Critical analysis of hepatic cancer in Ayurveda W.S.R. to Yakritodara & Yakrit Gulma

Abstract

Cancer is one of the major causes of death across the globe accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Every 6^th death in the world is due to the cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (ARC), by 2040, the global burden of Cancer is expected to grow by 27.5 million new cases.^[1] As per national Cancer Registration data (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI), in India there were 63,797 deaths in 2020 due to cancer and projected deaths by 2022 are 66,879.^[2] And it is going to increase further due to faulty dietary and lifestyle practices. Liver cancer is the 7^th most commonly occurring cancer and is the second most common cause of cancer mortality. Highest incidence is found in Asia and Africa.  Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science. There are references to various malignancies in Ayurveda. The tumor is referred as ‘Arbuda’ or ‘Gulma’ in Ayurveda. All the characteristics of tumors are very well mentioned in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic acharyas while suggesting the operation for these tumors, said that these tumors should be excised completely along with surrounding healthy tissue otherwise it recures soon indicating the malignant nature of the tumors. Most of the tumors are mentioned as incurable again indicating its malignant nature. In Ayurveda, tumor is classified based on doshas and structural appearance. Among the treatment modality for Cancer, apart from medicine and surgery, cauterization and application of Alkali is also suggested in Ayurveda to avoid the recurrence. The liver cancer is mentioned under headings like ‘Yakrit Gulma’ and ‘Yakrut Udara’. Viral liver cirrhosis is the main cause of liver cancer apart from fatty infiltration, obesity, diabetes & alcoholism. It is concluded that Cancers are well documented in Ayurveda and the Ayurvedic treatment for treating the tumors needs to be reexplored.