REVIEW ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF DASHAPUSHPA, A TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CANCER

Abstract

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. In Asian and African countries, 80% of the population depend on traditional medicine for primary health care. Even though modern science is very much advanced in the field of cancer treatment, the role of traditional medicine in the same field is highly appreciated. Dashapushpa, a prominent traditional medicine is a group of ten herbs which is culturally and medically important to the people of Southern India, especially in Kerala state. These ten herbs are widely used in treating different varieties of cancer and other malignant conditions by the Visha Vaidyas of the state. Moreover the methodology implemented in the study was the thorough literary research through different traditional Ayurvedic books where the utility of these herbs in cancer like conditions are mentioned in addition to the review through various pharmacological studies. Almost all the ingredients of Dashapushpa have been extensively studied for their pharmacological efficacy as anti-cancer drugs. This paper is a review of various folklore, therapeutic uses and pharmacological studies conducted for the anti-cancer activity of these ten herbs. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Headnote

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. In Asian and African countries, 80% of the population depend on traditional medicine for primary health care. Even though modern science is very much advanced in the field of cancer treatment, the role of traditional medicine in the same field is highly appreciated. Dashapushpa, a prominent traditional medicine is a group of ten herbs which is culturally and medically important to the people of Southern India, especially in Kerala state. These ten herbs are widely used in treating different varieties of cancer and other malignant conditions by the Visha Vaidyas of the state. Moreover the methodology implemented in the study was the thorough literary research through different traditional Ayurvedic books where the utility of these herbs in cancer like conditions are mentioned in addition to the review through various pharmacological studies. Almost all the ingredients of Dashapushpa have been extensively studied for their pharmacological efficacy as anti-cancer drugs. This paper is a review of various folklore, therapeutic uses and pharmacological studies conducted for the anti-cancer activity of these ten herbs.

KEY WORDS: cancer, Dashapushpa, traditional medicine, Visha

INTRODUCTION

Traditional medicine has a long history of serving people all over the world. It is the sum total of knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures that are used to maintain health, as well as to prevent, diagnose, improve or treat physical and mental illnesses (Patrick OE et al., 2008). In Asian and African countries, 80% of the population depend on traditional medicine for primary health care (WHO media centre, 2013). Herbal medicines are the most lucrative form of traditional medicine, generating billions of dollars in revenue (Thomas D, 2010). In recent years, the use of traditional medicine information in cancer research received considerable interest (Rajesh et al., 2011).

Cancer is responsible for millions of deaths each year worldwide (Siveen et al., 2011). Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs (WHO media centre, 2013). This process is referred to as metastasis. Metastases are the major cause of death from cancer (WHO media centre, 2013). There are more than 200 different types of cancer (Cancer Research UK, 2013). GLOBOCAN 2008 estimated that about 12.7 million cancer cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths have occurred in 2008 and among that 56% of the cancer cases and 64% of the deaths occurred in the economically developing world (Jemal et al., 2011).

Through this paper the authors makes review of various folklore, therapeutic uses and pharmacological studies conducted for the anti- cancer activity of Dashapushpa, a traditional medicine in the management of cancer. And also to draw the attention of research scholars and research institutes to these ten drugs. Thorough literary search was made through various Ayurvedic classical texts such as Arogya Kalpadruma, Sarvaroga Chikitsaratna, Abhidana manjari, Kodasheri margam, Prayoga samuchayam, Chikitsa kauthukam, Vaidya manorama and Agastya marmashastra and also various research papers. Methodology comprised of a concept about the role of traditionally used medicine, i.e. Dashapushpa in the management of cancer on the basis of its clinical practice by some traditional Visha Chikitsaka (traditional Vaidyas practising toxicology).

Dashapushpa - The group of ten medicinal flowers

Dashapushpam literally means 'ten flowers' ('Dasham' refers to ten and Pushpam' refers to 'flowers'). In the present context, the word "Dashapushpam" refers to 'ten species of plants.' Dashapushpas are culturally and medically significant to the people of Kerala. All are used as ingredients in various Ayurvedic formulations (Sindhu et al., 2009). The plants referred to as Dashapushpas are listed in table: 1 (Mini VN et al., 2010).

Cultural view on Dashapushpas

As per the tradition of Kerala, women wear Dashapushpa garlands on the head. In front of the household shrine, the ten sacred plants of Dashapushpa were displayed in a gleaming brass plate in the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (the monsoon season in Kerala when diseases are more prominent and the body has little resistance against diseases) in the olden days. It is also used with "Ashtamangalyam " (group of eight auspicious materials which are carried on a large bronze vessel for offerings) during marriage functions. It was also prescribed by the Rajavaidyas (doctors for the king) to the ladies to wear these plants on their head, probably due to the medicinal value imparted by them. Dashapushpas are been eaten in the form of Karkkadaka kanji in Karkkidaka masam to get better health in the upcoming monsoon season (Jiny et al., 2010).

They are considered auspicious and each herb is associated with a deity in Hindu mythology. It has been shown in table: 2 (Mini VN et al., 2010).

Therapeutic use of Dashapushpas

Dashapushpas are therapeutically active against fever, dysentery, haemorrhage, constipation, lithiasis, strangury, headache, dyspepsia, jaundice, liver congestion, pneumonia, typhoid, insomnia, tumours etc (Radhamani and Muralidharan, 2000). Herbs play a significant role in pharmaceutical industries as natural sources of life saving drugs (Khanna et al., 2008). Healthcare sectors around the world, more frequently than ever are facing the problems of combating the entry of novel, mutant pathogenic strains of microorganisms and their resistance against synthetic drugs (Khanna et al., 2008). This calls for the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds with diverse chemical structures and novel mechanisms of action. Natural products either as pure compounds or as standardized plant extracts is the right solution because of their unmatched display of chemical diversity (Parekh and Chanda, 2007). Essential oils from some plants like Allium sp. having antimicrobial properties can be used as natural antimicrobial additives in food production (Benkeblia, 2004). But for the development of safe and effective antimicrobials based on indigenous knowledge and ethno medicine, the screening of enormous, untapped plant wealth is inevitable (Amit and Shailendra, 2006). The wild flora of Peninsular India, one among the mega diversity centres in the world still remains to be exploited for its medicinal properties. These plants are therapeutically very active for various diseases and ailments. These are used from time immemorial in Visha Chikitsa. Some of them are scientifically validated for various bioactivities related to anti-cancer therapy. Dashapushpas has been used by traditional Vaidyas of Visha Chikitsa.

DISCUSSION

Understanding cancer in the perspective of Visha

In Susruta samhita Kalpasthana, Sushrutacharya explained how the Visha properties imply to fatal stage of life. Turning in on this it implies that the same pathology might be happening in cancer. Cancer, the most fatal and rapidly growing disease can be better understood on comparison with the Visha Gunas. The properties of Visha have been detailed in different Ayurvedic classics (Srikantha Murthy, 2006). The different symptoms and stages of different types of cancer can be understood in the purview of Visha Gunas. Laghu guna imply the Laghavatva of Shareera or in simple words the emaciation or decrease in body weight. This feature can be noted invariably in almost all types of cancers. Anorexia and elevated energy expenditure contributes to weight loss in cancer patients. The emaciation of cancer is called cachexia and is very dangerous on its own. Ruksha or dryness is noted as a significant feature in Squamous cell carcinoma or the cancer of squamous cells of the skin. Ashukari refers to the fastness or rapidity in spreading. Certain tumors like astrocystoma are known for its rapid progress while tumors like low grade gliomas take a slow and gradual path of progression. Vyavayi refers to the spreading nature of tumor or to be precise the Metastasis. it is the process of spreading of cancer cells from its primary site to the secondary sites. A carcinoma of breast may cause secondaries in lungs or bones. Teekshna as the word denotes, the penetrating nature of tumor cells or infiltration to deeper tissues. The penetrating property can be understood by the entry of carcinogen cells in the blood stream by penetrating the basement membrane and epithelial tissue by releasing metallo protenosis. Vikashi denotes the instability or the weakness of body caused by the effect of tumor. Sukshma connotes the capability of tumor cells to travel through minute channels. This is best appreciated in cases of lymphomas. Ushna even though does not directly lead us to a significant feature, may imply the fever caused by various infection in the later stages of different carcinomas. This can also be regarded as a feature in basal cell carcinoma which present with burning sensation of the skin. Apaki as the word indicates does not undergo suppuration. Except a few condition like a carcinoma of oral cavity, all type of carcinomas are non suppurative in nature. Vishada as it implies its Kledakara nature more here ie may be taken as discharge like in cervical cancer, nipple discharge in breast cancer etc. For the same reason, it can be useful while dealing with the cancers, especially Dashapushpas the most popular medicine of Visha Chikitsa in Kerala.

Research works done on plant drugs in Dashapushpa group

Methanolic extract of Aerva lanata Linn. has shown antioxidant and anticancer effect against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) in vivo (Obayed et al., 2012). Anticancer activity of aerial parts of Aerva lanata Linn Juss ex Schult against Dalton's Ascitic Lymphoma has also been studied (Rajesh et al., 2011). While the ethanolic extract of whole plant of Aerva lanata Linn. exhibited immune-modulatory and anti-tumour activity. Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC inhibits tumor cell invasion and metastasis through a mechanism involving regulation of MMPs, prolyl hydroxylase, lysyl oxidase, nm23, ERK-1, ERK-2, STAT-1, and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in metastatic lung tissue (Guruvayoorappan et al., 2008). Cardiospermum halicacabum (Linn.) and Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. is also shown to exhibit anti-tumour activity (Venkatesh Babu and Krishnakumari, 2006) (Sigh and Gupta, 2008; Raman et al., 2009). The effect of in- vitro anticancer activity of the ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon (Pers.) against HEP-2 laryngeal, HELA cervical and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines was studies and it was compared with normal, Vero cell line using MTT assay (Kanimozhi, 2012). The hydro- alcoholic extract of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. was evaluated for its anticancer potential (Chaudhary et al., 2011). Methanolic extract of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. was found to be cytotoxic to Daltons lymphoma (DL), Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and mouse lung fibroblast (L-929) cells, but not toxic to normal human lymphocytes, under in vitro conditions (Shylesh and Padikkala 2000). Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) and Ipomea sepiaria Roxb. Also shows anti-cancer activity (Auddy et al., 2003; Jiny et al., 2010). The effect of various extracts of Vernonia cinerea Linn. Against Dalton's Ascitic Lymphoma (DAL) in Swiss Albino mice was also studied Sangeetha and Venkatarathinakumar, 2011).

CONCLUSION

The global scenario has shown a great increase in herbal medicine research as anticancer therapy. Some of the research activities have been carried out on these plants during the past few decades which give sufficient motivation among the scientific community in exploring more information about these sacred plants. So there is an ultimate need to screw out the anticancer properties of Dashapushpa with the help of allied sciences. Some traditional Vaidyas have shown evidently that the Dashapushpas are effective in curing cancer patients, but to have more effective and sustainable results, a great deal is required in analysis and standardization of these ten sacred plants, assessment of pharmacological effect and designing the treatment protocol. Research and development must be encouraged for developing new pharmaceutical preparations from these plants. A detailed investigation of its standardization, pharmacological activity and clinical trials may help to develop new formulation for controlling various types of cancers.

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