Ayurvedic Treatment of Stomach Cancer with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

The stomach is a muscular organ that is located on the left side of our upper abdomen. The stomach is responsible for receiving food from the esophagus. It functions as a vital digestive organ and involves the second phase of digestion. The digestion is performed by the chemical breakdown with the help of hydrochloric acid and enzymes. In humans, the stomach secretes digestive enzymes and gastric acid to enhance the digestion of food.

When the cells present in the stomach start to grow out of control it gives rise to a malignant tumor or cancer better known as stomach cancer. Through this article, we are going to talk about stomach cancer in detail and its effect on the human body along with its management through Ayurvedic medicine.

Introduction

Let’s us talk a little more about the anatomical view of the stomach

After swallowing and chewing the food, it enters into the esophagus, and through that, it carries food from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus is connected with the stomach at the GE junction (gastroesophageal), which is present below the diaphragm. The stomach is a hollow sac-like organ that is responsible for holding the food and digesting it by secreting gastric juices. The food is then mixed with gastric juices after that it emptied into the duodenum which is the first part of the small intestine.

Parts of the stomach

The stomach is divided into 5 parts known as:

• Cardiac: This is one of the first parts and starts from the end of the esophagus.
• Fundus: This part is next to the cardia and is the upper part of the stomach.
• Body: It is one of the main parts and is present between the lower and upper parts of the stomach.
• Antrum: It is present near the intestine and is the lower part, it helps in mixing the food with digestive juices.
• Pylorus: It is the last part of the stomach that helps in emptying the stomach contents into the small intestine.

The Cardiac, fundus, and body are known as the proximal stomach and the cells present in the stomach are responsible for making pepsins and acids. These gastric juices help in digesting food and making a protein called intrinsic factor, this is needed to absorb Vitamin B12 in the body. The remaining 2 parts called antrum and pylorus are known as the distal part of the stomach which has one inner and outer border. They are also called lesser and greater curvatures.

The stomach walls then contain 5 layers, the first one is the mucosal layer where the digestive enzymes and stomach acids are made. The next layer is the submucosal layer and after that is a thick layer of muscularis propria present outside the stomach helios in mixing and moving the content present in it. The last layers are the subserosa and outermost serosa which covers the stomach.

These layers are important in diagnosing the stage of cancer and to which extent it has spread. As it starts to grow from the mucosal layer and spreads into the deeper layer which is one of the dangerous ones.

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a slow-growing disease that develops over a year. Before cancer develops, pre-cancerous changes can be seen in the mucosal layer of the stomach. These symptoms are rarely noticed and often goes undiagnosed. The symptoms of stomach cancer may differ depending on the section affected in the stomach. The treatment depends on the parts affected in the stomach. There are different types of stomach cancer which includes:

• Adenocarcinoma: About 90 to 95 percent of people diagnosed with stomach cancer have adenocarcinomas. This type of cancer develops from the cells present in the mucosa layer which is the innermost lining.
• Lymphoma: This is caused due to immune system tissue found on the wall of the stomach.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: It is a rare type of tumor and it is formed on the cells present on the walls of the stomach called interstitial cells of Cajal. Sometimes these types of tumors are benign and most of the time they turn out to be malignant.
• Carcinoid Tumor: These types of tumors are caused due to changes in hormones and most of them spread to other organs. They are also known as Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor.
• Other Cancers: This includes small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and leiomyosarcoma.
• Epidemiology:It is the 5th most common form of cancer and Men are most likely to get affected with stomach cancer. 5% of people are between the age of 30 to 39 while the other 18.9% people are under the age of 29. Countries like China and Japan have a higher incidence of stomach cancer as compared to other countries.

Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

In most cases, it is found to be asymptomatic or no specific stomach is produced in the early stage of the disease. The symptoms are shown when cancer has reached an advanced stage and has metastasized spreading to other organs present inside our body. Here are a few symptoms that can be seen:

• Indigestion or burning sensation
• Discomfort feeling in abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Gastric cancer when enlarged causes, weakness, bloating in the stomach, and fatigue
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation and both may alternate with each other
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting blood
• Bleeding while passing stool.
• The later stage may lead to Anemia
• Dysphagia
• Gastric ulcer

Clinical Stages of Stomach Cancer

• Stage 0: In this stage, the cancer is limited to the inner lining of the stomach and treatable if detected through clinical diagnosis.
• Stage 1: Cancer has penetrated into the third or second layer of the stomach present near the lymph node. It can be treated through chemotherapy.
• Stage 2: In this stage, it has penetrated into distinct parts of the stomach but only near the lymph node.
• Stage 3: In this stage cancer has spread into nearby tissues and more distant lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: In this part cancer has spread all the way through tissues and lymph nodes. This causes metallization of the other organs. The cure to it is rarely possible.

Causes for Stomach Cancer

It is not clear what causes stomach cancer but researchers believe that there are many risk factors that can lead to the disease. It is known that cancer starts when the cells present in the stomach start to develop changes in its DNA. The DNA present in cells gives instruction on what to do and what not to do. The changes in DNA cause the cells to grow quickly whereas the healthy cells start to die. The accumulations of cells start to form a tumor which then destroys the healthy tissue. As time goes the tumor starts to break off resulting in metastasis of cells.

Risk factors leading to Stomach Cancer

Men are most likely to suffer because estrogen helps in protecting women from cancer. These are the factors:

1. Smoking: This causes an increased risk of developing stomach cancer, 82% of people who are heavy smokers and 40% of people who are current smokers fall in the category.  Smoking most commonly causes cancer of the upper part of the stomach.
2. Infection: 65% to 80% of people with Helicobacter pylori infection are at risk of developing stomach cancer.  H.pylori causes chronic inflammation and has virulence factor-like CagA which can cause stomach cancer at later stages.
3. Diet: There are various food items that make the stomach weak like salty food, pickled vegetables, red meat, etc. There are certain meats that contain nitrates and nitrites which are responsible for H.pylori infection.
4. Obesity: These people have a higher risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma and mostly suffer from GERD. Studies have shown that increased food intakes result in excess adipose tissue.  This then causes increased pressure on the stomach, and it is found that obese people are 2 times more at risk.
5. Genetics: In 10% of cases the stomach cancer has found to be inherited from the parents. It is also called genetic syndrome inherited and these people are found with CDH1 defective genes. CDH1 gene codes the E-cadherin present on the 16th chromosome. When the gene suffers a specific type of mutation then they may develop stomach cancer.
6. Others:
   • Diabetes
   • Pernicious Anemia
   • Menetrier’s Disease
   • Intestinal Metaplasia
   • Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

Diagnosis for Stomach Cancer

There are various procedures that can be used to diagnose stomach cancer and this includes:

1. Endoscopy
2. Biopsy
3. Imaging test
4. Blood test

Other staging tests will confirm the stages of cancer.

Treatment for Stomach Cancer

According to Allopaths, the treatment is based on the location of the cancer along with the presented symptoms. One of the main treatments that are given in Stomach cancer is Chemotherapy which causes various other side effects. In the severe stage, the surgical method including gastrectomy is done which involves the complete removal of the stomach. This leads to much more painful complications.

Herbal Medicine Provided by Planet Ayurveda for Stomach Cancer

Planet Ayurveda provides 100 percent pure and natural herbal medicine that is free from all kinds of preservatives, additives, and chemicals. All herbal medicines are made under the supervision of an MD Ayurvedic Doctor. Each and every herbal remedy is clinically tested making it free from all kinds of side-effects and safe to use as well. Here are some of the herbs which will help in the management of disease:

1. Chandarprabha Vati
2. Avipattikar Churna
3. Mahashankh Vati
4. Pitta Balance
5. Ashwagandha
6. Gotu Kola Capsules
7. Graviola Capsules
8. Guggul Capsules
9. Tulsi Capsules
10. Curcumin Capsules
11. Kachnaar Guggul

Product Description

1. Chandarprabha Vati

It is formulated with herbs like Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Chavya (Piper chaba), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and many more. It helps in balancing the Kapha and Vata Dosha. It helps in treating the growth of cells and stooping the tumor to grow more. It helps in giving strength and reducing weakness from the body.

Dosage: Two tablets twice daily with water after meals.

2. Avipattikar Churna

It is made from herbal ingredients like Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Nisoth (Operculina turpethum), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), etc. It is helpful in treating ailments like gastritis, hyperacidity, burning sensation, and indigestion which is very commonly found in Stomach cancer. These herbs contain anti-inflammatory, carminative, antioxidant properties that give a soothing effect to the digestive tract.

Dosage:- Half teaspoonful mixed with lukewarm water twice daily.

3. Mahashankh Vati

It is a mixture of herbs and minerals which includes Pippali (Piper longum), Chincha (Tamarindus indica), Rasa (Purified mercury), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis), Vida Lavana, Romaka Lavana, etc. This herbal remedy is useful in balancing the Vata and Pitta Dosha as it possesses stomachic, carminative and digestive properties. It is helpful in reducing pain from the intestine. It also helps in eliminating bloating and removing the feeling of fullness.

Dosage:- One tablet twice daily with water after meals.

4. Pitta Balance

In Ayurveda Pitta is represented as a Fire element that controls the digestive power and is formulated with Praval Pishti, Akik Pishti, Mukta Pishti etc. It is especially recommended to the people who suffer from a digestive problem caused by excessive intake of alcohol, spices, or salty foods contributing to causing stomach cancer. It helps in ailments like burning sensation in feet, hands, and chest. It is also very effective in headaches caused by digestive problems. It has proven to be best in Stomach cancer.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals with water.

5. Ashwagandha

This is made from a single herb called Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which is useful in reducing stress and boosting immunity. It gives nourishment to the cells present in the stomach and helps in relieving stress from muscles. It gives nourishment to the tissues and maintains the overall system healthy.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily with water after meals.

6. Gotu Kola Capsules

It is formulated with an herb called Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) which contains various nutrients like Vitamin B, A, E, magnesium along with alkaloids which have proven best for maintaining the health of the digestive tract. It helps in making the immunity stronger and proving all the nutrition needed by the body.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with water after meals.

7. Guggul Capsules

It is made from a single herb called Guggul (Commiphora mukul) and is useful in losing weight as obese people are at risk. It contains an anti-inflammatory property that helps in reducing inflammation from the stomach and reducing pain as well. It is useful in reducing the discomfort feeling from the stomach and is very beneficial for diabetic people.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily with water after meals.

8. Tulsi Capsules

It is the capsule formulated with an herb called Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). Tulsi contains an antimicrobial property that helps in prevention from H.Pylori infection and reducing the risk of developing stomach cancer. It also contains an anti-cancerous property which makes it useful in any type of cancer.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily with water after meals.

9. Curcumin Capsules

Better known as Haridra (Curcuma longa) contains both anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its property, it’s best for Stomach cancer and its related ailments. It works best for reducing the side-effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It helps in stopping cancer from growing and controlling them.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with water after meals.

10. Kachnaar Guggul

It is made from herbs like Varuna (Crataeva religiosa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), etc. It is helpful in removing toxins from the body and is effective in all kinds of tumors. It is also very helpful in removing blockages from the lymphatic system. It is one of the excellent remedies for treating malignant cancer and also Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Dosage: Two tablets twice daily after meals with water.

11. Graviola

t is made from the extract of a single herb which is known as Graviola (Annona muricata) and it contains anti-cancerous property making it very effective in Stomach cancer. Graviola helps in detoxifying the body and cleaning the system properly. It is overall proven to be the best herb for curing numerous types of cancer.

Dosage:- One capsule twice daily with water after meals.

Conclusion

It is concluded that Stomach cancer is a dangerous disease and it sometimes leads to death if not treated on time. According to modern science, the treatment is surgery while Ayurveda provides their holistic way to treat the disease naturally without causing any side-effects.