Rasayu Lifesciences
Did you know? Today, cancer care is not simply about treating disease—it’s about helping people live better during and after treatment. Integrative approaches in healthcare that combine scientific innovation with holistic patient care are gaining traction around the world, providing new possibilities for improved quality of life.
Cancer care is transforming at a rapid pace as health care is moving toward more personalized, integrative and patient-centric treatment approaches.
In addition to major advances in classical oncology, there is a growing awareness of evidence-informed therapies that improve quality of life, enhance patient resilience and address long term well-being. This shift has resulted in a more competitive environment where innovation, scientific validation and interdisciplinary collaboration are changing the future of cancer care. Those organizations that are able to bridge classical healing systems and modern medical research are bringing about this transformation and setting new standards in holistic healthcare.
One such forerunner is Rasayu Lifesciences, led by Dr. Yogesh Bendale, Chairman & Managing Director. Dr Bendale has spent over three decades advancing research, innovation and personalized cancer care, driven by a vision to establish Ayurveda oncology as a scientifically validated discipline. His journey from a passionate Ayurveda practitioner to a globally recognized researcher, collaborator and entrepreneur, is a testimony of his relentless commitment to improve patient outcomes through evidence-informed Ayurvedic solutions.
Rasayu Lifesciences including specialized Rasayu Cancer Clinic works dedicatedly towards developing safe, affordable and effective therapies for cancer and other chronic diseases by integrating classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific research, personalized Rasayana therapy, clinical innovation and global collaborations.
Spotlight On: Dr. Yogesh Bendale, Chairman & Managing Director. We spoke with Dr. Bendale to hear about his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, leadership philosophy, and his vision for the future of evidence-informed Ayurveda oncology. Listen as he shares valuable insights, experiences and lessons that continue to shape one of India’s most innovative healthcare organizations.
Prime Insights: Tell us about your organization and its mission of providing cancer care through Ayurveda.
Rasayu Lifesciences is a scientific research and innovation driven organization committed to the advancement of Ayurveda through drug discovery, clinical research and development of novel therapies for chronic and critical diseases. Drawing upon classical Ayurveda knowledge, modern scientific research and global collaborations, the organization responds to unmet healthcare needs with evidence-informed solutions. Its specialized Rasayu Cancer Clinic offers personalized Ayurveda-based cancer care, combining Rasayana therapy with comprehensive and Advanced patient-centric clinical research, quality and innovation to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Our goal is to develop Ayurveda oncology as a reliable, discipline with effective, affordable and globally relevant therapeutic solutions.
Prime Insights: What motivated you to specialize in Ayurveda oncology and how has your journey unfolded over the years?
My journey into Ayurveda oncology began with a simple yet powerful mission: to bring hope to cancer patients, especially those who want to improve their quality of life while undergoing conventional treatments. The physical, emotional and financial struggles of patients led me to explore the potential of Rasayana therapy in cancer treatment. Over the past 30 years, I have travelled more than 2 million kilometers across the world collaborating with clinicians, researchers and health care institutions to advance the scientific understanding of Ayurveda. What began as a small clinical practice has evolved into Rasayu Lifesciences, including the Rasayu Cancer Clinic, an institution dedicated to scientific research, innovation, education and personalized cancer care. My mission remains committed to establish evidence-informed Ayurveda oncology as a globally recognized discipline and to enhance the lives and outcomes of cancer patients through scientific excellence and innovation.
Prime Insights: How does your approach incorporate the principles of Ayurveda to support cancer care and patient well-being?
Our approach is based on Ayurvedic philosophy where the whole patient is treated with system biology approach and not just the disease. We design personalized treatment plans including Rasayana therapy with a thorough assessment of the patient’s constitution, stage of disease, strength and general health. In cancer care, our focus extends beyond tumour management, we strive to strengthen immunity, enhance quality of life, support emotional well-being and improve functional resilience through every stage of the cancer journey. Our protocols are based on classical Ayurvedic principles and are constantly refined by scientific clinical research, peer-reviewed publications and real-world evidence.
Prime Insights: What therapies, treatments or wellness programs do you have for cancer patients?
Rasayu Cancer Clinic provides personalized Ayurveda-based cancer care designed for each patient’s condition, constitution, stage of disease, treatment history and overall health. We follow a personalized approach which includes Rasayana therapy, Ayurveda medicines, diet and lifestyle counselling with long term follow up to improve the quality of life, boost immunity, reduce treatment related side effects and promote overall well-being. We follow a highly individualized approach, recognizing that every patient comes to us with a different clinical condition, treatment history, expectations, and personal preferences. Our role as physicians is to look beyond these initial preferences and carefully assess what the patient actually needs. Through detailed consultation, we help patients and their families understand their available treatment options, the role and limitations of different approaches, and what may be most appropriate for them. We believe that patients should be able to make informed decisions about their treatment, supported by clear medical guidance rather than preconceived notions. Based on this assessment and discussion, we develop a personalized treatment plan that respects the patient’s wishes while prioritizing their clinical needs, safety, and overall well-being. Where appropriate, Ayurvedic treatment is provided alongside conventional treatments, with the aim of supporting patients throughout their cancer journey, managing treatment-related challenges, and maintaining the best possible quality of life. Our evidence-informed protocols are continually refined through clinical research and patient outcomes. We also offer personalized Ayurveda treatment for chronic and critical diseases to help patients achieve better long-term health and quality of life.
Prime Insights How do you tailor treatment plans to a patient’s condition, constitution and overall health?
Every cancer patient has unique needs and so is their treatment plan at the Rasayu Cancer Clinic. We first evaluate the patient’s constitution, type and stage of cancer, history of treatment, general health and emotional state. This assessment forms the base of our personalized treatment plan for the patient which involves Rasayana therapy and the use of Ayurveda medicines, diet, lifestyle advice and supportive care. We continuously refine our approach to meet each patient’s evolving needs through regular clinical monitoring, comprehensive evaluations and integration of real-world evidence. Guided by the principles of classical Ayurveda, our aim is to enhance quality of life, strengthen resilience and offer compassionate, holistic support throughout their cancer journey.
Prime Insights: How important is scientific research and evidence-informed practice in the Ayurveda treatment protocols that you follow?
Scientific research and evidence-informed practice are fundamental to developing credible, safe, effective and globally accepted Ayurveda treatment protocols, particularly in cancer care. Research validates clinical effectiveness, ensures patient safety, standardizes treatment protocols, supports evidence-informed clinical decision-making, and drives continuous improvement and facilitates the development of innovative Ayurvedic formulations and new drug discoveries. At Rasayu, research is the backbone of our Ayurveda oncology approach, generating scientific evidence that strengthens classical ayurveda principles through systematic evaluation of safety, effectiveness, and reproducibility. This evidence-informed approach builds confidence among patients and healthcare professional, promotes integration with western medicine, and supports the wider global acceptance of Ayurveda in healthcare. One of our most significant milestones has been the development of India’s first oral platinum-based anti-cancer compound conceptualized on Ayurvedic principles, which has successfully completed Phase I clinical trials. We have also shared our research through leading international oncology forums such as ASCO, ESMO, AACR, MASCC, SIO, KSMO, JSMO and ARVO, and fostered international scientific collaboration. By bridging research with clinical practice, we continue to develop personalized, evidence-informed and affordable Ayurvedic therapies that improve the quality of life and outcomes for people living with cancer.
Prime Insights How do you work with oncologists and other healthcare providers to provide holistic patient care?
Collaboration is central to our vision of advancing Ayurveda oncology. We actively partner with oncologists, researchers, academic institutions and healthcare organizations to strengthen cancer care through scientific research, education and innovation. One of our major accomplishments has been the development of India’s first oral platinum-based anticancer drug conceptualized on Ayurvedic principles in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital’s ACTREC. We have collaborated with entities like NCCS, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya and KLE University and have presented research at top international platforms like ASCO, ESMO and AACR. Together, these partnerships expand access to evidence-informed, affordable, patient-centered cancer care.
Prime Insights: Tell us about a success story where your approach based on Ayurveda made a big difference in a patient’s quality of life.
One of the most inspiring cases of my career was of an 80-year-old former CFO of a leading Indian business group. In 2006, he was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma and was treated conventionally. When the cancer recurred with liver metastases in 2015 and chemotherapy had to be stopped due to severe adverse effects, he chose personalized Ayurveda Rasayana Therapy. His care was designed to fit his overall health, disease status and quality-of-life goals. He tolerated the therapy well, was able to maintain his independence in activities of daily living, and had sustained clinical improvement over the next 23 months. Follow-up imaging demonstrated resolution of documented liver metastases.
Remarkably, he survived nearly a decade post recurrence and nineteen years post original diagnosis, passing away peacefully at the age of ninety. His journey reaffirmed our belief that successful cancer care is measured not only in survival but also in the preservation of dignity, function, comfort and hope throughout the patient’s journey.
Prime Insights: How do you make sure the quality, safety and standardization of the herbal formulations and medicines you use?
Our herbo-mineral formulations are prepared as per classical principles of Rasashaastra blending the authentic Ayurvedic pharmaceutics and modern standards of quality. Each batch is produced in our GMP certified facility and undergoes strict quality control, state of the art analytical testing and physicochemical assessment to guarantee purity, consistency and safety. We are constantly evaluating our formulations for long-term use, with data from more than 25,000 patients and regular clinical monitoring. At Rasayani Biologics, we are committed to continually improving our therapies through reverse pharmacology and research, bolstered by laboratory studies, clinical research, peer-reviewed publications and real-world evidence, while upholding the authenticity, reliability and scientific credibility of classical Ayurveda.
Prime Insights: How do you educate patients and families about the role and scope of Ayurveda in cancer care?
At Rasayu, informed patients make empowered decisions, making patient and family education a cornerstone of our care philosophy. We help patients and caregivers understand the role of Ayurveda, the principles of personalized Rasayana therapy, and its evidence-informed integration with conventional cancer care whenever appropriate. By systematically collecting and analyzing clinical data from our patients, we can explain the potential role, expected benefits of Ayurveda using real-world evidence. Following every consultation, we provide a written treatment protocol and health management plan to improve understanding and encourage adherence. Through counselling, open communication, and scientific data driven approach, we address misconceptions, set realistic expectations, and promote active participation in treatment decisions. To better understand patient needs, we conducted a survey of 3,351 cancer patients to assess disease awareness and expectations from Ayurveda. The findings have helped strengthen our patient-centered integrative oncology model and were presented at the 2026 ASCO Breakthrough Conference, reflecting our commitment to internationally recognized, evidence-informed research. We also recognize that the well-being of caregivers is equally important, especially in the management of geriatric cancer patients. To reduce caregiver burden and improve access to care, we have developed home-based therapy protocols and integrated telemedicine into our practice, enabling continuous follow-up while minimizing the need for frequent hospital visits. Our goal is to support both patients and their families throughout the cancer journey with confidence and clarity through open communication, ongoing education and caring support.
Prime Insights: What are the challenges you face in promoting Ayurveda cancer care and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in taking forward the Ayurveda cancer care is to create awareness about its evidence-based role in modern oncology. And building trust among patients and healthcare professional in its potential to improve cancer care. This is addressed by reverse pharmacology, standard treatment protocols, clinical research, patented innovations and peer reviewed publications presented at global forums like ASCO, ESMO, AACR, MASCC, SIO and KSMO. Another major challenge is the lack of interdisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and ayurveda physicians, which limits timely referrals and prevent many patients from exploring evidence-informed integrative treatment options. We believe the future of cancer care is collaboration, not competition. To fortify this bridge, we partnered with the Ministry of AYUSH, AIIA, Goa and Tata Memorial Hospital to create India’s first Integrative Tumor Board. We continue to promote research, multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred cancer care, and expand safe, evidence-informed therapeutic options through partnerships, physician training and academic initiatives. The disparity in Insurance coverage is another major challenge that needs to be addressed. Despite a strong willingness to adopt ayurveda, many patients are unable to access it because current health insurance policies predominately cover conventional treatments, creating a significant financial barrier to integrative cancer care.
Prime Insights: What are your information sources on latest developments in Ayurveda, integrative medicine and cancer research?
Continuing education has been at the heart of my work path all along. I keep myself abreast of the latest developments in oncology, Ayurveda, translational research and healthcare innovation through peer-reviewed journals, international conferences and collaborations with leading academic institutions. I am actively involved in many organizations including ASCO, AACR, ESMO, SIO, ARVO, IASLC, and MASCC, and I am regularly interacting with experts around the world and doing new research. It is equally important to learn from our own clinical practice by systematic documentation, outcome analysis and real-world evidence. These experiences, combined with our research collaborations, CME programs, and academic activities, are constantly enhancing our treatment protocols. I am confident that continuous learning, sharing of scientific knowledge and innovations are the keys to take the field of Ayurveda oncology forward and improve patient outcomes.
Prime Insights: What are your future goals for advancing Ayurveda cancer care and expanding access to your services by 2026 and beyond?
Cancer care has advanced significantly, over the past few decades yet early diagnosis and prevention remain crucial, particularly considering the high number of patients diagnosed at advanced stages in India. Ayurveda plays an important role in prevention, supportive care and in improving disease-free survival after surgery or chemotherapy since as World Health Organization estimates that about 50% of cancers are preventable. Our vision is to strengthen evidence-informed Ayurveda oncology through research, innovation, multicentric clinical studies and novel therapies. We are working to increase patient access through partnerships with hospitals, academic institutions and government organizations, while educating future doctors and scientists. Our hope is that integration of Ayurveda with modern research and cross disciplinary collaboration will improve patient outcomes and define the future of cancer care around the world.
Prime Insights: What advice would you give to patients who are interested in incorporating Ayurveda into their overall cancer care journey?
My advice to every patient is to make informed decisions and seek guidance from qualified Ayurveda physicians with expertise in cancer management. Cancer treatment should never follow a one-size-fits-all approach. It must be personalized according to the patient’s condition, stage of disease, treatment history, constitutions and overall health. Patients need to be involved in treatment decisions. They deserve clear, evidence-based information about the benefits, risks and costs of every treatment option enabling them to make decisions based on knowledge rather than fear or misinformation. Open communication among all healthcare providers is equally essential to ensure coordinated, and patient-centered care. Recovery extends far beyond medical treatment. Nutrition, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and unwavering family support play vital roles in this journey. Above all, healing is a process that requires patience and resilience. We supported by compassion, these become some of the most powerful allies on path to recovery.
Prime Insights: What makes the approach of Rasayu Cancer Clinic different from the conventional Ayurveda cancer care?
Rasayu Cancer Clinic is distinguished by its integration of classical Ayurvedic principles, scientific research, and personalized cancer care. Every treatment programme is individually designed based on patients’ condition, constitution, treatment history and overall health with Rasayana therapy, tailored accordingly. Our clinical practice continues to evolve through reverse pharmacology, patient-reported outcomes, peer-reviewed publications and real-world evidence, while, remaining firmly rooted in principles in Ayurveda. A key differentiator is the indigenously developed Rasayu Software which standardizes clinical data collection, supports evidence generation, safety monitoring and outcome analysis for ayurveda oncology research. Together with collaborations involving leading academic institutions and oncology experts, the integrated ecosystem enables us to deliver innovative, evidence-informed and patient-centered cancer care.
Prime Insights: You are known for taking Ayurveda to international scientific and oncology platforms of repute. Your team also has a strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and multiple patents. Why is this global science engagement so important and how has it changed the perspective on Ayurveda?
Ayurveda has immense potential to contribute to global cancer care, but its growth will be boosted by robust scientific evidence and significant international collaboration. We are actively presenting our research at the world’s leading forums such as ASCO, ESMO, JSMO AACR, SIO, MASCC and KSMO, while engaging with the global scientific oncology community. Our research has led to 44 international patents, nearly 50 peer reviewed publications a pioneering ayurvedic oncology software for generating high quality real world clinical evidence and patented herbo-mineral technologies, including India’s first Bio-nano metal-based formulations developed using green technology. Through research, innovation and global partnerships we aim to strengthen the scientific credibility of Ayurveda and expand its role in evidence-informed cancer management.
Prime Insights: What is your vision of making Ayurveda a part of the global healthcare map in the next decade?
My vision is to integrate Ayurveda into global healthcare through evidence-informed scientific research, innovation and meaningful collaboration. Over the next decade, I aspire to advance the field of Ayurveda oncology by strengthening multicentric clinical research generating robust real-world evidence, fostering indigenous drug discovery and building international scientific partnerships. Equally important is nurturing the next generation of physicians, researchers and innovators through education and interdisciplinary learning. My goal extends beyond expanding the reach of Ayurveda; it is to improve patient outcomes and establish Ayurveda as a meaningful contributor to comprehensive cancer management, creating a lasting impact on the future of healthcare.
