Use of CBD from Marijuana Along with Chemotherapy Show Promise in Cancer Research
Neucrad Health News Desk January 4, 2020
In a heartening revelation, a research group from Queen Mary University in London has established that the administration of cannabidiol (CBD) during the regular chemotherapy treatments of mice can increase their cancer survival rate by up to three times. Treatment with only chemotherapy could not express the desired result. Marco Falasca, the principal research scientist of the group, revealed that since CBD is an approved drug in the United Kingdom, it was convenient to go ahead with the research in that country. The team is also considering in commencing human clinical trials shortly.
However, this mode of treatment is expected to receive a substantial amount of hurdles in other developed countries like the United States, as CBD is not an approved drug in those nations. In America, since you obtain CBD from the marijuana plant, the medical team need to follow complex legal procedures for applying the compound as medicine.
What is cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol or CBD is an active ingredient obtained from the cannabis (marijuana) plant. In many cases, it can act as a natural pain reliever or an anti-inflammatory compound. However, it is different from delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of marijuana as it does not induce a mind-altering “high”. CBD is not a psychoactive (non-intoxicating) compound, so some countries approve the use of this product as medicines for some disease indications based on clinical research reports.
Scope of Research on cannabidiol for treating cancer specially pancreatic cancer
Many physicians advocate the use of cannabidiol during cancer treatment as it substantially reduces the side effects of chemotherapy. Patients undergoing cancer treatment reported fewer incidences of nausea and vomiting after administering CBD along with the chemotherapy doses. Oncologists around the world are now doing research on developing CBD-based medications for treating pancreatic cancer following regulatory norms.
The primary reason behind the selection of pancreatic cancer for the research on CBD-based treatment is the pathetic survival rates in this form of malignancy. Studies suggest that there is only a one-year relative survival rate among 20 per cent of patients undergoing pancreatic cancer therapies. The figure for the five-year survival rate is more depressing. A recent statistic revealed that only 7 per cent of people survive for five years after being detected and treated for pancreatic cancer. It is also the 12th most common form of malignancy across the world, and even the developed countries show a higher incidence of this disease.
What are the other scopes of research on CBD-based therapy?
In addition to the treatment of pancreatic cancer, there are several other medical conditions where scientists have gained satisfactory results after introducing CBD-based therapy in animals ( rats and mice).
Pain-relieving Properties
CBD is a natural alternative for the over-the-counter pain-relief medications. It has considerable anti-inflammatory properties which help in controlling pain and stiffness in muscles. Research published in the ‘Journal of Experimental Medicine’ revealed that CBD was successful in treating chronic pain and inflammation in rats and mice.
Helpful in Quitting Smoking
Research suggests that CBD may also be an effective tool for individual considering to quit smoking. Reports published in ‘Addictive Behaviors’ and ‘Neurotherapeutics’ suggested that use of CBD-based inhalers helped in reducing cravings for nicotine. Scientists are of this opinion that this line of treatment can prove fruitful in treating addiction disorders and symptoms associated with substance abuse. Patients reported that they experienced fewer mood-related symptoms like anxiety, pain, and insomnia after administering CBD-based medicines. It is also needed to understand research study reports and approved medicine are different. Consult with your doctor in necessary.
Epilepsy
CBD oil provides satisfactory results on patients suffering from epileptic seizures. It is the reason, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the utilisation of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD oil for offering relief to patients suffering from epilepsy during June 2018.
However, at this point, it is worth mentioning that more research is required to conclude the effect of this therapy.
