Critical Review on Herbo-Mineral Formulations in Cancer: Palliative Care
Main Article Content
Abstract
Rasashastra [Iatrochemistry] is a branch of Ayurveda which contain herbo-mineral preparations which helps in treatment of diseases. Minerals and metallic compounds like Mica, Copper and Iron pyrites, Mercury, Gold, Zinc, Brass, gems like Ruby, Diamond, calcium compounds like Lime soda are used after proper purification. Several studies done on these formulations shows anti-cancer activity. Thus some are directly indicated in arbuda chikitsa [cancer treatment]. Arbuda chikitsa [cancer treatment] has described by acharyas in classics. In that few herbomineral preparations are mentioned like Vajra bhasma, Raudra rasa, Nithyananda rasa etc. Some compounds are used by physicians for cancer according to their logic and practical experience like Shiva gutika, Tuttha bhasma etc. some metallic compounds like gold, diamond etc. are used in chemotherapy also. Trisenox injection made of Arsenic oxide [Gouri pashana] is used in leukaemia treatment. This is a compilation of medicines which are described in classics, proved in researches and used in clinical practices.