Bridging Ayurvedic Insights with Modern Medicine Perspectives of Arbuda (Tumour): A Comprehensive Review

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a unique perspective on Arbuda, correlating them with the condition known as tumours. According to Ayurveda, Arbuda arise due to the vitiation of the three doshas: Vata (the dosha responsible for movement and cognition), Pitta (the dosha responsible for regulating body temperature and metabolic activities), and Kapha (the dosha responsible for regulating body fluids and maintaining the cohesion of body constituents). This vitiation disrupts the Dhatu Pariposhana, which refers to the body’s metabolic and nutritional balance. The concept of Arbuda, as detailed in classical Ayurvedic texts, describes as progressively enlarging, globular masses that are fixed to deeper structures, usually non suppurative, and occasionally painful. They can occur in any part of the body, involving the Mamsa (muscle) and Rakta (blood) Dhatus due to the disturbance of the tridosha. Factors such as Mithya Ahara (improper diet) and Vihara (lifestyle) contribute to the vitiation of doshas and the subsequent formation of Arbuda. The ancient texts also classify Arbuda into various types, though there is limited evidence linking Ayurveda’s understanding to modern medical concepts of non tumour-forming cancers. However, descriptions of other diseases in Ayurvedic literature bear resemblance to cancer, suggesting that ancient physicians may have recognised the link between shotha (chronic inflammation) and malignant tumours. This review presents the existing literature on Arbuda, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of tumours from an Ayurvedic perspective and to offer integrative approaches for their management and eradication.