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UNANI MEDICINE AND CANCER A science of health and healing

  • July 2020
DOI:10.1007/s11033-
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Christer Hans Olavi Sundqvist at Christer's Academy
Christer Hans Olavi Sundqvist
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Abstract

UNANI MEDICINE AND CANCER Christer Sundqvist. Prepublished article, 2020 Petrafoundation, Helsinki, Finland https://www.petrafoundation.com/en/foundation Unani medicine is an alternative medical system originating in ancient Greece almost 2500 years back. It is now practiced primarily in India. Herbal remedies, dietary practices and alternative therapies characterize Unani medicine. Let us study what it can offer for a cancer patient.
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UNANI MEDICINE AND CANCER
Christer Sundqvist. Prepublished article, 2020
Petrafoundation, Helsinki, Finland https://www.petrafoundation.com/en/foundation
Unani medicine is an alternative medical system originating in ancient Greece almost 2500 years
back. It is now practiced primarily in India. Herbal remedies, dietary practices and alternative
therapies characterize Unani medicine. Let us study what it can offer for a cancer patient.
A science of health and healing
Avicenna (980-1037) has defined Unani medicine as a science in which we learn various states of
body in health and when not in health and the means by which health is likely to be lost and when
lost, is likely to be restored [1].
The Unani system of medicine is a holistic approach to cancer care. This short article is an
effort to highlight the main findings of Unani medicine [2].
Prevention of cancer can be achieved by following the sound principles of ”Six Prerequisites of
Healthy Living by Unani medicine” [1]:
1. Air (Fresh and pollution free air for breathing. Avoiding exposure to excessive heat or
excessive cold.)
2. Food and drink (To stop tobacco chewing and smoking. Avoiding junk and smoked foods,
preserved foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, etc. Avoiding excess of non-vegetarian diet.
Avoiding black bile producing diets such as red meat, dried and salted meat and fish, etc.
Taking soft and easily digestible diets. Consuming turmeric, tomatoes, garlic, flaxseed,
spinach, broccoli, pomegranates, walnuts, etc. Taking diet rich in fibre (20-30 g/day).)
3. Bodily movement and repose (Avoiding sedentary lifestyle. Exercising for 30-45 minutes at
least five days a week.)
4. Psychic movement and repose (Avoiding mental stress and anxiety. Avoiding extreme
emotions, e.g. anger, fear, sadness. Lead a spiritual peaceful life.)
5. Sleep and wakefulness (Sleeping for six to eight hours.)
6. Retention and evacuation (Avoiding constipation. Ensuring proper evacuation, urination,
perspiration and menstruation. Avoiding dehydration and ensure retention of electrolytes and
minerals.)
Unani medicine accentuates an early detection of cancer leading to better prognosis. Unani
treatment may be used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer patients to restore a healthy lifestyle and to
enhance the immunity of the patient. Unani medicine might reduce the complications associated
with cancer, it might prevent the side-effects of conventional cancer therapies and is improving the
quality of life of the patients.
Some anti-cancerous drugs and herbs are often used. There is a rapidly growing interest into these
products and several studies have shown promising results.
For example the herb Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) shows anti-angiogenic effects in tumor
cell lines [3]. In another study Artemisia significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted
apoptosis in two human breast cancer cell lines [4].
Studies have been conducted to verify the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of the herb
Cuscuta reflexa (Giant dodder) in cell lines [5], Swiss albino mice [6], human red blood cells [7]
and human cancer cell lines [8]. Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng Withania somnifera has
immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects [9-14]. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) expresses
promising antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anti-cancer effects [15, 16]. Also Terminalia bellerica
known as Bahera or Beleric has been found to possess anti-cancer effects [17, 18]. The
antimutagenic and anti-cancer activity of Tinospora cordifolia (Heart-leaved moonseed) has been
found in some studies [19, 20]. The spicy Black cumin Nigella sativa has some potential as an anti-
cancer agent [21, 22]. Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is quite well-known as an anti-cancer herb [23-
25]. Cinnamomum zeylenicum (Cinnamon bark) is able to induce apoptosis in cancer cell-lines [26,
27]. Bacopa monnieri (Water hyssop) is possessing some cytotoxic effects [28, 29].
Unani medicine, much like Ayurveda, is based on an ancient theory of the presence of the elements
in the human body. These elements are present in fluids and their balance (homeostasis) leads to
health and their imbalance leads to illness. Thus homeostasis plays an important key role in the
optimum functioning of the body.
Unani System of Medicine believes that the real physician is the body’s intrinsic power of healing
and maintaining its normal state of health. The physician is not the healer but an assistant to nature,
the true healer [30].
Modern research helps us to get a more scientific view of this medical system [31, 32]. Currently
there is a lack of research data and lack of adequate accepted research methodology for
understanding and evaluation of Unani medicine [33].
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cancerous_drugs_in_Unani_System_of_Medicine
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33 Mumtaz Rabbani, Betania Kartika Muflih, Khairusy Syakirin. Nature’s Sustainable Aqua Gift - Pearl in Unani
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Concept of Sartān (Cancer) and Anti-cancerous drugs in Unani System of Medicine
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Cancer is one of the fastest growing diseases, with an estimated worldwide incidence of 10 million new cases per year. Mortality is high, with >7 million deaths per year. In the last two decades, great advances have been made in cancer therapy; however, the success rates still remain unsatisfactory. Current conventional anticancer therapies are associated with adverse effects, drug resistance, and cancer recurrence. In Unani system of medicine, Cancer is known as Sartān, an Arabic word which means "crab". In the classical Unani literature, Sartān (Cancer) has been mentioned with great description, causes, origin, expansion, metastasis and all of clinical presentations. Renowned physicians like Buqrat, Jalinoos, Razi, Ibn Sina, Tabri and Jurjani gave the details of Sartān and its management. Through this paper, an attempt has been made to highlight the strength of Unani medicine in Sartān.
Unani Concept of Prevention and Control of Lifestyle Disorders: A Literature Review
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Full-text available
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Essentials of Research Methodology in Unani Medicine
Book
Full-text available
  • Jan 2020
Although research studies are carried out in various fields of science, the general goals and defining characteristics of research are basically similar across disciplines. The rationales of this book are to discuss the fundamental methods to conduct research studies in various medical systems, the difficulties faced by researchers when planning and conducting a research study, variety of research designs commonly used, the research-related thoughtfulness of which researchers should be aware, the approach in which the results of research can be interpreted and disseminated, and ethical consideration. This book also includes one chapter on trends and possibilities of research in Unani medicine to benefit Unani fraternity and students and select different research design to conduct research in Unani medicine. Further, interesting chapter on journal club has been included to facilitate the Post Graduate scholar to understand and how to present the journal club especially for beginners. This book is best for readers who have either minimal or intermediate knowledge who need a quick reminder regarding particular aspects of research and its methodology. This book is also helpful for those readers with an advanced knowledge of research and its methodology, as it can provide a concise summary of basic research techniques and principles. Lastly, this book is valuable for even those readers who do not conduct research, as it will assist in becoming a more educated consumer of research. This book will develop your ability to professionally and successfully grasp and understand the results of a research study in various fields of science. Wherever feasible, visual cues highlighting key points are utilized alongside systematic, step-by-step guidelines. Chapters are focused and succinct. Topics are organized for an easy understanding of the essential material related to a particular topic. With this book, we aim to challenge and assist readers in the sciences faculty to aspire to the highest level of competency by arming them with the tools they need for knowledgeable and informed practice in research methodology.
Anti-cancer activity of an ethyl-acetate extract of the fruits of Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. through an apoptotic signaling pathway in vitro
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2018
Objective: To investigate the biochemical constituents of the fruits of Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (hereafter termed T. bellerica) and estimate the anti-cancer activity of different polar extracts. Methods: To rapidly screen and identify the biochemical constituents of ethyl acetate (EA) extracts of T. bellerica, ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MSn) was done. The CellTiter-Blue™ cell-viability assay was used to ascertain the anti-cancer activity of different polar extracts in 10 human cancer cell lines. Results: Forty polyphenols of the EA extract of T. bellerica were characterized tentatively. The EA extract exhibited significant anti-cancer activity against ZR-75-1 cells (half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 27.33 (0.98) μg/mL) and Colo-205 cells (39.65 (2.99) μg/mL) in vitro. Treatment of ZR-75-1 cells with 20 and 60 μg/mL of the EA extract elicited dose-dependent apoptosis percentages at an early stage of 17.58 (0.74) % and at a late stage of 29.20 (1.22) %; Colo-205 cells at the same concentration of EA extract had values of 21.33 (1.03) % and 40.55 (0.34) %, respectively. Western blotting suggested that ZR-75-1 and Colo-205 cells treated with the EA extract showed a similar increasing tendency for expression of cleaved anti-poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase I. Conclusion: We identified a total of 40 chemical constituents, of which 11 were first obtained from the Terminalia Linn. genus using UPLC-ESI-MSn. Meanwhile, we observe that the EA extract of T. bellerica possesses anti-cancer activity, especially against breast and colon cancers. Keywords: Terminalia bellerica, Anti-cancer activity, UPLC-ESI-MSn, CellTiter-blue
Anticancer potential of Tinospora cordifolia and arabinogalactan against benzo(a)pyrene induced pulmonary tumorigenesis: A study in relevance to various biomarkers
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2018
Introduction: Aqueous Tinospora cordifolia stem extract (Aq.Tc) and arabinogalactan (AG), its bioactive polysaccharide, which are antioxidant remedies were evaluated on pulmonary cancer and associated tumor markers. Methods: Mice were randomly segregated into 6 groups. Group I: animals served as control. Group II: animals which were administered Aq.Tc extract (200 mg/kg, orally), thrice a week. Group III: animals which received AG (7.5 mg/kg, orally) thrice a week. Group IV: animals which were instilled with benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) (50 mg/kg, orally) twice within an interval of 2 weeks. Group V: animals which received Aq.Tc extract as in group II, along with B(a)P after 2 weeks of Aq.Tc administration. Group VI: animals which received AG as in group III along with B(a)P after 2 weeks of AG administration. Results: As expected, B(a)P treated mice exhibited high tumor incidence and multiplicity with concomitant increase in serum/plasma markers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tumor necrosis factor. However, Aq.Tc and AG supplementation to B(a)P abused animals significantly attenuated these parameters at different stages of cancer, depicting their anti-cancer effects in lung carcinogenesis. Also, treatment of Aq.Tc and AG to tumor bearing mice reduced the degree of histopathological alterations as compared to B(a)P installed mice. The apoptotic index in case of Aq.Tc and AG fed mice treated with B(a)P was higher as compared to only B(a)P treated mice. Further it was observed that Aq.Tc could induce higher degree of apoptosis when compared to AG group, suggesting Aq.Tc as a more effective modulator of tumorigenesis. Conclusion: Overall, these findings substantiate the chemopreventive potential of Aq.Tc and AG against lung tumorigenesis. Aq.Tc was found to be more effective than AG in modulating the process of lung carcinogenesis as reflected by various observations.
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Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2017
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell (water hyssop) from the Scrophulariaceae family represents one of the best known plants of the Ayurveda system, with reported procognitive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant activity. It is considered to be a central nervous system modulating agent. However, recent studies have indicated its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment. Here we report the findings from a study of the effects of B. monnieri extracts derived from artificial digestive juices on physiological traits of prostate cancer cells (DU 145), such as viability and migratory activity. The safety profile and chemopreventive potential of B. monnieri extracts were investigated in Vibrio harveyi mutagenicity assays. Additionally, in this study for the first time the content of phenolic compounds and bacosides released from B. monnieri biomass to artificial digestive juices was determined. The investigated extracts were cytotoxic to DU 145; however, in non-cytotoxic concentrations, they significantly reduced cancer cell motility, thereby demonstrated anti-invasive activity. All extracts under study exhibited very strong antimutagenic activity against nitroquinoline-N-oxide. Bacoside A and phenolic acids were determined, but qualitative and quantitative differences between extracts were found.
In vitro antimicrobial and anticancer activity of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum linn bark extracts
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2014
One of the most common threats is the spread of multidrug resistant pathogens. Cancer is another major problem leads to death. Hence a search for new, plant based, risk-free, superior compounds with novel antimicrobial and anticancer activities is the need of the day. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and anticancer effects of bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. The antimicrobial activity of extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark (aqueous, methanol and chloroform) against bacterial and fungal clinical isolates like Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans was determined. The anticancer activity was studied by MTT and AO/EB staining on hepato carcinoma cell lines ((Hep G2 cell line). The result of antimicrobial study showed that methanolic extract had better antibacterial and antifungal activity. The most susceptible bacterial and fungal strains were Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger, respectively. The methanolic extract showed MIC value of 2.5mg/ml for Bacillus subtilis and 5mg/ml for Aspergillus niger. The results of in vitro anticancer studies by MTT assay on Hep G2 cell line in the presence of methanolic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark showed an IC50 value of 150μg/ ml. The AO/EB staining also showed that the methanolic extract was able to induce apoptotic activity in HepG2 cells after 24 hours of incubation at a concentration 150μg/ ml. This study proved that Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark is a reliable and safer herbal drug that can be used in pharmaceutical preparations for infectious and malignant diseases.
The anticancer activity of five species of Artemisia on Hep2 and HepG2 cell lines
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2009
It has been reported that several Artemisia species (Astraceae) possess cytotoxic activity against different human cell lines. In this study, the toxicity of the A. kulbadica, A. sieberi, A. turanica, A. santolina and A. diffusa against human Caucasian hepatocyte carcinoma (HepG-2) and human Caucasian larynx carcinoma (Hep-2) cell lines have been investigated. These plants were collected from Khorasan province, northeast of Iran. Different concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600 and 3200 μ g/mL) of ethanol extract of each sample were prepared. The cytotoxic effects of these concentrations against two human tumor cell lines Hep2 and HepG2 were determined by quantitative MTT assay. Results showed concentration- and time-dependent toxicity. In all extracts, toxic effects were significantly higher on HepG2 cells compared with Hep2 cells. HepG2 cells are rich in phase I and phase II metabolic enzymes and it is probable that metabolic activation of some active ingredients of the extracts were converted to more toxic metabolites and caused more toxicity in these cells.
Anticancer activity of Withania somnifera (Leaves) flavonoids compound
Article
  • Mar 2013
In this research article make known on Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) as Medicinal plants have therapeutic potential due to the presence of natural antioxidants functioning as reducing agents, free radical scavengers and quenchers of singlet oxygen. And this article also determines the use of Withania Somnifera (leaves) Polyphenolic Compound activity on MCF-7, A549 and PA-1 cancer cell line (breast, lung and ovary respectively). By providing a scientific basis the study can be made conventional to evaluate its constituents (natural product) to determine which of Withania Somnifera (leaves), would facilitate further study as potential new anticancer agents or lead to new anticancer compounds. Hydro alcoholic (1:1) sample of Withania Somnifera (leaves) were prepared and tested for their cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines (MCF7, A549and PA1) with standard Doxorubicin. The most essential reason of this study is to estimate cytotoxicity of certain important Indian medicinal plants with facilitate of MTT assay. Concentrations are set of each plant extract which are 100 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml, 0.1 μg/ml, 0.01 μg/ml and 5-10×10 3 cells/ml are taken into each well which are exposed to different Concentrations of Withania Somnifera (leaves) for 96 hr and then treated with MTT. For MTT absorbance in use at 570 nm. From IC50 values of MTT assay of Withania Somnifera (leaves) for MCF7, A549 and PA1 cancer cell lines, from this it may conclude that Withania Somnifera (leaves)shows efficient cytotoxicity on MCF-7 (10 ± 1 μg) than PA-1 (13 ± 1 μg) and A-459 (11± 1 μg) cancer cell line.