Cancer is a comprehensive term that refers to the condition where cellular changes lead to the uncontrolled growth and division of cells. Some types of cancer exhibit rapid cell growth, while others have a slower rate of growth and division. Certain forms of cancer result in the development of visible growths known as tumors, while others, like leukemia, do not. In the body, most cells have specific functions and lifespans. Cell death, also known as apoptosis, is a natural and beneficial process where a cell receives instructions to die in order to be replaced by a newer and more functional cell. However, cancerous cells lack the necessary components to stop dividing and undergo cell death. As a consequence, these cancerous cells accumulate in the body, utilizing oxygen and nutrients that would typically nourish other cells. They can form tumors, compromise the immune system, and cause various disruptions that hinder the normal functioning of the body. Cancerous cells may initially appear in a specific area and then spread through the lymph nodes, which are clusters of immune cells located throughout the body.

Risk Factor:

Preventable risk factors for cancer includeTrusted Source:

• Smoking
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption
• Excess Body Weight • Physical Inactivity
• Poor Nutrition
• Human Papillomavirus Infection

Other risk factors for cancer are not preventable. Currently, the most significant unpreventable risk factor is age. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), doctors in the United States diagnose 88%Trusted Source of cancer cases in people ages 50 years or older

How Does Cancer Develop?

Cancer is a genetic disease that is, it is caused by changesto genes that control the way our cells function, especially how they grow and divide.

Genetic changes that cause cancer can happen because

• Of Errors That Occur As Cells Divide
• Of Damage To Dna Caused By Harmful Substances In The Environment, Such As The Chemicals In Tobacco Smoke And    Ultraviolet Rays From The Sun.
• They Were Inherited From Our Parents

The elimination of cells with damaged DNA by the body is typically a natural process that prevents them from becoming cancerous. However, this ability diminishes with age, leading to an increased risk of cancer later in life.Every individual's cancer is characterized by a distinct combination of genetic alterations. As the cancer progresses, further changes will occur. Even within a single tumor, various cells may exhibit different genetic modification.

Cancer Treatments:

Doctors typically prescribe treatments for cancer based on several factors, including the specific type of cancer, the stage at which it was diagnosed, and the overall health of the individual. There are various treatment options available for cancer, some of which include:

Chemotherapy:

This treatment involves the use of medications that target rapidly dividing cancer cells. While chemotherapy can help shrink tumors, it often comes with severe side effects.

Hormone therapy:

This approach involves taking medications that alter the functioning of certain hormones or interfere with the body's hormone production. It is commonly used for cancers like prostate and breast cancer, where hormones play a significant role.

Immunotherapy:

This treatment utilizes medications and other therapies to enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells.

Radiation therapy:

High-dose radiation is used in this treatment to kill cancer cells. It may also be recommended to shrink tumors before surgery or alleviate tumor-related symptoms.

Stem cell transplant:

Particularly beneficial for blood-related cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, this procedure involves removing damaged cells and strengthening them in a laboratory before reintroducing them into the body.

Surgery:

Often a crucial part of the treatment plan, surgery involves removing cancerous tumors. In some cases, lymph nodes may also be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.

Targeted therapies:

These treatments specifically target cancer cells to inhibit their growth and multiplication. They can also boost the immune system. Examples include small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies.

Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

• Neutropenia
• Lymphedema
• Hair Loss
• Nausea Vomiting
• Problem with thinking & remembering things

Neutropenia (Low blood cell Count

Neutropenia, a low count of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), is a common side effect of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy. It increases the risk of infections. Patients might receive medications to stimulate white blood cell production or even adjust their treatment schedule to manage this. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment of infections are crucial.Neutropenia primarily increases the risk of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by common bacteria found in the environment, like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These infections can range from mild to severe and may affect various parts of the body, including the skin, respiratory tract, and bloodstream.

Causes:

Bacterial Infection, Fungal Infection, Mouth Ulcer, Lack of energy.

Role of Immunity Booster in Neutropenia

In neutropenia, where there's a low count of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), immunity boosters can help support the body's defense mechanisms. These boosters typically include Ashwagandha roots, Ginger Rhizomes other supplements that enhance the immune system's function, aiding in fighting infections and maintaining overall health. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any immune-boosting regimen, especially in cases like neutropenia, as some supplements may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

Benefits of Immunity Booster

Immunity boosters can play a supportive role in cancer management by strengthening the body's natural defense mechanisms. They may help reduce the risk of infections during cancer treatment, enhance overall well-being, and potentially improve treatment outcomes. However, it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating any supplements or immunity boosters into a cancer treatment plan, as  they  can  interact  with medications or treatments. In neutropenia, where there's a low count of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), immunity boosters can be particularly beneficial. They help bolster the immune system, reducing the risk of infections which can be more severe in individuals with neutropenia due to their weakened immune response. This added protection can be crucial during cancer treatment when the immune system is often compromised. Nonetheless, medical guidance is essential to ensure any interventions are safe and appropriate for            the individual's specific condition.

Plant Profile:

1. Ashwagandha:

Drug consists of dried roots of Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal (Syn. Physalis Somnifera Linn., P. Flexuosa Linn., P. Arborescence DC.); Fam. Solanaceae. The Plant is widely distributed in North-Western India, Bombay, Gujrat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab plains and extends to the mountain regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu.

Chemical constituents:

The majority of the constituents are withanolides (steroidal lactones with ergostane Skeleton) and alkaloids. These include Withanone, Withaferin Withanolides I, II, III, A, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, WS-I, P and S, withasomidienone, withanolide C", and alkaloids" viz., cuscohygrine, anhydride, tropine, nseudotropine, anaferine, 1sopellatierine, 3-tropyltigloate. Total alkaloids about 0.2%

Uses:

• Roots of the plant show antitumor and radiosensitizing effects in animal models
• Total alkaloidal fraction of the root extract exhibits hypotensive, bradycardic, and Respiratory stimulant activities in dogs.
• It shows relaxant and antispasmodic effects against several plasmalogens on intestinal, uterine, bronchial, tracheal, and Blood vascular muscles.

2. Ginger:

Chemical Constituents:

Oleoresin (-5.3 -8.6%) comprising of nonvolatile pungent principles (gingerolsmainly [6}- gingerol), non-pungent substances (fats and waxes), and Volatile oil (-1.5 – 2.2%) containing sesquiterpene hydrocarbons viz..azingiberene, B- sesquiphellandrene and ar-curcumin as major constituents (The composition of volatile oil varies according to origin” 10- and changes upon storage”).Lipids (-6-8%) Proteins (-10%) Starch (~ 40-60%)

3. Cinnamon Bark:

Kalmi- Dalchini, Ceylon Cinnamon Cinnamon consists of the dried inner bark of the shoots of coppiced trees of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Nees belonging to the family Lauraceae. It should not contain less than 1.0% of volatile oil. Cinnamon bark contains about 0.5 to 1% of volatile oil,1.2% of tannins, mucilage, calcium oxalate, starch, and a sweet substance known as mannitol. The volatile oil is the active constituent of the drugs. It is light yellow in color and changes to red on storage. Bark yields 14 to 16 % of 90% alcohol-soluble extractive.

Cinnamon oil contains 60 to 70% of cinnamaldehyde, 5 to 10% eugenol, benzaldehyde, cumin aldehyde, and other terpenes like phellandrene, Pinene, cymene, caryophyllene, etc. Cinnamon oil is yellow to red.

Uses:

• The bark is used as a carminative
• stomachic, and mildly astringent.
• It is also used as a flavoring agent, stimulant, and aromatic and antiseptic
• Commercially, it is used as a spice and 29 condiments, and also in the preparation of candy, denitrifies, and perfume

4. Guduchi:

Guduchi which goes by the scientific name Tinospora cordifolia is an extremely essential immunomodulator herb and a base ingredient of numerous Ayurvedic formulations. Deemed as ‘Queen Of Herbs’, Guduchi plays a significant role in the promotion and restoration of health and curing several diseases and infections. In Sanskrit, Guduchi means “a herb that protects the body from diseases” and points to a Hindu myth that praises Guduchi for offering the gift of life and eternal youth to celestial beings. It is mentioned in several ancient scriptures about being extensively used for the treatment and management of numerous health aberrations like fever, chronic fever, infections, low immunity.

Chemical constituents:

The therapeutic properties of Guduchi to treat a host of diseased conditions show that the herb is replete with essential nutrients. The abundance of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, lignans, and potent active constituents like tinosporin, ethanol, isocolumbin, tembetarine, palmetin, choline, berberine, mangoflorine, aporphine increases the curative efficacy of the herb and truly makes it a class apart. Owing to its high nutritional content, Guduchi is illustrated in several ayurvedic scripts as one of the most used ayurvedic herbs in formulating different types of ayurvedic, herbal and modern-day medications.

Uses:

Immunomodulator, Anti-inflammatory, Mild Analgesic, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Anti-stress, Carminative, Digest

5. Coffee:

Coffee bean, coffee seed, Arabica coffee, Arabian coffee,Abyssinian coffee, Brazilian coffee.

It is the dried ripe seeds of Coffea arabica Linn, belonging to family Rubiaceae.

Chemical Constituents:

The main constituents of coffee are caffeine, tannin, fixed oil and proteins. It contains 2– 3?ffeine, 3–5% tannins, 13% proteins, 10–15% fixed oils. In the seeds, caffeine is present as a salt of chlorogenic acid. Also it contains oil and wax.

6. Honey:

Synonym- Shahad

Biological source

It consists of saccharine liquid prepared from the nectar of the flowers by the Honey-bee Apis mellifica belonging to family Apadae.

Chief chemical constituents-

Dextrose and laevulose (70-80%) Dextrin proteins

Uses:

Honey possesses natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, which makes it an excellent candidate for improving your immune system  and Antioxidant content, which fights free radicals.

Sucrose:

The word sucrose was coined in 1857, by the English chemist William Miller from the French sucre ("sugar") and the generic chemical suffix for sugars -ose. The abbreviated term Suc is often used for sucrose in scientific literature.The name saccharose was coined in 1860 by the French chemist Marcellin Berthelot. Saccharose is an obsolete name for sugars in general, especially sucrose.

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY:

1. FOR POWDER DOSAGE FORM:

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2. FOR LIQUED(SYRUP) DOSAGE FORM:

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