Herbal Remedies for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal system. GIST is rare, making up less than 1 % of all gastrointestinal tumors. Every year, approximately 4,000 to 6,000 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with GIST. About 60% of GIST begins in the stomach, and around 35% develop in the small intestine.1. We have discussed some important points like Ayurvedic Aspect, causes, symptoms, risk factors, and effective home and herbal remedies.

Introduction of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a type of tumor that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the small intestine or stomach. The tumors are thought to grow from specialized cells they are known as Cajal (ICCs) these cells found in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs belong to a group of cancers known as soft tissue sarcomas. Sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise from the connective tissue, which supports, connect and surrounds various structures and organs of the body. Soft tissue includes fat, muscle, tendons, nerves, lymph vessels.

Tumors generally arise from the intestinal tract most common site is the stomach; it is followed by the small intestine, and then the colon/ rectum with rarely arising in the esophagus. There are also tumors arising in the membranous tissue lining the wall of the stomach or in a fold of such membranous tissue. They spread usually to sites within the abdominal cavity and the liver; they are rarely spread to the lungs and bone. The tumors can be malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous). GISTs are common in adults between ages 40 and 70 it is found rarely in children and young adults.

Ayurvedic Aspect of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Ayurveda is a traditional and ancient form of medicine. It is a holistic approach towards the heath of the people. The goal of Ayurveda is to maintain a healthy person’s health and to alleviate disorders of the diseased. Ayurveda achieves this goal by balancing the mind, body, and soul. This balance can be maintained by the balance between Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. Dosha is of three types each having its dominating factors like Vata has Air dominating factor, Pitta has Fire dominating factors and Kapha has water dominating factors. The balance between these Dosha is known as a healthy state of body and imbalance of these Dosha can cause various health problems.

According to Ayurveda tumors resemble Arbuda. Arbuda is the growing lumps of tissues that are formed inside the stomach or small intestine. The aggravated DoshalikeVata, Pitta, Kapha is responsible for Arbuda. Arbuda also includes the involvement of biological fire (Agni), channels of the body (Srotamsi), body tissue (SaptaDhatu), and involvement of generic sequence (satkriyakala).

Causes of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

• Genes that normally help to keep cell growth under control, repair mistakes in DNA, or cause cells to die at the right time are called tumor suppressor genes.
• Certain genes that help cells to grow, divide, and stay alive are called oncogenes.
• In most of the cases, the cancer cells have a change in the KIT oncogene. This gene directs the cell to make the KIT protein, which causes cells to grow and divide. KIT gene is inactive in interstitial cells of Cajal, these cells found in the GIT tract. The KIT gene only gets active if there is a need for more ICCs but in most GISTs, the KIT gene is mutated.
• In 5 to 10 % cases the cancer cells have a mutation in the PDGFRA gene, which causes the cells to make much of the PDGFRA protein.

Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:

The following factors may raise chances in a person’s for developing a GIST:

• Age: it mostly occurs in adult’s age 40 and 70.
• Gender: it is slightly common in men than in women.
• Family history: GIST rarely runs in families and having a family member with a GIST usually does not increase the risk of developing the disease. Hereditary syndromes can increase the risk of GIST.

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Anemia, caused by a slow-bleeding tumor
3. Nausea
4. A growth you can feel in your abdomen
5. Vomiting
6. Weight loss
7. Difficulty swallowing
8. Loss of appetite
9. Abdominal discomfort like fullness or bloating
10. Fever
11. Abscess
12. Bowel obstruction
13. Feeling very tired

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda believes in treating people according to the Ayurvedic principle. Herbal remedies drive from natural herbs which are highly effective and work according to the disease. These herbal remedies are prepared according to the Ayurvedic principle. These herbal remedies not only help to get rid of the diseases but these remedies work on the root cause of the disease and help in nourishing the body and provide strength to the body. These remedies have no side effects. These herbal remedies are 100% safe and secure. For Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Planet Ayurveda provides various herbs like:

1. Curcumin Capsules
2. Mahashankh vati
3. Graviola Capsules
4. Digestive Support
5. Pitta balance
6. Praval Panchamrit
7. Kanchnaar Guggul

Product Description

1. Curcumin Capsules

Planet Ayurveda Curcumin Capsules are prepared with the pure standardized extract of Curcuma longa (Haridra). Due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-allergic and anti-bacterial properties, it helps in relieving pain and stops the unnatural growth inside the body. It promotes the healthy structure of cells and tissues, thus helps in preventing cancers and tumors.

Dose: 2 Capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Mahashankh Vati

This herbal remedy is a blend of various herbs like Saikharika, Chitraka, Amla, etc. that helps in balancing the affected Dosha. It helps in maintaining healthy digestion, boosting the immune system and acts as a rejuvenating agent in order to treat the disease as well as boost your appetite.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Graviola Capsules

Graviola Capsules are prepared using the pure extract of Graviola herb. It’s various properties like anti-viral, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor, makes it a suitable herb to treat the conditions like gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

Dose: 1 Capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Digestion Support

It is a perfect mixture of various herbs like Amla, Haritaki, Dhania, Jeerak, etc. that helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system by balancing the pH level in the stomach. It also balances the aggravated Pitta Dosha and helps in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours.

Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Pitta Balance

This capsule contains numerous Pishtis like Praval Pishti, Akik Pishti, Jawar Mohra Pishti, etc. These provide cooling effects on the body and helps in balancing the vitiated Pitta and Vata Dosha in the body. It also provides support for healthy digestion.

Dose: 1 Capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. Praval Panchamrit

Praval panchamrit contains Praval bhasma, Mukta bhasma, Shanka Bhasma, and many others which act as cooling agent and provides relief against the negative effects of the doshas. It is a natural healer that works effectively for the treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

Dose: 1 pill twice daily with honey after meals.

7. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar Guggul includes the herbs like Kanchnaar bark, Amalaki, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Ginger, etc. that helps in balancing the Kapha Dosha. It cut downs the extra growth which results in tumors. Hence, it is very beneficial in benign as well as malignant cancers.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

Home Remedies

Green Juice

Ingredients

• Coriander- 10 to 12
• Mint leaves- 4 to 5
• Spinach leaves- 2
• Basil (tulsi) leaves- 2-3
• Wheatgrass- 5-6
• Green grapes- 2- 4

Method- Put all these ingredients in a blending jar and add some water to blend all these ingredients and pour the juice without straining and drink it every morning. Always prepare fresh juice.

Red Juice

Ingredients

• Beetroot
• Apple
• Pomegranate
• Marigold flower petals 9-10
• Rose petals 5-6
• Black or red grapes- 2-4

Method- Put all these ingredients in a blending jar and add some water to blend all these ingredients and pour the juice without straining and drink it every morning. Always prepare fresh juice.

Conclusion

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a type of tumor that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the small intestine or stomach. By using these herbal and home remedies one can heal this disease.

Reference

https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/gastrointestinal-stromal-tumor-gist/statistics