Cancer treatment in the Arab-Islamic medicine: Integration of tradition with modern experimental trails

Abstract

Cancer is a cohort of disorders that involves transformation, dysregulation of apoptosis, uncontrolled cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. Extensive research during the last five decades has revealed much about the biology of cancer. Drugs used to treat most cancers are those that can block cell cycle, cell signaling, including growth factor signaling; inflammation, angiogenesis and others. Strikingly, herbal plant extracts and based drug, including those attributed to the Islamic civilization were reported to mediate their effects by modulating several of these recently identified therapeutic pathways. Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and al Razi (Rhazes) described most types of cancers known at their time and suggested several treatments based on their believe that cancer is a result of excess of burned black bile in the affected tissue. Therefore, they recommended evacuation of the organ from black bile by excessive vomiting and laxatives and using cold medications and food. The Andalusian scholar Alzahrawi was the first to conduct classic removal of breast cancer and to invent more than 200 surgical equipments. He recognized that cancer can be treated surgically only in its early stages when complete removal is possible. The focus of this review is to elucidate the Arab-Islamic anticancer therapies suggested by the most famous Arab and Muslim scholars notably, Avicenna (980-1037), Rhazes (965-1015), Al Zahrawi (936-1013) and Ibn al Nafis (1218-1288). Furthermore, cancer classification, causes, pathogenesis and prevention; surgical removal of tumors; herbal remedies; dietary modifications; and spiritual treatments are also highlighted.