The Role of Ayurveda in Prostate Cancer Management

Ayurveda is commonly utilized in the treatment of medical ailments but has yet to gain traction in incorporation into allopathic medicine. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and presents a significant public health burden across the globe. Despite advancements in the management of advanced prostate cancer including androgen deprivation therapy and novel hormonal therapies, men may eventually develop resistance to hormonal therapy. As such, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic options in treating this malignancy. This review examines the pre-clinical evidence for Ayurveda medicinal plants such as Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza spp, Momordica spp, Boswellia, and Bacopa monnieri and their potential application in managing prostate cancer. Several in-vitro and pre-clinical studies suggest potentials for these plants or their derivatives in preventing or treating prostate cancers. Despite strong evidence of efficacy of these plants to potentially improve the outcome of prostate cancer, clinical trials are required to evaluate which plants may be most efficacious and to determine effective dosing strategies, as well as the use of ayurvedic plants as standalone therapies or in combination with conventional prostate cancer treatments.