Role of Unani Medicines in Cancer Control and Management

Abstract

Background:Cancer is a havoc and killer disease. Several ways including allopathic chemotherapy have been used in the cancer treatment. Allopathic chemotherapy has several limitations and side effects. Unani medicine is also one of the therapies to cure cancer.Objective:In this type of treatment, herbal drugs are used for the treatment and prevention of cancer. The main attractive thing about herbal drug is no side effect as compared to allopathic chemotherapy.Methods:Actually, herbal drugs are the extracts of medicinal plants. The plant extracts are obtained by crushing and heating the main part of the plants; showing anticancer activity. The main plants used in the treatment of cancer are oroxylum indicum, dillenia indica, terminalia arjuna etc.Results:Mainly the cancers treated are of digestive system, breast, cervical, brain, blood, bone, lungs, thyroid, uterine, bladder, throat etc.Conclusion:The present review article discusses the importance of Unani system of medicine for the treatment of cancer. Besides, the future perspectives of Unani medicine in cancer treatment are also highlighted.