Ayurvedic formulations in palliative oncology: Complementing pain and symptom management

Cancer is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, with the World Health Organization reporting that it causes over 10 million fatalities annually. The majority of patients in underdeveloped nations seek medical attention at advanced stages where curative therapy is no longer feasible. Conventional palliative oncology focuses on symptom relief by opioids, corticosteroids, and supplementary medicines; yet, these approaches often result in tolerance, reliance, and systemic toxicity. Moreover, they inadequately address psychological and spiritual anguish. Ayurveda offers a holistic, low-toxicity, and patient-focused approach of Rasayana (rejuvenative), Shamana (palliative), and Sattvavajaya (psycho-spiritual) treatments, along with global palliative care guidelines. This review investigates the philosophical foundations, pharmacological processes, and emerging clinical data supporting the function of Ayurvedic formulations in palliative oncology, emphasizing their potential to enhance symptom management, resilience, and quality of life (QOL). A thorough examination of traditional Ayurvedic texts ( Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya ) was performed. We examined research on Ayurvedic interventions for cancer-associated pain, tiredness, mucositis, neuropathy, anxiety, and lymphedema. Mechanistic links between Ayurvedic principles ( Vata-Kapha shamana, Agni-Ojas preservation) and biological benefits, encompassing anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective pathways, were synthesized. Clinical studies and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (EORTC QLQ-C30) indicate that formulations such as Ashwagandha Rasayana, Triphala Guggulu, Yashtimadhu , and Guduchi Rasayana may alleviate tiredness, mucositis, and enhance emotional well-being. The concurrent use of Vedanasthapana (an analgesic) and Rasayana medicines has shown the capability to reduce opioid dependency, improve immunological function, and increase tolerance to chemotherapy and radiation. These findings reinforce Ayurveda’s status as a supplementary approach, highlighting customized and holistic palliative treatment. Ayurvedic formulas provide a safe, comprehensive, and holistic adjunct to modern palliative treatment. Their incorporation can enhance QOL, emotional stability, and treatment adherence while mitigating the adverse effects of conventional pharmacotherapy. Future objectives include evidence-based standardization, multicentric randomized controlled trials, digital outcome monitoring, and policy-level integration to establish Ayurveda as a recognized component of worldwide palliative oncology.