Virender Sodhi MD(Ayurved), ND

Ayurveda and it’s Philosophy

Ayurveda and Cancer

Prevention

Treatment

Panchakarma

IV therapy

Herbs with or without Chemotherapy

Case Studies/Testimonials

Table of Contents

Over 5,000 years of wisdom

Just like traditional Chinese and Naturopathic Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine is about restoring balance and allowing the body’s inherent self-healing process to occur.

Many of todays most advanced medical techniques are based on Ayurvedic Medicine.

Ayurvedic Medicine was the first to develop an individual’s genomic makeup? It’s called “Prakriti”.

The world’s first plastic surgeon was from Ayurvedic traditions…known as Sushuruta.

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Genomics

Ayurvedic Science is Based

on 5 Elements:

Ether

Air

Fire

Water

Earth

The 5 Elements in

Nature

The five elements are present

in nature, and in the human

body on many levels. At the

most basic level, however,

they take the form of

chemicals such as:

The Doshas & 5 Elements

Vat = Ether + Air

Pit = Fire + Water

Kaph = Water +

Earth

Carbon, Oxygen,

Hydrogen, Nitrogen

Balance is a central tenet of Ayurvedic philosophy.

To maintain balance is to live in a state of perfect health. Fortunately, we have elaborate and very powerful metabolic systems in place to help us maintain balance.

Ayurvedic Philosophy

Medical Paradigm

Ayurvedic Paradigm

Biomechanical view that the body is a

machine

View concerned with the whole patient

Body and mind are essentially separate

entities

Body and mind are interconnected

Emphasis on eliminating disease Emphasis on achieving optimal health

Treatment of symptoms Treatment addresses underlying illnesses

High technology, heroic procedures Integrated approach in treatment,

including nutrition, life-style and

prevention

Physician is emotionally neutral and

detached

Physician's caring and empathy are

related to healing

Physician is all-knowing authority Physician is a partner in the healing

process

Physician is in control of patient's

health decisions

Patient is in charge of her/his health care

choices

Focus is on tests, statistics and medical

facts

Focus on subjective (how patient is

feeling)

Paradigm

Mental

Emotional

Physical

Spiritual

Ayurvedic Disease Model

Stems from imbalance in:

Emotions/thoughts/relationships

Improper diet/nutrition

Improper digestion

Excess toxins (ama) and buildup in the body

Disease

In 1850, about 1 of every 150 deaths in the US was due to

cancer. Today at least 1 in 4 Americans will develop cancer

during their lifetime about 1/2 of these will die from it.

Cancer even accounts for 11 percent of all deaths in children aged 1-12 years.

The 25-fold increase in cancer mortality in adults during the last 140 years is due to a variety of reasons; from increased life span, to tobacco smoking, which became an epidemic during the 1920s and 1930s, to marked dietary changes during this century, and to increasing environmental pollution.

Out of Balance

According to the WHO: “At least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable.

Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer.”

Only 5–10% of all cancer cases are due to genetic defects and the remaining 90–95% are due to environment and lifestyle provides major opportunities for preventing cancer.

Cancer is Preventable

"The normal microenvironment prevents premalignant cells from becoming completely malignant. But when the microenvironment

becomes abnormal, it not only allows these cells to become malignant, but also may initiate

tumors”."

- Dr. Mina Bissell, leading researcher in the field of epigenetic and oncology

Environmental Factors

Tumor initiation, progression, as well as

transformation from in-situ-to-invasive tumors are all products of microenvironment experiences2

The wisdom of Ayurveda tells us:

“Yatha Pinde Tatha Brahmande”

When an individual develops cancer; the imbalance is not in the tumor – it is in the whole person.

House on Fire

Stromal cells – these cells patrol the connective tissue.

They play an essential role in tissue regeneration. These versatile cells adapt to the activity of organ they surround They provide growth factors that promote cellular growth and

division.

In tumor progression Stromal cells sustain the aberrant Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM) that

supports tumors.2

This has been found to be true in models of: Colon cancer,3

Breast cancer,4, 5

Liver cancer,6

Lung cancer,7

and many more8,9,10

Epigenetic Factors

Inflammation

The stroma surrounding the tumor resembles wound healing and chronic inflammatory conditions in many aspects; with the exception that normal physiological controls are compromised.11

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in development of several cancers;12

With excess inflammation, cellular morphology and underlying dysfunction move progressively toward

Metaplasia Dysplasia Neoplasia.12

Epigenetic Factors

Tridoshic disease:

Kapha is responsible for tissue growth

Pitta is responsible for metabolism

Vata is responsible for metastasis and also weight loss

Body’s intelligence is altered

Cellular intelligence and cellular ego is altered.

Prana (life force) is not flowing properly as the Srotas(the channels) are clogged up.

Cancer in Ayurveda

Substance

Food Sources

Indoles Cruciferous vegetables

Isothiocyanates Cruciferous vegetables

Phytosterols Soybeans, other legumes

Flavonoids Citrus, onions, apples, grapes, wine, tea

Isoflavones Soybeans, other legumes, licorice

Catechins Tea

Ellagic acid Strawberries, raspberries, grapes, apples

Anthocyanosides Red, blue, and purple plants such as eggplant and

blueberries

Allyl sulfides and other

organo-sulfur compounds

Garlic, onions, leeks

Saponins Garlic, onions, legumes

Phenolic acids All plants

Protease inhibitors Soybeans and all plants

Carotenoids Orange, yellow, red fruits, many green vegetables

Monoterpenes Oranges, lemons, grapefruit

Lignans Flaxseed, berries, whole grains

Triterpenoids (e.g.,

glycyrrhizin)

Citrus fruit, mushrooms, licorice

Ascorbic acid Citrus fruit and many fruits and vegetables

Tocopherols Grains

Fiber Grains and all plants

Food Sources that Prevent Cancer

Exercise is a very important way of detoxification, and about 60% of

Americans are classified as sedentary. Physical exercise and increased aerobic capacity inhibits the progression of many diseases including, cancer. The Natural Killer cells (NK cell) concentration in our white cells increases immediately after vigorous exercise. Prolonged aerobic exercise increases the ability of the natural killer cells to fight and kill the bad cancer cells, which we normally make on a day-to-day basis, around 30 to 40 cancer, cells a day. But if the natural killer cell activity is not active, the result is more cancer cells in the body than there should be.

For a six year study of 17,341 male Howard University Alumni, who graduated from 1924 to 1954, found that vigorous exercise, burning at least 1500 calories per week was associated with a low level of mortality. Vigorous exercise includes walking briskly 4 - 5 miles per hour for at least 45 minutes a day, 5 days per week or jogging one hour three times a week.

Tumor studies have found that the increased physical activity is associated with a decrease risk of cancer in several organs. Also vigorous exercises enhance anti-oxidant levels and protects against lipid per-oxidation. The exercise program may have beneficial results even for patients with cancer. Cancer patient success procedures for patients, who maintained a program of vigorous physical exercise after diagnosis, typically had slim muscular builds. Tumor weight in mice, bearing transplanted tumors, was reduced by 30% when they were exercised.

Exercise, Stress Reduction, Yoga & Meditation

Ayurvedic Remedy

Mental - Meditation, yoga, belief

Emotional - Family, friends, support

Physical - Nutrition, exercise, yoga, pranayama

Spiritual - Service (Seva), donation, meditation

Ayurvedic Treatments

Oxygenation: Tumor cells don’t like oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen. Or simply breath practices.

Calories: Sugar, high caloric diet, red meat, nutritional deficiency promotes cancer

pH balance: Acidic pH promotes cancer, adding lots of green vegetable changes pH

Nutrition: According to cancer and body type

Lab Testing for Support

Blood Chemistry

CBC

Thyroid panel

CRP

MTHFR

Nutrients

Heavy metals

Vit D

Genetic Testing: 23andme

Tumor marker studies, preferably from tumors

Outlining Treatment

Once we have collected all the data, body type, pathology, lab investigation, mental, emotional and spiritual info

We design a program with:

Nutrition

Panchkarma detoxification

Breathing exercise

Yoga

Moral and emotional support system

IV Therapy of Mistletoe, Vitamin C, ALA

and others

Panchakarma

Panchakarma: a detoxification program

Gold standard

Our 10 week program includes 3 phases:

Pre-treatment - PoorvaKarma

Treatment - PanchKarma

Post-treatment - AntaKarma

Purpose:

Stimulate and excrete the layers of toxins

Preparation for Panch Karma

Internal oleation Different oil preparations used

Anatomically we are lined up with layers of fat cells in out.

Oils can help to exchange toxic loads.

External oleation Different oil preparations are used.

Oil preparations are used to stimulate lymphatic system and dump the toxic loads to its excretory sites.

Snehan (Herbal oil massages)

According to different body types and pathology different massage oils are used.

Stimulate 108 energetic points on the body, “marmapoints”

Done by two technicians

Snehan (Herbal Oil Massages)

The advantages of this massage:1. The oils are fatty acids. They absorb through the skin readily and

the herbs that are put in the oil, are absorbed as patch medicine. Now we have a systemic circulation of herbs and fatty acids. The fats exchange with the bad fat in the body and the herbs are stimulating the internal organs especially the liver, lymphatic, spleen, kidney, heart and also relaxing the muscles.

2. With the lymphatic drainage, the are drained and pushed toward the liver spleen and lymphatic, it's not uncommon to see swollen lymph nodes after doing this massage.

3. We are stimulating the immune system, especially white blood count which is shown to be higher after a massage treatment.

4. The massage helps to relieve the tension and convey a sense of relaxation and stimulate parasympathetic system allowing further relaxation and healing.

5. Patients are also given medicated Ghee or other oils to take orally. The purpose of this is to allow toxins to bind with the fats and also oils are anti-inflammatory in nature.

Snehan (Herbal Oil Massage)

Done via: Dry heat, wet heat, exercise, or applying local heat to

the area

Most common method: Herbal steam sauna Most of these herbs are aromatic

Vata balancing affects

The body temperature is raised, usually 100 to 104 degrees F, depending upon what type of condition we are treating.

Swedan (Hyperthermia)

Sweating to lose toxins and detoxifies the

body.

Increasing the body temperature directly , kills the tumors, bacteria, virus and fungus.

The immune system, especially the white cell count increases and thereby helps to get rid of the toxic material, bacteria , virus and fungus from the body.

Advantages of Hyperthermia treatment

Local vs Whole Body Hyperthermia (at least 41oC). Hyperthermia + radiation in advanced cervical cancer: the rate of complete

remissions could be increased from 57 % to 87% and the 3-years survival could be increased from 37 % to 51 % (Van de Zee et al, Lancet 2000).

Small study with metastatic breast cancer, achieved partial remission in 75 % of the cases after whole body hyperthermia and chemotherapy (Herzog, Komplement, 2002).

In the abdominal cavity, hyperthermia treatment is called the HIPEC treatment (hyperthermic intra- peritoneal chemotherapy) for ovarian and gastric cancers. Studies have shown that hyperthermia can increase both the tumor penetration of

cisplatin and DNA crosslinking. (Oseledychyk A, Zivanovic, O, “Intraoperative Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer,” Oncology Journal, Gynecologic Cancers, Ovarian Cancer, 2015).

Randomized study: improved remission rates from 49 to 66% and prolonged time to recurrence from 20 to 28 months when a neoadjuvant radio-chemotherapy was combined with local hyperthermia (Rau et al, Schweiz. Rupdsch. Med. Prac. 2001).

Hyperthermia in Cancer Treatment: Scientific Evidence in Clinical Experience

Oncothermia Journal, Volume 10, June 2014

After these two treatments have been performed a

number of times, the physicians check if the person is ready for further treatment. Now the main PanchKarma treatments are done. Entails five steps:

1. Vomiting replaced by Fasting

2. Purging

3. Basti, two kinds: cleansing, and restorative.

4. Nasya or nasal treatment

5. Blood letting (not done in our clinic)

Post both treatments

Fasting is done on vegetable juices, fruit juices,

herbal teas, broth from vegetables, meat soups, fish soup depending upon the condition of the patient, the number of days he can take it.

This is usually done for two to three days- modified with fruit juices, rice protein powder or very low amount of protein.

Fasting

1. We are giving complete rest to the body.

2. We are giving a chance for the body to burn off the excessive toxins.

3. Bodies defense system, especially the immune system becomes very active.

Advantages of Fasting

After fasting, purging is done. A purge is given with a

castor oil or other Ayurvedic herbs mixed with the juices and ginger, turmeric, mint, etc. Usually the person is prepared for the purging after they are done have around 3 to 8 loose bowel movements like diarrhea.

A good purge is considered complete when at the end only clear liquid is coming out.

Caution to dehydration. The person is put on a special diet of rice and mung beans or lentil for the day.

The mixture of cumin, ginger, black pepper, and salt is used to help with digestion. A little bit of ghee or other oils like flax seed oil, olive oil is added to give the intestine a soothing effect.

Purging

Purging is specially designed to flush the liver, spleen

and gall bladder. It has been experienced that when ever people tried to do crash dieting, or change their dietary habits suddenly their gall bladders collect a lot of fat which turns into gall stones. It is not uncommon for obese people to have gall stones especially when they go on crash dieting. Purging is the most helpful way of unloading the toxins from the liver, spleen and gall bladder.

After fasting and purging, a new set of herbal oil massages and herbal steam sauna is done usually for four or five treatments.

Then the patient is ready for Basti Treatment.

The Advantages of Purging

Two kinds.

The first is a Cleansing Basti. This is done to clean the large intestine. The large intestine is the largest absorption area and at the same time, it is a place where the bacteria help our bodies make B12 and helps manufacture cancer protecting factors. But if the large intestine is not clean and it does not have its >400 species of normal flora, its not doing the right job.

Basti

A cleansing basti, or enema is done with cleansing

herbs

Mixture of usually Triphla, Honey, salt, and/or Epsom salt is used to stimulate the large intestine to release its toxic load.

After the cleansing basti, a restorative basti is done.

Cleansing Basti

Replenish the mircoflora in the intestine

Use yogurt culture, acidophilus, ghee, sesame oil and herbs like: Ashwagandha, Centella Asiatica and Trifal

Ghee is a rich source of butyric acid and sesame oil has propianoic acid. These acids are a natural food for the large intestine's mircoflora.

Goal: provide natural flora and food to replete the large intestine. Ultimately restores the lost function of the intestine.

Restorative Basti

Usually done along with the massage

and sauna.

The sinuses are heated with wet or steam heat and a special massage is done to help drain the lymphatics. A few drops of specialized herbal oils are instilled into the nostrils at the end.

Nasya

With heat treatment, the sinuses can expand,

enabling them to drain more easily. The oil has a cleansing action Increases drainage

Provides a thin coating/barrier on the mucous membrane.

Promotes optimal function of the nose (smell and sense)

The nervous system is sitting right at the nose and is very reactive.

Advantages of Nasya

The last treatment

This is done in many different ways

Today, the best method is to donate blood. Statistically it has been shown that people who donate

blood on a regular basis live ten to fifteen years longer.

Localized blood letting is done with leeches for patients with arthritis, gangrenes or a patient who has a putative process set in their body like carbuncles or boils.

We do not do this in our office.

Blood Letting

Restorative and adaptogenic herbs

Restore and help the body to function optimally

Post Panch Karma

Intravenous Vitamin C

Millimolar concentration in ECF for effective cancer killing.

Only achievable with intravenous therapy.

IV administration allows the unique opportunity to build up cancer-toxic concentrations of vitamin C in the blood stream. With doses up to 50-100g in one day.25

A feat that is nearly impossible with oral administrations.

Intravenous Vitamin C

Improved survival time with IVC25

Hyperthermia: Anti-CA and Anti-Metastatic

5 randomized control trials:28

Improved efficacy of conventional treatment of breast CA.

Local application effective against primary tumor.

Increased risk of distant metastasis when only local application is used:

With local administration, distant metastases were detected in up to 75-93% of patients.

Therefore, we use infrared sauna for full body administration of hyperthermia therapy

Mistletoe in the U.S.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved mistletoe as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.

Research trials are underway in the U.S.

Mistletoe Therapy History53

Pure, sterile, aqueous fresh plant extracts from Viscum album L.

Standardized manufacturing according to GMP-guidelines with regular quality control

First registered in Germany in 1976 and in 1982 according to new drug laws requiring proof of efficacy and safety.

Registered in Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Korea, China, Russia, Chile and Peru

I.V. Mistletoe Therapy

Pharmacological effects (120 publications):53

Immune supportive:

Activates macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, phagocytosis and eosinophils, lymphocytes, and T-helper cells.

Kill cancer cells in mouse, rat, and human

Protect the DNA in white blood cells in lab settings, including cells that have been affected by chemotherapy

Induction of apoptosis in cell cultures

Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis in animals; inhibition of tumor angiogenesis

Intravenous Mistletoe Therapy

Benefits of Intravenous administration:Systemic distribution

Systemic immuno-modulatory activity

Commute the risk of metastasis30

Study demonstrated IV mistletoe therapy:31

Improved survival rate.

Fewer Adverse Reactions with IV Mistletoe30

Delayed Metastasis with IV Mistletoe

Improvement in QOL with Mistletoe therapy

Multicenter prospective randomized open study (phase III)

Non-small cell lung cancer (n=94), breast cancer (n=68), ovarian cancer (n=71)

Randomized Double-Blind Study

20 stage I and II breast cancer patients, receiving 6 cycles of adjuvant chemo with CMF.

Treated with IV mistletoe from the 4th cycle of chemo onwards

Higher Levels of activated NK cells and lower increase of sister chromatid exchange rate

Mistletoe Therapy in Our Office

Administered as an IV after patient has not negatively reacted to a test patch of mistletoe

Start at 100mg per treatment, twice weekly and go up to 300-400mg twice weekly

Given with IV vitamin C 25mg and magnesium chloride 5ml in 500ml distilled water

Infused slowly over 2 hours as the patient sits in the infra-red sauna

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Shallaki Boswellia serrata

Neem (Azadiratcha indica)

Guduchi (Tinospora Cardifolia)

Kalongi (Nigella sativa)

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

Trifal

Herbs to Highlight

Herbal Intervention in Cancer Therapy

Ashwagandha – Withania somniferaOne of the most exciting of the possible uses of Ashwagandha is its capacity to fight cancers by reducing the size of tumors.

Anti-CA activity of Ashwagandha

Molecular Th1 CytokinesCD4 and CD8 countsNatural Killer cell activity

Animal studies Improved survival timePrevented cancer development (Chemopreventive)

Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera

Ayurvedic Rasayana

“Indian ginseng” is traditionally indicated to: Calm the mind

Relieve weakness and nervous exhaustion

Build sexual energy

Promote healthy sleep

Ashwangandha is classified as an adaptogen Stress coping

Immune support

Ashwagandha

Following effects on cancer cell lines:32

Decrease levels of NFκB

Suppression of intercellular TNF-ɑ

Potentiates apoptotic signals

Tumor preventive effect on urethane-induced lung tumors.33

100% of control developed cancer

Only 25% developed tumor in Ashwagandha fed mice

Withaferin A

Inhibits Notch-1 signaling in colon cancer cells and down regulates:34

pro-survival pathways, such as Akt/NF-kappaB/Bcl-2, in HCT-116, SW-480, and SW-620, in colon cancer cell lines.

activated c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase-mediated apoptosis

In breast cancer cells in culture and in-vivo:35

Inhibits cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells.

Causes G2 and mitotic arrest, both in estrogen-independent and estrogen-responsive cell lines.36

Demonstrating Anti-proliferative and Anti-metastatic activity.

Glioma

Alcoholic extract of leaves containing Withaferin A, Withanone, and Withanolide A:37

Inhibited the proliferation of glioma cell lines; dose-dependent activity.

Water extract of leaves:38

Anti-metastatic: 35-75% decrease in cell migration.

Anti-proliferative: arrest cell growth a low concentration, apoptotic at high concentration.

Colon Cancer

Standardized root extract used to treat azoxymethane-induced colon cancer in mice.39

The herb induced apoptosis by inducing: Intrinsic and extrinsic pathways Activating, caspase-9, caspase-8, caspase-3, PARP cleavage,

etc.

Immuno-modulation:40

Inhibited pStat-3 expression; stimulated selective TH1 immunity

Promoted proliferation of CD4(+)/CD8(+), NK cells, along with T-cell activation.

Shallaki, Boswellia serrata

Also, known as Frankinsence

One of Ayurveda’s most potent anti-inflammatory herbs.

Used externally and internally to treat: Rheumatoid arthritis

Back pain

Fibrositis

Osteoarthritis

Resin contain Boswellic acids, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

Boswellia serrata

Ehrlich ascites carcimona in mice:45

Boswellia improved lifespan by 25% Reduced tumor size by 24%

Boswellic acid administration on tumor models of:46

Ehrlich Ascitic Tumour (EAT) Ehrlich Ascitic Carcinoma (EAC) Sarcoma- 180 tumor models

Tumor growth inhibition was associated with suppression of NFĸB and PARP-induce cleavage of cells.

Breast Cancer

Essential oil of Shallaki had a tumor specific effect of:49

Inducing caspase-3, -8, and -9, within 1 hour of essential oil administration.

Oil suppressed inter-cellular networks, thus reducing invasive nature of tumor cells.

Also, tumor-specific disruption of cellular function

Atk1 phosphorylation blocked immediately after application of essential oil.

Breast Cancer

Treatment with Boswellia extract promoted:50

Increased expression of tumor suppressor: p53 gene

The herb had a dose dependent effect on breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 and HEK 293 cells

Brain Metastasis from Breast CA

Administration of Boswellia help to reverse brain metastasis:51

Patient with brain metastasis that was unresponsive to standard therapy.

10 week therapy: 800mg, three times a day.

Continue…

Brain Metastasis from Breast CA

Herbal Intervention in Cancer Therapy

Turmeric – Curcuma longa for immune modulation and anti-cancer activity.

Dr. Bharat Aggraval has observed the following about Curcumin’s activity:

Observed activity of Curcumin

Cytological Activation of T-Cell, B-Cells, Macrophages, neutrophils, NK-cells, dendritic cells

Molecular TNF-ɑ, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8,

IL-12 and chemokines

Mechanism Inactivation of NF-ĸB

Curcumin

Curcumin is a very effective medicine with low bio-availability.36

Binding to a carrier liposome like medium chain triglycerides significantly improve bio-availability and effectiveness.37

Adjunct therapy

Chemosensitizer:55

Demonstrated to be potentizer in chemotherapy in many in-vitro and in-vivo studies.

Colon cancer

Prostate cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Breast cancer

Ovarian cancer

Cervical cancer

Adjunct therapy

Radiosensitizer55

Demonstrated increased sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation in in-vitro and in-vivo studies:

Colon cancer

Cervical cancer

Brain cancer

Primary Prevention56

IκBɑ

NFĸB

Inflammation:- Cox-2- 5-lipoxygenase- TNF-ɑlpha- IL-1, -6, -8- chemokines

Metastasis:- VEGF (angiogenesis)- Matrix metallopeptidase-9- Adhesion molecules

Tumor proliferations:- Cyclin D1

Tumor survival:- Bcl-2- Bcl-xL- Survivin- Inhibitors of apoptotic proteins

Curcumin blocks protease-mediated activation of NFĸB.

Prevention in clinical study

25 patients with variety of pre-cancerous lesions were given 500mg/day curcumin for 4 months.57

Progressive increase in dose up to 12000mg/day, in the absence of Grade 2 or higher side-effects.

Only 1 patient developed frank malignancy.

7 patients had histologically improved lesions.

Others had stable lesion during the course of treatment.

Treatment of colorectal cancer

15 patients with drug-resistant colorectal cancer given 440 -2200mg/day of curcumin.58

Researcher observed 59% decrease in Glutathione-s-transferase and Malondialdehyde.

33% patients, that is 5 out of 15, had radiologically stable disease at 4 months.

Follow up studies demonstrated, oral dose of 3600mg/day of curcumin was required to attain most effective therapeutic dose in cancerous tissue.59

Guduchi, Tinosporacordifolia

Guduchi is an important Ayurvedic Rasayana herb

Traditionally, it is used as:67

General tonic

Anti-allergic

Anti-diabetic properties

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-arthritic

Guduchi’s immuno-modulatory activity is beneficial in cancer therapy.

Immuno-modulation

Administration of guduchi has shown:

Enhanced phagocytic activity of macrophages.68

Dose dependent enhancement of humoral and cell-mediated immunity.69

Given to healthy mice, Guduchi enhanced concentration of IL-2, IFN-g, TNF-a.70

Given to formalin-induced arthritic mice, Guduchi was as effective as indomethacin in anti-inflammatory effect.71

Anti-tumor activity

Intra-peritoneal administration in tumor bearing mice demonstrated the effect on immune cells:72

Macrophages have enhanced: Phagocytosis Antigen presenting Secretion of cytokines: IL-1, TNF and RNI

T-cell lymphocytes activity also enhanced “spontaneously”. Authors observe TC-extract destabilizes lymphocytes

directly and indirectly.

TC-extract slowed down tumor growth and increased life span.

Anti-tumor activity

TC-extract also had bone-marrow activating effect in tumor-bearing mice.72

Concentration of Bone-marrow derived macrophages increased dose-dependently.

These macrophages produce IL-1 and TNF – in response to polysaccharide from Guduchi.

TC-extract showed a regenerative effect on the Thymus72

Enhanced proliferation of thymocytes in tumor-bearing mice.

TC-extract enhanced thymic growth promoting cytokines: IL-2 and IFN-γ; while blocking apoptotic caspase pathway.

Adjunct therapy

Study of comparative and complementary effects of guduchi and cyclophospamide on tumor bearing mice.73

Tinospora treated mice had 58% reduction in tumor volume.

Cyclophosphamide treated mice had 64.7% reduction.

Co-administration resulted in 83.5% reduction.

Kalmegh, Andrographis paniculata

This is a famous immuno-stimulating herb – widely used for:

Upper respiratory tract infections

Many infectious diseases

Liver disorders

Cancer

Anti-tumor activity

Andrographolide, a diterpenoid lactone:79

Modulate activity of Natural killer cells

antibody-mediated cellular toxicity in tumor-bearing mice.

Intra-peritoneal administration of herb extract in mice with cyclophosphamide toxicity:80

Elevated white cell counts

Increased bone-marrow cellularity

Regeneration spleen and thymus gland

Anti-tumor activity

Anti-angiogenesis: inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) block

receptor binding.81

Anti-proliferation: Inhibit PI3K/Akt signaling – causes cell cycle arrest in human

glioma.82

Cell cycle arrest in colo-rectal cancer – caused by activation of apoptotic proteins: p53, p21 and p16.83

Also, blocked activity of Cyclin D and other cell cycle promoters.

Clinical trail

20 patients with stage IV, end-stage cancer were evaluated:

one bladder, five breast, two prostate, one neuroblastoma, two non-small cell lung, three colon, one mesothelioma, two lymphoma, one ovarian, one gastric, one osteosarcoma.

Treated with:

Transfer Factor Plus (TFP+, 3 tablets 3 times per day),

IMUPlus (non denatured milk whey protein, 40 gm/day);

Intravenous (50 to 100 gm/day) and oral (1-2 gm/day) ascorbic acid;

Agaricus Blazeii Murill teas (10 gm/day);

Immune Modulator Mix (a combination of vitamin, minerals, antioxidants and immune-enhancing natural products);

nitrogenated soy extract (high levels of genistein and dadzein)

Andrographis Paniculata (500 mg twice, daily)

Clinical trail

At 6 month follow up, 16 of 20 patients still living.

They had: Significantly higher NK cell activity

Decreased TNF-ɑ

Improved quality of life

Kalonji, Nigella sativa

Also, called Black cumin; seeds are bitter/pungent tasting. Traditional uses:

Anti-hypertensive

Anti-helminthic

Respiratory, liver and kidney tonic

Also, treatment of asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and other related inflammatory diseases.

Anti-tumor activity

Thymoquinone compound from the herb is a powerful antioxidant, effective chemo-protective agent.85

It caused cell cycle arrest in pancreatic tumor cells and enhanced programmed cell death.86

Mechanism of action:

Blocked Mucin 4 glycoprotien (MUC4) that promotes:

Differenciation,

proliferation,

metastasis,

and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells.

Anti-tumor activity

Herbal combination: Nigella sativa, Hemidesmusindicus and Smilax glabra.87

Combination given for 16 month following administration hepato-toxic compound, diethylnitrosamine.

Rats tested at 16 months:

All animal treated with diethylnitrosamine alone, developed overt tumor or pre-cancerous lesions.

No cancerous lesions were found in herb-treated rats.

Anti-tumor activity

DMBA-induced breast cancer in female rats.88

Treated with Thymoquinone and Black cumin oil. Blocked tumor cell proliferation.

Promoted anti-oxidant activity, in contrast to control.

Decreased the expression of the Brca1, Brca2, Id-1 and P53 mutations in mammary tissues.

Herbal Intervention in Cancer Therapy

Neem – Azadiratcha indicaNeem provides an ideal combination of anti-cancer activity which includes: 44,45

Blocking angiogenesis

NFĸB signaling

Inhibition of cell migration and proliferation.

Promoting metabolic activity and redox

Immunity against tumor

Promoting cell death.

In this way, Neem has capability to block tumor-genesis, proliferation, and metastasis.

Neem, Azadirachta indica

Neem has been used in traditional Indian homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicine.

All parts of the plants are medicinal:

Leaves – dyspepsia, bitter digestive

Flowers – anti-septic, insect repellant

Oil – skin issues – boils, ulcers, eczema.

Fruits – purgative, emollient, and anti-helminthic.

root and bark – anti-microbial, astringent.

Cancer therapy is an emerging, becoming well-researched application of Neem.

Key Activities Laboratory and Animal studies have confirmed

following anti-tumor activities:60

Anti-proliferation

Promote apoptosis

Anti-angiogenesis

Anti-oxidant

Enhance host immune response against tumor cells

Colon tumors

Rat model of colon cancer were induced with 10 or 20 week treatment with dimethylhydralzine(DMH).61

100% of rats treated with DMH alone for 20 weeks, developed colon tumors.

Treatment with Neem among rats with tumor demonstrated: Neem leaf extract given 3x/week on alternate days.

Blocked progression

Reversal of tumors.

Activation of immune system

Neem leaf extract applied to cell cultures derived healthy humans and human head and neck carcinomas.62

Extract stimulated macrophages to release IL-12.

Demonstrating the activation of Natural Killer cells.

Also, activated certain monocytes and lymphocytes.

This effect is exerted by neem leaf glycoproteins.63

Nimbolide

Demonstrated activation anti-oxidant enzymes (GSH, GPx, GST, SOD, and CAT), a chemopreventive effect.64

Modulation of phase-II liver enzymes – promoting detoxification.64

Stimulate lymphocytes, monocytes, and NK cells.64

Inhibit NFκB down regulate tumor cell proliferation and other survival mechanisms.65

Neem and Holy Basil66

Combination of these herbs was given to wistar mice with fore-stomach cancer.

Compared with positive and negative control.

Co-administration of herbs promoted:

Modulation of oxidant-antioxidant system

Inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis

Induction of apoptosis among tumor cells.

The combination suppressed tumor formation in mice, indication for use in primary prevention.

Triphala

Triphala is a combination of three fruits: Alma, a sour fruit; Emblica officinalis

high in anti-oxidants compound

a regenerative effect digestive tissue and supportive organs.

Haritaki, a bitter fruit; Terminalia cheluba

stimulates the digestive fire to support healthy nutrient absorption.

also, has anti-microbial properties.

Bibhitaki, an astringent fruit; Terminalia bellirica

healthy movement of food through the bowels.

elimination of toxins, within normal limits.

Triphala

An equal part combination of three Ayurvedic herbs has a long history proven efficacy in oncology:46

Emblica officinalis47

Terminalia cheluba48,49

Terminalia bellerica50

In-vitro studies

Human breast cancer cell line:89,90

Gallic acid, found in all three herbs had similar cytotoxic effect.

Administration inhibited DNA synthesis in cancerous cells.’

Blocked cell replication and proliferation

Apoptotic effect is time and dose dependent

Cell with p53(+) marker were more sensitive to Triphala.

p53 inhibition activated the caspase cascade.

Animal studies

Animal studies confirm the apoptotic effect of Triphala that is observed in-vitro.91,92

Co-administration of Triphala with Methotrexate had chemo-protective effect.93

Restored the depleted protein level in brush border membrane of the intestine

phospholipid and glutathione content

decreased the myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase level in intestinal mucosa

Animal studies

Radio-protective effect of Triphala pre-treatment:93

Dose of 10mg/kg increased radiation tolerance by 1.14Gy in tumor-bearing mice.

Reduced radiation sickness and improved survival.

Cancer-preventive effect of Triphala:94

Benzoprene-induced forestomach papillomagenesis. Triphala incorporated diet for 56 days

2 weeks before, 2 weeks after, and during the 4 weeks of carcinogen treatment.

Tumor incidences decreased by 77.77%.

Longer study of 180 days: total tumor burden was decreased by 66.6%

Testimonial video

Case Studies/Testimonials

Clinical Case

12/21/2000 Seen in the clinic for the first time, complete history, physical exam and labs are done in the clinic. Patient is very anxious. Labs are unremarkable except low Lymph at 20.6

Treatment: Was advised lumpectomy. Panch karma treatments, Ashwagandha 2TID, Livit-2 1TID, Pippli 1TID,Trifal 1TID, Curcumin 3TID nutritional counseling, breathing exercise, yoga and walk for 45 minute. She is going to church for meditation sessions,

04/10/2001 Eosinophils 12, Monocytes 11, Neutrophils 31, Bands 16 and Lymph 26 feeling great, anxiety is gone.

06/15/01 Mammogram negative 02/14/02 MRI is negative 11/26/02 Gained 5 pounds of weight feeling good, appointment with

oncologist negative for cancer. 06/30/03 MRI negative 01/24/04 Blood chemistry within normal limits, still cancer in remission 02/17/05 Blood chemistry Normal, still in remission as per oncologist

48 year old female diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in

situ. Wants to follow up with only natural medicine.

Clinical Case

Was put on Ashwgandha 3caps TID, Sitawari 1 TID, Livit-2 one TID, Amla Plex 2 teaspoon TID, Curcumin 2 caps TID, Boswelya Plus 2 TID, Neem Plus 1 TID, Trifalone TID, Selenium 200 mcg/day, Polyvitamins 1 BID

She underwent PK treatments every 6 months.

Lived for almost 12 years and died recently in February of 2005.

A fifty year old female doctor diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer. Underwent complete hysterectomy, chemo and radiation. Came to clinic in May 1993. Was given three months to live.

Questions?

Contact:

Thank you!