Ayurvedic medicinal plants for cancer treatment: Current insights and future perspectives

Abstract Cancer continues to be a global health challenge, with approximately 19.3 million new cases and 10 million deaths reported annually. Conventional treatments often present limitations, including accessibility, affordability, and significant side effects. The rich pharmacopeia of Ayurveda offers promising alternatives with anticancer, immunomodulatory, and palliative properties. Ayurvedic medicinal plants have been the single most productive source of leads for the development of drugs, and various new products are already in clinical development. Indeed, several scientific studies have described the use of various Ayurvedic medicinal plants and their constituents for the treatment of cancer. Identifying several promising plants such as Triphala , Guduchi , Pippali , Ashwagandha , Turmeric , Bhallathaka , and Varuna , discussing their bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and supporting clinical evidence. In addition, exploring the potential for integrative approaches that combine Ayurvedic botanicals with conventional therapies to increase their efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Challenges in standardization, quality control, and clinical validation are addressed, alongside emerging research directions, including advanced extraction techniques, novel drug delivery systems, and genomic approaches. This comprehensive review highlights both the therapeutic and scientific rigor needed to establish Ayurvedic plant medicines as valuable components in the global cancer treatment landscape, potentially offering more accessible, affordable, and holistic treatment options. Crucially, Ayurvedic techniques are meant to be used as an integrated component for cancer prevention and posttreatment strength and immune restoration, not as a replacement for conventional cancer treatments.