Abstract: Schedule E1, a crucial component of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in India, encompasses a catalogue of toxic medicinal substances derived from botanical, zoological, and mineral sources, intended for supervised medical use. Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system, features a roster of drugs listed in Schedule E1, employed for millennia. This review delineates the anticancer potential of fifteen toxic Ayurvedic botanical drugs listed in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Data were gathered from diverse authoritative sources, synthesized, and condensed. Extracts, formulations, phytoconstituents, and other preparations of these drugs have demonstrated efficacy against various malignancies including mammary carcinoma, neuroblastoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, lymphocytic leukemia, colorectal adenocarcinoma, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, prostate adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma astrocytoma, and others. Their mechanisms of action encompass Bax upregulation, Bcl2 downregulation, induction of cell cycle arrest at S phase and G2/M phase, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factors, inhibition of Akt/mTOR signaling, among others. Certain traditional Ayurvedic formulations containing these plants have shown promise, and the potential of these drugs as alternative and adjunct therapeutic agents in contemporary cancer care is deliberated. Studies indicate the prospect of utilizing these drugs for critical cancer management in the future.

Introduction

Cancers are always attacked by the oncology field in the efforts to find new solutions. In this context, Ayurveda, a traditional medical system with a rich assortment of herbal formulations, has been attracting interest as a probable means of managing cancer. Some Ayurvedic formulations contain Schedule E1 drugs that fall under potent therapeutic agents. As such, they offer an interesting subject for investigating their anti-cancer potential and merging ancient wisdom with modern science.

Need for the Study/Objectives

In relation to cancer treatments that are effective but at least less toxic than the current ones, it is crucial to look into Ayurvedic formulations having Schedule E1 drugs. By highlighting their mechanisms of action and effectiveness against cancer cells, this study aims at presenting proofs for their inclusion in conventional oncology. The goals comprise determination of cytotoxicity, unravelling molecular pathways and outlining possible combinations with standard therapies that can thus broaden treatment options against malignancies.

Materials & Methods

Materials and procedures, which were rather stringent, were adopted in order to assess anti-cancer activities of Schedule E1 drugs when incorporated in Ayurvedic formulations. The choice of the drugs was based on classical Ayurvedic texts as well as medical literature with due consideration of their powerfulness and relevancy to clinic. One such drug is Siddha Makaradhwaja (SM), an Ayurvedic medicine that contains gold and mercury. This study set out to determine the cytotoxic effects of Schedule E1 drugs against cancer cells with different malignancies; this was observed to be dose-dependent. In order to comprehend the processes by which apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and angiogenesis inhibition occur, molecular studies were performed that provided mechanistic insights.

Results & Discussions

In addition, the present study exhibited a dose-dependent response for various malignancies indicating potent cytotoxic effects of Schedule E1 drugs against cancer cells. Molecular studies have thus helped researchers understand how apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and angiogenesis inhibition work. Furthermore, we found that certain chemotherapeutic agents can act synergistically with traditional medicines thus presenting novel approaches for enhancing treatment outcomes. In the end, we touched on the idea that the study has implications for treatment, problems in using animal models to predict human reaction, as well as future areas for research aimed at enhancing effectiveness while curbing side effects.

Summary & Conclusion

To sum up, this investigation highlights that Ayurvedic formulations comprising Schedule E1 drugs have anti-tumour properties. Such compositions provide an optimistic platform for cancer management through adjunctive or stand alone therapies due to synergistic activities of natural compounds. However, it is important to investigate their modes of action further, optimize doses and conduct clinical trials to confirm their effectiveness in humans. In general terms, this study aids in merging ancient wisdom with current oncology towards a more comprehensive approach to cancer care.

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Acknowledgement:

Gratitude is extended to G.S.R.M Memorial College of Pharmacy, Lucknow for their support and collaboration in this research endeavor. Their contributions have been invaluable to the success of this study. I express my sincere gratitude to the organizers of the International Conference on Pharmaceutical Innovations & Spirit: The Annual Techno-Pharma Conclave held on April 6-7, 2024, at IIT BHU Varanasi for providing a platform to share insights and innovations in the realm of scientific exploration. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the distinguished members of the organizing committee for their tireless efforts in orchestrating this enlightening event. Their dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering discussions on pharmaceutical innovations is commendable. I would like to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and support received from my mentors and colleagues throughout the research process. Their expertise and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of this abstract, which delves into the promising avenues of pharmaceutical innovations. I express my appreciation to the reviewers for their constructive feedback, which has significantly contributed to refining the quality and rigor of this work. Their insightful comments have been pivotal in elevating the scholarly merit of the abstract. Special gratitude goes to IIT BHU Varanasi for providing a conducive academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary research and innovation. The institution’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry is truly inspiring. Lastly, I want to thank my fellow participants for their engaging discussions and shared enthusiasm for advancing the field of pharmaceutical innovations. This collaborative spirit has enriched the conference experience and fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas. I am honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to this conference and look forward to continued collaboration and exploration in the dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical innovations.

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Authors

I am Aayush Raj Dubey. I pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from G.S.R.M Memorial College of Pharmacy 720 Mohan Road, Bhadoi – 226008 affiliated with A.P.J Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow. I am interested in the field of Medicinal Chemistry which combines aspects of chemistry, biology, and pharmacology to design, develop, and optimize new pharmaceutical compounds for therapeutic use.

Co-Authors

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Apoorva Yadav & Akhil Bajpai for their invaluable contributions to this article. Their insights, expertise, and dedication greatly enriched the content and overall quality of the work. This collaborative effort wouldn’t have been possible without their active involvement and thoughtful input. They are my juniors. They pursuing bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from G.S.R.M Memorial College of Pharmacy 720 Mohan Road, Bhadoi – 226008 affiliated with A.P.J Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow. They are interested in the fields of Pharmacology and Toxicology.