Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It usually starts as small, non-cancerous polyps that gradually grow and can turn malignant if not removed. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide but also among the most preventable with early detection and lifestyle modification.

Causes of Colorectal Cancer

  • Genetic Mutations: Changes in DNA leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
  • Dietary Habits: High intake of red meat, processed meats, fried/oily foods, low consumption of fiber and fresh fruits/vegetables.
  • Digestive Health Issues: Chronic constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
  • Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, sedentary life, smoking, alcohol.
  • Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes, insulin resistance.
  • Ama (toxin) accumulation and Agni (digestive fire) impairment from the Ayurvedic perspective.

Types of Colorectal Cancer

  • Adenocarcinoma (95%) – Arises from glandular cells in the colon/rectum lining.
  • Carcinoid Tumors – Originate from hormone-producing cells of the intestine.
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) – Begin in the connective tissue of the colon wall.
  • Lymphomas – Develop from immune cells within the colon.
  • Sarcomas – Rare; start in blood vessels or connective tissue of the colon/rectum.
  • Risk Factors

  • Age > 50 years
  • Family history of colorectal cancer/polyps
  • Genetic syndromes (Lynch syndrome, FAP)
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome
  • Smoking & alcohol
  • Low physical activity
  • High-fat, low-fiber diet

Signs & Symptoms

  • Change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of stool)
  • Blood in stool (bright red or dark)
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, or cramps
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Feeling of incomplete evacuation after bowel movement
  • Anemia (due to chronic blood loss)
  • Complications of Colorectal Cancer

  • Bowel obstruction leading to severe abdominal pain and vomiting
  • Metastasis (spread to liver, lungs, bones)
  • Severe bleeding & anemia
  • Fistula formation in advanced stages
  • Recurrence after treatment if not managed properly
  • Ayurveda’s Perspective on Colorectal Cancer

    In Ayurveda, colorectal cancer can be correlated with Arbuda (malignant tumor) or Pakwasaya Gata Vikara.

  • Cause (Nidana): Tridosha imbalance, especially Vata-Pitta aggravation. Wrong food combinations (Viruddhahara), excess meat/alcohol, sedentary habits, suppression of natural urges, chronic indigestion.
  • Pathogenesis (Samprapti): Agnimandya (low digestive fire) → Ama (toxin) accumulation → Rakta and Mamsa dhatu dushti → formation of Granthi (polyps) → Arbuda (malignant tumor).
  • Management Principles:

  • Shamana (Pacification): Herbal medicines to balance doshas and reduce growth.
  • Rasayana Therapy: Enhancing immunity, reducing recurrence, improving quality of life.
  • Colorectal Cancer Treatment at Nageswara Ayurvedic – Role of Smilax Glabra

    At Nageswara Ayurvedic, treatment focuses on holistic healing, combining detoxification, dosha balance, and immunity strengthening.

  • Smilax glabra extract is a key herb used due to its anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • It helps reduce tumor growth, protects colon tissues, and improves digestion and immunity.
  • When combined with other Ayurvedic herbs (Alovera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Berberis vulgaris), it provides multi-level protection against colorectal cancer progression.
  • Smilax Glabra in Colorectal Cancer Care

    In Ayurveda, lung cancer can be correlated with Pranavaha Srotas Vikara and Arbuda.

  • Anticancer Action: Contains flavonoids and saponins that prevent cancer cell growth.
  • Gut Protection: Cleanses toxins (Ama), improves intestinal health.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces chronic colon inflammation that leads to polyp formation.
  • Immune Modulator: Strengthens body’s defense mechanism to fight abnormal cell growth.
  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals, preventing DNA damage.
  • Treatment at Nageswara Ayurvedic

    At Nageswara Ayurvedic, colorectal cancer management is designed as a holistic and integrative program. The focus is on balancing doshas, restoring gut health, reducing side effects of conventional therapies, and strengthening the body through Rasayana rejuvenation.

    1. Personalized Herbal Formulations

    Each patient’s treatment plan is customized based on dosha imbalance and the stage of disease. The core herb for colorectal cancer care is Smilax glabra (Chinaroot), known for its anti-carcinogenic and detoxifying properties. It is combined with Triphala (Amalaki, Haritaki, Bibhitaki), Guduchi, Haridra (Curcumin), Kutki, and Musta, which work together to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and protect intestinal mucosa.

    2. Plant-Based Bhasmas (Minerals) for Colorectal Cancer

    Special emphasis is placed on plant-derived mineral Bhasmas that support digestion, cellular repair, and immune balance:

  • Calcium (Cissus Extract) – Strengthens gut mucosa and promotes tissue regeneration.
  • Magnesium (Moringa Leaves Extract) – Regulates bowel movements, prevents spasms, and supports detoxification.
  • Iron (Curry Leaves Extract) – Corrects anemia often seen in colorectal cancer patients.
  • Zinc (Guava Leaves Extract) – Accelerates wound healing, enhances immunity, and protects intestinal lining.
  • Copper (Sesame Seed Extract) – Provides antioxidant protection to gut tissues.
  • Manganese (Bay Leaves Extract) – Supports enzymatic repair in colon cells.
  • Selenium (Mustard Seed Extract) – Acts as a strong antioxidant, reducing chemo/radiotherapy-induced oxidative damage.
  • Potassium & Sodium (Moringa and Basil Extracts) – Maintain fluid balance, digestive strength, and metabolic stability.
  • These plant-based Bhasmas replace traditional heavy-metal-based formulations, offering safe, bioavailable, and non-toxic support in colorectal cancer care.

    3. Integration of Classical & Modern Approach

    Colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy benefit from Ayurvedic support, as herbs like Smilax glabra, Guduchi, and Haridra reduce nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, oxidative stress, and gut inflammation. This integrative model ensures better tolerance to modern treatments while protecting the gastrointestinal tract.

    4.Focus on Gut Health

    Since the colon is central to digestion, therapies emphasize strengthening Agni (digestive fire) and cleansing Ama (toxic build-up). Herbs like Triphala, Musta, and Kutki improve digestion, reduce bloating, and restore metabolic balance, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence.

    5.Long-Term Rasayana Therapy

    Rasayana formulations enriched with Smilax glabra, Ashwagandha, Amalaki, Brahmi, and Shatavari, along with plant-based minerals, are prescribed to rebuild strength, improve Ojas (vital energy), enhance longevity, and prevent recurrence. This long-term approach restores vitality and supports complete recovery after cancer treatment.