Leukemia is a well-known hematological malignancy. It originates in the bone marrow, where hematopoietic stem cells acquire harmful genetic mutations or abnormalities and divide abnormally.
Types of Leukemia or Blood Cancer:
Leukemia is classified based on how fast it progresses (acute or chronic) and which blood cells are affected (lymphoid or myeloid). The four main types are:
1) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL):
a) It affects lymphoid cells and grows rapidly.
b) It is common in children but can occur in adults.
2) Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):
a) It affects myeloid cells and progresses quickly.
b) It is common in adults and older individuals.
3) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL):
a) It affects lymphoid cells and develops slowly.
b) It is mostly seen in older adults.
4) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML):
a) It affects myeloid cells with a gradual progression.
b) It is often associated with the Philadelphia chromosome.
Other rare types include Hairy Cell Leukemia, T-cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia, and Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML).
Diagnosis and classification rely on hematological parameters, cytochemical staining, and cytogenetic studies. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care under oncology specialists.
Ayurvedic Interpretation of Leukemia or Blood Cancer Pathogenesis
Ayurveda is ancient system of Indian Medicine and has originated in India approximately 3000 years ago. Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words “Ayu” (life) and “Veda” (knowledge), meaning “the science of life.” Ayurveda is a science of holistic healing and further aims to maintain health in an individual.
Ayurveda helps to establish balance between mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda emphasizes the concept of Tridosha — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — which govern all biological and psychological functions. Health is achieved when these doshas are in balance, and disease occurs when they are disturbed.
Concept of Raktha Pradoshaj Disorders in Ayurveda
पित्तानिलौ च रक्तं च सर्वे दोषा भवन्ति ये। तेभ्यः प्रादुर्भवेत् रोगो रक्तप्रदोषजः स्मृतः॥
रक्तं पित्तं च संयोगात् तद्विकारान् प्रकाशयेत्। कुष्ठं पाण्डुरकामालां विसर्पं रज्यपित्तकं॥
रक्तपित्तं गुल्ममर्शो विद्रधिं प्लीहमेव च। नाना विधान् च रोगान् च रक्तदोषसमुद्भवान्॥
Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana 28/11–12)
When the Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) becomes vitiated by Pitta and other Doshas, a variety of diseases arise, collectively called Rakta Pradoshaja Vyadhi. These include:
a) Kushta (skin diseases). b) Pandu (anemia). c) Kamala (jaundice). d) Visarpa (erysipelas, spreading skin inflammation). e) Raktapitta (bleeding disorders). f) Gulma (tumors, growths, or masses). g) Arsha (piles). h) Vidradhi (abscesses). i) Pleeha roga (spleen disorders)
and many other disorders arising due to impure or vitiated blood.
General Symptoms of Leukemia or Blood Cancer
Fatigue and weakness, b. Shortness of breath, c. Fever and recurrent infections, d. Unexplained weight loss, e. Loss of appetite, f. Bone or joint pain, g. Paleness (pallor), h. Easy bruising and bleeding, i. Swollen lymph nodes, j. Enlarged liver or spleen, k. Excessive sweating (especially at night).
It is well known fact that Pandu or Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and bone or joint pain. Pliha roga as mentioned in Ayurveda can be compared to splenomegaly in leukemia.
From the above comparative analysis, it is now well-established that leukemia can be classified as Raktha-Pradoshaj Vyadhi in Ayurveda.
Treatment of Raktha Pradoshaj Vyadhi in Ayurveda and How the same principle apply over Leukemia or Blood Cancer:
तत्र रक्तं प्रशमयेत् शीतैः तिक्तकैः कषायकैः। विरेचनं रक्तमोक्षणं च तद्विधिना प्रयोजयेत्॥
घृतं तु पित्तहरं शीतं रक्तपित्तहरं परम्। शीतलं लघु तिक्तं च रक्तदोषहरं परम्॥
Rakta (blood) vitiation or dusthi should be treated with cooling (śīta), bitter (tikta), and astringent (kaṣāya) substances.
Virechana (purgation) and Raktamokshana (bloodletting) are the best purification therapies for blood disorders.
Ghee (ghṛta), being cooling, light, bitter, and Pitta-pacifying, is highly effective in curing diseases of vitiated blood (Rakta Dushti).
Ayurvedic Treatment of Leukemia or Blood Cancer by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Ayurveda Cancer Consultant
Dr. Ravi Gupta’s Ayurvedic treatment for leukemia is based on the Trisutra Principle of Ayurveda —
Hetu (cause), Linga (symptoms), and Aushadhi (treatment).
His approach integrates modern oncological understanding with traditional Ayurvedic wisdom, aiming to:
1) Detoxify the body (remove Ama and Visha).
2) Rejuvenate Rakta Dhatu and bone marrow.
3) Restore Ojus (immune power).
4) Improve response to medical treatment
5) Minimize side effects of chemotherapy/radiation.
6) Enhance quality of life and longevity.
Herbal Medicines in the treatment of Leukemia or Blood Cancer
1) Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a well-known and most potent herb in Ayurveda. It is Rakta Shodhaka (blood purifying) and Rakta Prasadaka (blood nourishing) in nature. It helps to cool, detoxify, and rejuvenate the body of leukemia or blood cancer patients.
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) plays a most important role in the treatment of Leukemia or Blood Cancer. It has anti-cancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory potential. Manjistha holds a special place in Ayurvedic oncology for its ability to:
a) It helps to purify Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue)
b) It helps to remove Ama and Visha (toxins and carcinogens)
c) It helps to restore Ojus (vital essence / immunity).
d) It helps to support liver and lymphatic detoxification.
e) It helps to modulate inflammatory and immune pathways.
2) Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
Leukemia or Blood Cancer is a serious of all hematological malignancy and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) holds a significant position for its profound detoxifying, rejuvenating, and immune-modulating properties. It also proves beneficial in “Rakta Pradoshaj Vyadhi” — diseases originating from vitiation of Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue).
Sariva plays important role in Leukemia treatment in the following ways.
a) Antioxidant & Cytoprotective Activity: Sariva neutralize free radicals, preventing DNA damage and oxidative stress in bone marrow cells.
b) Antiproliferative & Cytotoxic Effects: Hemidesmus indicus inhibit the growth of leukemia cell lines (especially HL-60 and K562), suggesting its potential as an anticancer agent.
c) Anti-inflammatory & Hepatoprotective Role: Sariva supports the liver in detoxification and reduces inflammation caused by chemotherapy or disease progression.
Panchakarma or Detoxification Therapy in the Treatment of Blood Cancer or Leukemia
Certain Panchakarma or Detoxification Therapy that proves beneficial in Leukemia or Blood Cancer are:
a) Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation): It helps to clear excess pitta and toxins from the blood and the liver.
b) Basti (Medicated Enema): Especially Rakta-Shodhaka Basti to purify blood and strengthen bone marrow.
c) Pancha-Tiktha Kshira Basti: It is a rejuvenative panchakarma therapy for Rakta Dhatu, Bone Marrow, and Immune Restoration.
Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation Therapy) in the treatment of leukemia or blood cancer
Rasayana Herbs:
a) Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) – It is a potent antioxidant and rejuvenator.
b) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – It is immune-modulator and strength enhancer.
c) Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – It is a potent detoxifier and blood purifier.
d) Haridra (Curcuma longa) – It is anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic in nature.
e) Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) – It helps to restores vitality and nourishes tissues.