Ayurvedic study shows hope against cancer-causing HPV strains
HPV is a common virus that spreads mainly through sexual contact.
According to prof Mishra, the study demonstrated strong anti-neoplastic and anti-HPV properties, particularly against HPV types 16 and 18, which are commonly associated with cervical cancer. 'The experimental study gave very fruitful results as very strong anti-neoplastic activity, and anti HPV virus activity, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18 viruses, along with immuno-modulator agents,' he said.
Mishra explained that the formulation showed the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and limit the spread of HPV. In addition to targeting viral activity, it contains agents believed to stimulate the immune system, potentially aiding in the treatment of cancer and other infections.
The experimental model was developed by a team of seven doctors and researchers led by Dr Ruchika Kaol Ghanekar, a senior scientist at the Cancer Research Lab, Pune.
While the findings have been published in medical journals, the formulation is still in the experimental phase and is not yet being manufactured for clinical use. Further trials and regulatory approvals are likely to be required before it can be made available to patients.
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Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Vaccinations to prevent cervical cancer have plummeted in Britain
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
SC dismisses IMA's plea against Patanjali, upholds repeal of rule on AYUSH ads
In 2022, a lawsuit was filed when the Indian Medical Association (IMA) brought Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna's company Patanjali Ayurved to court for posting advertisements that not just maligned modern medicine but also made false and unsubstantiated claims about the curing abilities of their products. The company was said to have promised customers lasting cures for chronic diseases like hypertension, asthma, and diabetes-promises which were held to be deceptive. The IMA had moved a plea in the Supreme Court, which had issued notices to the Union Health Ministry, the AYUSH Ministry, and Baba Ramdev's Patanjali, too. Now, on August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court formally rejected the IMA's petition and rescinded its previous motion against the central government's repeal of Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, according Times of India, Mumbai report. Rule 170 had previously required pre-approval by state governments before any advertisement of AYUSH products, in effect serving as a check against false advertising. The Court noted that the relief sought by the IMA was already substantially granted with the previous judicial actions and the revocation of the rule by the Ministry of AYUSH. Judicial crackdown Credit: Instagram/@swami ramdev The Ministry of AYUSH (which oversees Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) on July 1, 2024, issued a notification removing Rule 170 from the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo This rule meant the companies had to get prior approvals from the state licensing overseers before advertising any ayurvedic, unani or siddha medicines. Earlier, this rule was implemented to curb the use of false or misleading advertisements, but now, with its dismissal, companies will no longer have to get a pre-approval before advertising such products. Justice Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah insisted time and again in the year 2024, insisted that a complete adherence to the advertisement guidelines should be followed, and the products with false claims be removed from the markets with immediate effect. Closure of the case and future implications During the final hearing on this matter, Justice K.V. Viswanathan raised an important question: how could state authorities enforce a rule that the central government had already removed? Justice B.V. Nagarathna also stated that most of the main issues raised by the IMA had already been addressed before. Adding to this she said that court does not have the power to bring back a rule that the central government has already dismissed; therefore, there is no need to stretch it any longer. While Patanjali might consider the closure of the case a legal respite, it also bears an unmistakable warning. All future breaches of advertising ethics could invite immediate legal action. For consumers, the judgment is a clarion call for increased vigilance. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
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First Post
5 hours ago
- First Post
Are ‘zombie rabbits' with black horns invading the US?
Wild rabbits in South Dakota and Colorado have developed horn-like growths and mouth tentacles. These bunnies, now being called 'Frankenstein's rabbits' online, are infected with a virus called Shope papillomavirus (SPV), a relative of human papillomavirus (HPV). Are they a threat to humans and other animals? Fortunately, the rabbits in America's Midwest haven't turned into zombies. The strange-looking growths spotted on them are caused by Shope papillomavirus, also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). Image courtesy: X Wild rabbits in the US states of South Dakota and Colorado have been turning heads, and not in a cute, cuddly way. Some have been spotted with strange horn or tentacle-like growths sprouting from their heads, leaving residents unsettled and social media buzzing. Photos of these so-called 'zombie bunnies' have gone viral on social media, with many expressing shock and making theories. 'It's like a Resident Evil version of a rabbit, but in real life,' one person remarked. Another wrote, 'This is how the zombie virus starts.' Over on YouTube, a shocked commenter posted, 'We've got freaking zombie rabbits now?!' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the sight might seem like a scene from a horror movie, experts say there's a real virus behind these eerie growths, and it's spreading fast among the local rabbit population. The unsettling question for many is whether this disease could affect humans or even pets. Here's what's actually going on. What is the SPV virus? Fortunately, the rabbits in America's Midwest haven't turned into zombies. The strange-looking growths spotted on them are caused by Shope papillomavirus, also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). Cottontail Rabbit. Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons The virus was first identified in the 1930s by researcher Richard Shope, who noticed wild cottontail rabbits developing odd growths on their heads and faces. These protrusions, often described as 'horns' or 'tentacles,' are actually tumours. SPV is a DNA virus related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause warts or, in some cases, certain cancers in humans. In recent weeks, people in Fort Collins have been calling wildlife officials after spotting rabbits with these unusual growths. But such cases aren't rare, says Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for the wildlife agency, telling Sky News that they've been around for a while. The SPV virus causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to the formation of wart-like tumours to form on an infected rabbit's head, face, and around its mouth. Image courtesy: Iowa Department of Natural Resources According to the University of Missouri, the disease is most common in the US Midwest and tends to be more visible during summer. This is when fleas and mosquitoes, the main carriers of the virus, are at their peak. Once inside, the virus causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to the formation of wart-like tumours to form on an infected rabbit's head, face, and around its mouth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Can the SPV virus infect humans and pets? Despite their unsettling appearance, experts say these infected rabbits don't pose a threat to people or their pets. Colorado Parks & Wildlife explains that the Shope virus is not contagious to humans, dogs, or cats. The virus is species-specific, meaning it only affects rabbits and cannot jump to humans, dogs, cats, or most other animals. That said, domestic rabbits tend to get hit harder than wild ones. In pet bunnies, the growths can sometimes turn into squamous cell carcinoma, a dangerous skin cancer. 🧟 A new nightmare unlocked! 🧟♂️ I just read about this freaky animal fact and thought I'd share, so I'm not the only one having nightmares about rabbit zombies! 🤭 🐇 Rabbits with what look like creepy tentacles sprouting from their heads and mouths. Disturbing, a little sad,… — Ash 🇦🇺 (@TheInspectorAsh) August 12, 2025 That said, wildlife and public health officials still advise against touching or handling visibly sick or infected wild animals. While the Shope virus itself isn't dangerous to people or pets, it's always safest to keep your distance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What about the infected bunnies? The Shope papillomavirus doesn't usually kill rabbits outright, but it can still put their lives at risk in other ways. Big growths near the eyes can block vision, making it harder to spot predators. Tumours around the mouth or nose can make eating and breathing difficult, leading to starvation or breathing problems. Infected rabbits also tend to slow down, making them easy targets for predators. Some rabbits manage to fight off the infection, with the growths shrinking or disappearing over time. Others aren't so lucky, suffering from worsening tumours that never heal. In domestic rabbits, vets can surgically remove the growths before they turn cancerous, but there's no known cure for the virus. With input from agencies
