Anticancer Activity of Selected Ayurvedic Drugs - Pippali (Piper longum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata), and Sarapunkha (Tephrosia purpurea): A Critical Review

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide necessitating
exploration of alternative and complementary therapeutic agents. Ayurvedic medicines have long been
used for conditions resembling neoplastic disorders, yet their anticancer potential requires systematic
evaluation.
Objective: To critically review the anticancer potential of three Ayurvedic drugs - Pippali (Piper
longum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata), and Sarapunkha (Tephrosia purpurea)- based on classical
Ayurvedic literature and modern scientific evidence.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases including PubMed,
Scopus, and Google Scholar up to 2025, using predefined keywords. Studies evaluating anticancer, anti-
proliferative, pro-apoptotic, or chemopreventive activities were included. Data were extracted and
analyzed qualitatively.
Results: A total of relevant studies were included after screening. Piper longum (piperine) demonstrated
significant anti-proliferative, apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and synergistic effects across multiple
experimental models. Tephrosia purpurea showed chemopreventive, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative
properties. Tecomella undulata exhibited cytotoxic, antimutagenic, and molecular inhibitory effects,
though evidence remains limited.
Conclusion: The reviewed Ayurvedic plants exhibit promising anticancer activities through multiple
mechanisms. Among these, Pippali demonstrates extensive experimental support, while Sarapunkha
shows notable chemopreventive effects and Rohitaka exhibits emerging molecular-level activity. These
findings suggest significant potential for these drugs in cancer management. However, further clinical
studies and standardization are required to validate their therapeutic potential.