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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH

Cancer in Ayurvedic Perspective: A Conceptual Review

Dr. Trupti Parimal Yawatkar ¹

¹Assistant Professor, Dept of Rognidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan in S.C. Mutha Aryangala Vaidyak Mahavidyalaya,

Satara,

Corresponding author: Dr. Trupti Parimal Yawatkar

Article Info: Published on : 15/01/2026

Cite this article as: - Dr. Trupti Parimal Yawatkar (2026) ; Cancer in Ayurvedic Perspective: A Conceptual Review;Inter .J.

Dignostics and Research 3 (2) 29-32 , DOI : : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 8 2 5 8 9 1 9

Abstract

Cancer is a major global health challenge characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion and

metastasis. While modern oncology explains cancer through genetic and molecular mechanisms. Cancer

is a multifactorial disease characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.

Despite significant advances in modern oncology—including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy,

targeted therapy, and immunotherapy—cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality

worldwide. Limitations such as adverse effects, recurrence, drug resistance, and compromised quality of

life necessitate complementary strategies.

Ayurveda describes cancer-like conditions under the concepts of Arbuda, Granthi and Dushta Vrana.

Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic understanding of disease involving Dosha, Dhatu, Agni, Srotas and

Ojas. This article reviews the Ayurvedic perspective of cancer including its etiological factors(Nidana),

pathogenesis (Samprapti), classification and principles of management (Chikitsa). Understanding cancer

through Ayurvedic principles may contribute to integrative approaches for prevention, supportive care

and improved quality of life.

Keywords – Cancer, Arbuda, Granthi, Samprapti, Integrative, oncology

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

Introduction :

along with involvement of all three Doshas,

develops gradually over a long period, and does not

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality

worldwide. Despite advances in diagnosis and

treatment, the disease poses significant physical,

psychological and economic challenges. According

to the World Health Organization, cancer accounts

for nearly 10 million deaths annually worldwide^[1].

While modern medicine focuses on tumor- centered

treatment, traditional systems such as Ayurveda

emphasize host resistance, metabolic balance and

psychosomatic harmony. Ayurveda the ancient

Indian system of medicine, provides a holistic view

of disease that focuses on maintaining equilibrium

of body and mind. Although the term “cancer” is

not explicitly mentioned in classical Ayurvedic

texts, descriptions of Arbuda, Granthi and Dushta

Vrana closely resemble neoplastic conditions.

Ayurveda considers cancer not merely as a

localized growth but as a systemic disorder arising

from long-standing imbalance in metabolism, tissue

nutrition, and immunity.

suppurate^[2][3]

Granthi - Granthi is described as a rounded, knot-

like swelling formed due to the aggregation

(Sanghata) of vitiated Doshas with Dhatus.^[4][5]

Granthi refers to nodular or glandular swellings:

•

Smaller in size compared to Arbuda

Often encapsulated

Associated with vitiated Kapha and Vata

[4][5]

Both conditions reflect abnormal tissue growth and

obstruction of bodily channels (Srotorodha).

Etiological Factors (Nidana)

Ayurveda identifies multiple causative factors

contributing to Arbuda:

Ahara (Dietary factors) :

•

Excessive intake of guru (heavy), snigdha

(unctuous), abhishyandi foods^[6]

Viruddha

ahara

(incompatible

food

combinations)^[6]

Aim – To study cancer in Ayurvedic perspective.

Processed, stale or chemically adulterated

Concept of Arbuda and Granthi in Ayurveda-

foods, artificial coloured food items

Vihara (Lifestyle factors)^[6]

Arbuda - A large, round, firm, deep-rooted,

•

Sedentary lifestyle

immobile swelling arising from muscle tissue with

Day sleep (Divaswapna)

mild pain is called Arbuda ^[2][3]

Suppression of natural urges (Vegadharana)

According to classical texts, Arbuda is described

Manasika Nidana (Psychological factors)^[6]

as:

•

Chronic stress (Chinta)

Grief (Shoka)

•

Mamsa pradoshaja vikara

Firm, immobile, deep-rooted swelling

Painless or mildly painful

Fear (Bhaya)

Other Factors

Slow-growing and non-suppurative

•

Chronic inflammation

Repeated trauma

Arbuda predominantly involves Kapha Dosha,

along with vitiation of Vata and Pitta in advanced

stages. Arbuda is predominantly caused by Kapha

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

•

Genetic

predisposition

(conceptually

Principles of Management -

correlated with Beeja dushti)^[6]

Ayurvedic management focuses on restoring

systemic balance rather than targeting the mass

Pathogenesis (Samprapti) of Cancer in Ayurveda

The Ayurvedic pathogenesis of cancer can be

alone^[2][4][5]

summarized as follows^[6][7]

➢ Shodhana Chikitsa:

1. Agnimandya – impairment of digestive and

tissue metabolism

Panchakarma therapies such as Vamana,

Virechana,

etc.

can

utilized

for

2. Ama formation – accumulation of toxic

metabolic by-products

eliminating vitiated Doshas.

➢ Shamana Chikitsa

3. Dosha vitiation – primarily Kapha with

involvement of Vata and Pitta

Use of herbal formulations with:

• Lekhana (scraping)

4. Dhatu dushti – especially Rasa, Rakta,

Mamsa, and Meda

• Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)

• Rasayana (rejuvenative) properties

➢ Rasayana Therapy

5. Srotorodha – obstruction of microchannels/

strotas

• Enhances

strength

immunity

and

tissue

6. Ojas kshaya – decline in immunity and

vitality^[7]

• Improves tolerance to disease and

This progressive imbalance leads to localized

abnormal tissue growth manifesting as Arbuda.

Classification of Arbuda based on:

other treatment.

➢ Ahara and Vihara

•

Light, easily digestible, plant-based diet

•

Dosha predominance – Vataja, Pittaja,

Kaphaja, Sannipataja

Stress management through Yoga,

Dhatu

Medarbuda, Raktarbuda

Site – External or internal Arbuda

involvement

–

Mamsarbuda,

Pranayama, and meditation

Role of Ayurveda in Integrative Cancer Care-

Ayurveda plays an important role in:

Integrated Conceptual Summary -

•

Cancer

prevention

through

lifestyle

modification

Classical Factor

Cancer Correlation

Supportive care during chemotherapy and

radiotherapy

Kapha dominance

Uncontrolled tissue

growth

Metabolic dysfunction

Management of side effects like fatigue,

nausea, etc.

Agnimandya

Ama

Chronic inflammation

Solid tumor formation

Improving quality of life and psychological

well-being Ayurvedic interventions should

be used in coordination with oncologists to

ensure safety and efficacy.

Mamsa-Meda

dushti

Ojas kṣaya

Immune suppression

Genetic predisposition

Beeja dushti

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

Discussion:

4. Tripathi B. Ashtanga Hridaya of Vagbhata.

The Ayurvedic concept of cancer emphasizes

Varanasi:

Chaukhambha

Sanskrit

metabolic dysfunction, immune compromise and

Pratishthan; 2017.

chronic

dosha

imbalance.

This

holistic

5. Madhavakara.

Madhukosha

Madhava

Nidana

Edited

with

understanding complements modern oncology,

which focuses on molecular and genetic changes.

Integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern

treatment may help in personalized care, symptom

management and live long-life.

commentary.

Varanasi:

Tripathi

Chaukhambha

Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2015.

6. Sharma PV. Charaka Samhita (Text with

English translation). Vol 1. Varanasi:

Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.

Conclusion :

Ayurveda emphasizes early metabolic and immune

imbalance as the root cause, while modern

medicine focuses on molecular and genetic

alterations. Cancer in Ayurveda is understood as a

systemic disorder arising from long-standing

derangement of Doshas, Dhatus, Agni and Ojas.

The concepts of Arbuda and Granthi provide

valuable insights into the natural history of tumor

development. While Ayurveda does not replace

modern oncological treatment, its holistic principles

offer significant benefits in prevention, supportive

care and improving quality of life.

7. Sharma RK, Dash B. Charaka Samhita.

Vols 1–7. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit

Series Office; 2009.

Declaration :

Conflict of Interest : None

ISSN: 2584-2757

DOI : : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 8 2 5 8 9 1 9

Dr. Trupti Yawatkar Inter. J.Digno. and Research

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References :

1. World

Health

Organization.

Cancer.

Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023.

2. Acharya YT, editor. Sushruta Samhita of

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Sushruta.

Varanasi:

Chaukhambha

Surbharati Prakashan; 2018.

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3. Shastri AD, editor. Sushruta Samhita with

Ayurveda-Tattva-Sandipika commentary.

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