Cannabis eliminates cancer cells: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has published a positive study on the effect of cannabis on cancerous cells. The study suggests we may see a future where cannabis is a viable and utilized treatment for this disease.
Research has shown that cannabis has (and also might) kill cancerous cells in rodents. Whether this will translate across in humans remains to be seen, but it is a very positive sign and step in the right direction.
NCI - Cannabis Eliminates Cancer Cells
NCI is the leading institution for cancer research, investigation and professional preparation in the US. It is one of eleven agencies that form a faction of the Department of Health and Human Services in America. The results of a study from such a high administration, highlight the significance of the marijuana plant and its potential as a medicine and therapy. The results of this study are not to be taken lightly and further studies should and will be done.
The Science in Brief
The results of the study were very interesting; it was shown that cannabinoids cause cancer-cell destruction. This inhibits tumor growth by preventing cancer cell multiplication and the formation of blood cells that a tumor needs to grow. Alongside that, the cannabinoids were also shown to protect the healthy cells whilst killing the affected ones.
The study was conducted over 2 years where "groups of mice and rats were given various doses of THC by gavage. A dose-related decrease in the incidence of hepatic adenoma tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was observed in the mice. Decreased incidences of benign tumors in other organs were also noted in the rats... In addition, other tumors have been shown to be sensitive to cannabinoid-induced growth inhibition."
The affected cancers were of the colon, breast, and hepatic carcinoma or kidney cancer, wherein the cannabinoids acted as protectors of the colon and reduced the risk of cancer.
In breast cancer, CBD was found to encourage the death of cancerous cells in both types of cancers whether with positive or negative oestrogen receptors. Further, when looking into metastasis in breast cancer, it was found that cannabinoids can reduce the development, quantity, and reproduction of tumors, helping to stop the spread of cancer to new areas.
In the study of Kidney cancer, a delta-9 THC was tested and showed that this cannabinoid could eliminate or severely damage these cancerous cells and also had a degenerative effect on tumors in the kidney.
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The Future
We already know that cannabis has many therapeutic benefits; it is found to be a vital reliever of anxiety, epilepsy, and pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties are used not only in medicine but also in beauty products for the skin. Also, appetite stimulation is another benefit of the drug in both animals and humans. The discussion is continuous on the potentials of marijuana in the medical field and its future remains to be seen but if a study suggests that cannabis eliminates cancer cells, then I believe this to be a game changer.
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