

1. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-health-estimates
2. Wallace RK. The Microbiome in Health and Disease from the Perspective of Modern Medicine and Ayurveda. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 Sep 11;56(9):462. doi: 10.3390/medicina56090462. PMID: 32932766; PMCID: PMC7559905.
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