Sacred botanical heritage of Hinduism: Anti cancer perspective from Siddha pharmacology

The Siddha system medicine recognizes several sacred plants; including Vilvam, Vembu, Thulasi, Maavilai, Arugampul, Athi(Peepal) and Vetrilai, which have long been employed in traditional therapeutics owing to their significant medicinal and bioactive potential. Scientific research increasingly demonstrates their protective properties against cancer through mechanisms such as antiproliferation, apoptosis, and inhibition of metastasis (Subapriya & Nagini, 2005; Alzohairy, 2016; Sarkar et al., 2023). Evidence from experimental and review studies suggest that these plants contain bioactive phytochemicals capable of regulating oxidative stress and tumor-related signaling pathways. During this review, molecular mechanisms, important phytochemicals, and available preclinical and limited clinical studies are examined in relation to Siddha concepts of disease, humoral balance, and Rasayana therapy. Overall, the available evidence indicates that further translational research is needed to evaluate these sacred plants as complementary therapies for cancer prevention and treatment.