Introduction: Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women.
The doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (D&C) regimen is widely used in locally advanced
and metastatic disease. Doxorubicin inhibits the proliferation of damaged cancer cells, while
cyclophosphamide causes DNA alkylation and prevents replication. Despite proven efficacy,
D&C therapy produces significant haematological, gastrointestinal, mucocutaneous, cardiac,
and musculoskeletal toxicities, necessitating effective monitoring and supportive measures to
reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicities (CIT). Methodology: Data were compiled from
classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary scientific databases in pharmacology and
integrative oncology. Toxicity profiles of D&C and their mitigation through Ayurvedic
principles were analysed, focusing on Ananta (Hemidesmus indicus) as an evidence-basedsingle-herbal intervention. Results: Ananta, endowed with madhura-rasa, snigdha and guru-
guna, sheeta-veerya, and madhura-vipaka, acts as vata-pitta-shamaka, while its ishat-tikta-
rasa supports kapha-shamana. Its prabhava enables tridosha-shamana and alleviates rasa,
rakta, and mamsa-gata dosha vitiation associated with D&C-induced toxicities. Discussion:
Described as sarva-jwareshu-upyogaha, raktagata-dosha-shamanam, dhatu-vardhanam, and
dhatu-bala-rakshanartham, Ananta exhibits hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
and anticancer properties. Research shows that phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, and
alkaloids enhance immune protection, reduce chemotoxicity, and may induce immunogenic
cell death in tumour cells. Conclusion: CIT from D&C aligns with rasa-rakta-pradosha and
dhatu involvement in Ayurveda. Ananta offers integrative chemoprotective and immuno-
protective potential, supporting symptom mitigation, quality of life, and therapeutic outcomes
in breast cancer chemotherapy.
Keywords: Ananta, Breast Cancer, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Chemotherapy,
Hemidesmus indicus, Rejuvenation
Publication date: 2026/10/01
https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/October/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10511.pdf
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doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.10.10511
