Cancer Immunotherapy in Ayurveda

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy is a treatment that is used to engage your immune system to fight against the diseases. It is also called biological therapy. As we all know that our body is a complex system that is made up of various organs and performs various physiological functions that help in the healthy functioning of the body. The immune system is one of those physiological functions that helps in protecting the body from infections and also is responsible for the body’s potency to fight with infections. In this article we will understand the meaning of cancer immunotherapy, its importance and types and what ayurvedic herbs can be used for cancer immunotherapy.

Introduction

Our immune system is made up of various cells that include antibodies, white blood cells, red blood cells etc. These all cells help in the building and maintain strong immunity of the body. If any foreign agent enters the body this immune system behaves as the defence shield and fights the foreign agent. Now just imagine a day without this immune system, not good even in imagination. Our immune system includes certain cells. These are as follows:

• Beta cell lymphocytes: These white blood cells produce antibodies that fight infections.
• T-cell lymphocytes: They work by sending an alert to other cells about the presence of foreign bodies and also target and destroy the affected cells.
• Dendritic cells: They communicate with the T-cells to produce an immune system response.
• Granulocytes: These are neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils that help in fighting infections.

In cancer patients this immunity is compromised that’s why due to metastasis multiple organ involvement is commonly seen.

How does Immunotherapy Work in Cancer?

Our body’s immune system produces cytokines with the help of immune cells. Cytokines are the group of signalling proteins that are produced transiently after cellular activation. It acts as a regulator and modulates the functions of individual cells and also regulates processes taking place under normal or pathological conditions. This makes it easy for the immune system to produce more disease fighting immune cells and makes it easier for the immune system to identify and target cancer cells. This therapy is having more importance in the initial stages, but also is very helpful in advance stages too.

Our body’s immune system produces cytokines with the help of immune cells. Cytokines are the group of signalling proteins that are produced transiently after cellular activation. It acts as a regulator and modulates the functions of individual cells and also regulates processes taking place under normal or pathological conditions. This makes it easy for the immune system to produce more disease fighting immune cells and makes it easier for the immune system to identify and target cancer cells. This therapy is having more importance in the initial stages, but also is very helpful in advance stages too.

Types of Immunotherapy

• Adoptive cell therapy: It is a type of immunotherapy in which T-cells are given to the cancer patient. These cells help the body fight various conditions. These T-cells are taken from a patient’s own tumor tissue or blood. The type of adoptive cell therapy includes chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T- cell) therapy and tumor- infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapy.
• Monoclonal antibodies: These antibodies are made by cloning a unique white blood cell. These subsequent antibodies derived by such ways trace back to the parent unique cell and then help in eliminating cancer cells.
• Cancer vaccines: These vaccines stimulate an immune system response to protect the body against some specific diseases like HPV (human papillomavirus) which is potential of causing cervical, anal, throat and penile cancers.
• Immunomodulators: These substances are capable of changing the body’s biological response. They stimulate the immune system capability to fight against the cancer cells. This Includes cytokines, interferons and checkpoint point inhibitors.
• Oncolytic viruses: Special viruses are isolated and modified to infect and kill cancer cells.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Immunotherapy

Ayurveda is a consciousness based science that works on the principle of health and healing. It also has descriptions of many herbs that help in increasing the immunity of the body and thus prevents our body from many conditions. For increasing immunity charaka and sushruta mentioned jeevaniya mahakashaya. This mahakashaya mentions 10 herbs that have the potential to maintain life (prana). (jivan + iya (pratyanga)＝ jivaniya (life) + for the benefits)

(ch. Su. 4/8.1)

The ten herbs areas follow:

1. Jivaka (Malaxis acuminate)
2. Rishabhaka (Microstylis muscifera Ridley)
3. Meda (Polygonatum verticillatum)
4. Mahameda ( Polygonatum cirrhifolium)
5. Kakoli ( Roscoea purpurea)
6. Ksheer kakoli (Lilium polyphyllum)
7. Mudgaparni ( Phaseolus trilobus)
8. Mashaparni (Teramnus labialis)
9. Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata)
10. Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Jeevaniya Mahakashaya as Immunity Enhancer

1. Modern explains that the enlisted herbs in jivaniya gana have life-promoting and sustaining properties. They are known to sustain These herbs work by revitalizing the body’s energy and hence feeds the mind. The tissues of the body are sustained due to oxygen which is the gross aspect of prana. But if understood in ayurvedic terms then prana is one that nourishes the cell functioning.  
2. If we talk in terms of ayurveda then imbalance doshas are believed to be the root cause of every disease and even death (acc. To charaka). Aggravated or depleted doshas are the reason for the decay of cells and tissues. Above mentioned 10 herbs help in balancing the imbalanced doshas and rejuvenates the decaying tissues and cells.the effect of herbs of jivaniya group are anabolic in their nature, having the quality of kapha that helps in building, nourishing and strengthening the body.
3. In order to build healthy tissues, the body first needs to sustain rasa dhatu after which all the body tissues are sustained, nourished and strengthened. Rasa dhatu has similar qualities to that of kapha and thus has the potential to strengthen the six other dhatus. The common features of herbs enlisted is that they promote kapaha that is having the nutritive action on the body and is capable of promoting sustainability to all seven dhatus (first tissues).

Karma of Jeevaniya Mahakashaya on Body

1. They act as a unique body energizer that improves the body’s endurance and immunity.
2. Maintains healthy body functioning for adequate physical performance and fight and flight response.
3. Reduces fatigue, promotes healthy circulation that is rich in oxygen and eliminates toxins from the blood. This purified system and blood helps in maintaining normal and healthy ranges of hormones.
4. It promotes routine cellular health and supports defense against various pathological agents.
5. These herbs are a very good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Conclusion

Jeevaniya mahakashaya herbs are signified herbs that are beneficial for life. All these herbs have their natural habitat in the Himalayas and are potential for performing immune enhancement in the human body. Jeevniya ganas are very essential in regulating  functioning of the body and hence making it capable of fighting cancerous cells or conditions. In case of any query kindly visit our website www.planetayurveda.com