Monthly Archives: July 2013

Controlling 2-arachidonoylglycerol metabolism as an anti-inflammatory strategy.

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“The endocannabinoid system is implicated in, and regulates, several physiological processes, ranging from food intake and energy balance to pain and inflammation.

 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a full agonist at the cannabinoid receptors which classically mediate its effects. The activity of this bioactive lipid is dependent on its endogenous levels, which are tightly controlled by several hydrolases, monoacylglycerol lipase and α/β-hydrolase domain 6 and 12.

 Moreover, 2-AG is also a substrate of cyclooxygenase-2, and this reaction leads to the formation of prostaglandin glycerol esters, the effects of which remain to be fully elucidated.

 In this review we discuss the multiple mechanisms by which 2-AG controls inflammation and the therapeutic potential of 2-AG metabolism inhibitors.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23891880

The endocannabinoid system in advanced liver cirrhosis: pathophysiological implication and future perspectives.

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“Endogenous cannabinoids (EC) are ubiquitous lipid signalling molecules providing different central and peripheral effects that are mediated mostly by the specific receptors CB1 and CB2. The EC system is highly upregulated during chronic liver disease and consistent experimental and clinical findings indicate that it plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease associated with obesity, alcohol abuse and hepatitis C.

Furthermore, a considerable number of studies have shown that EC and their receptors contribute to the pathogenesis of the cardio-circulatory disturbances occurring in advanced cirrhosis, such as portal hypertension, hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

More recently, the EC system has been implicated in the development of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and the inflammatory response related to bacterial infection. Rimonabant, a selective CB1 antagonist, was the first drug acting on the EC system approved for the treatment of obesity. Unfortunately, it has been withdrawn from the market because of its neuropsychiatric side effects.

Compounds able to target selectively the peripheral CB1 receptors are under evaluation.

In addition, molecules stimulating CB2 receptor or modulating the activity of enzymes implicated in EC metabolism are promising areas of pharmacological research.

Liver cirrhosis and the related complications represent an important target for the clinical application of these compounds.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23890208

Anti-inflammatory activity of topical THC in DNFB-mediated mouse allergic contact dermatitis independent of CB1 and CB2 receptors.

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“∆9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active constituent of Cannabis sativa, exerts its biological effects in part through the G-protein-coupled CB1 and CB2 receptors, which were initially discovered in brain and spleen tissue, respectively. However, THC also has CB1/2 receptor-independent effects. Because of its immune-inhibitory potential, THC and related cannabinoids are being considered for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Here we investigated the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of THC and the role of CB1 and CB2 receptors…

CONCLUSIONS:

Topically applied THC can effectively attenuate contact allergic inflammation by decreasing keratinocyte-derived pro-inflammatory mediators that orchestrate myeloid immune cell infiltration independent of CB1/2 receptors.

This has important implications for the future development of strategies to harness cannabinoids for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23889474

From here to eternity – the secret of Pharaohs: Therapeutic potential of black cumin seeds and beyond

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“From here to eternity – the secret of Pharaohs: Therapeutic potential of black cumin seeds and beyond” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2583426/

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“Anticarcinogenic effects of some Indian plant products.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1473788

“Plant products as protective agents against cancer.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2283166

“Potential of spice-derived phytochemicals for cancer prevention.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18612945

“Antimicrobial and chemopreventive properties of herbs and spices.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15180577

“Antioxidant activity and protecting health effects of common medicinal plants.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23034115

“Chemopreventive effects of Cuminum cyminum in chemically induced forestomach and uterine cervix tumors in murine model systems.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15087270

“Cancer cell signaling pathways targeted by spice-derived nutraceuticals.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3645308/

“Modulation of apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2 cells) by a standardized herbal decoction of Nigella sativa seeds, Hemidesmus indicus roots and Smilax glabra rhizomes with anti- hepatocarcinogenic effects.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3364896/

“A long-term investigation of the anti-hepatocarcinogenic potential of an indigenous medicine comprised of Nigella sativa, Hemidesmus indicus and Smilax glabra” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1475831/

“[Anti-metastasis effect of thymoquinone on human pancreatic cancer]… thymoquinone (TQ), a component derived from the medicinal spice Nigella sativa (also called black cumin)” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22007514

“Thymoquinone suppresses metastasis of melanoma cells by inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome… our results indicate that thymoquinone can be a potential immunotherapeutic agent not only as an adjuvant therapy for melanoma, but also, in the control and prevention of metastatic melanoma.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23583630

“Anti-inflammatory effects of the Nigella sativa seed extract, thymoquinone, in pancreatic cancer cells” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2742606/

“Thymoquinone extracted from black seed triggers apoptotic cell death in human colorectal cancer cells via a p53-dependent mechanism.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15375533

“Structure-Activity Studies on Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone Analogs in Pancreatic Cancer” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093961/

“Thymoquinone inhibits tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth through suppressing AKT and ERK signaling pathways” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2587125/

“Thymoquinone and cisplatin as a therapeutic combination in lung cancer: In vitro and in vivo” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2909169/

“Comparison of potential chemotherapeutic agents, 5-fluoruracil, green tea, and thymoquinone on colon cancer cells.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16817633

“Thymoquinone from Nigella sativa was more potent than cisplatin in eliminating of SiHa cells via apoptosis with down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21609759

“Thymoquinone: potential cure for inflammatory disorders and cancer.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22005518

“Thymoquinone suppresses growth and induces apoptosis via generation of reactive oxygen species in primary effusion lymphoma.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21215312

“Anti-cancer effects of thymoquinone in mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cells through caspase-3 activation with down-regulation of XIAP.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22732633

“Anticancer activity of thymoquinone in breast cancer cells: possible involvement of PPAR-γ pathway.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21679698

“Antineoplastic and apoptotic potential of traditional medicines thymoquinone and diosgenin in squamous cell carcinoma.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3471895/

“Antineoplastic effects of bee honey and Nigella sativa on hepatocellular carcinoma cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21147814

“Antitumor and anti-angiogenesis effects of thymoquinone on osteosarcoma through the NF-κB pathway.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23232982

“Antiproliferative properties of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa against the MDA-MB-231 cancer cell line.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23317266

“Methanolic extract of Nigella sativa seed inhibits SiHa human cervical cancer cell proliferation through apoptosis… could potentially be an alternative source of medicine for cervical cancer therapy.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23513732

“Plant crude extracts could be the solution: extracts showing in vivo antitumorigenic activity.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18390447

“Chemopreventive potential of volatile oil from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds against rat colon carcinogenesis.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12881014

“Cancer chemopreventive potential of volatile oil from black cumin seeds, Nigella sativa L., in a rat multi-organ carcinogenesis bioassay.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3436209/

“Effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa L.) and oxidative stress on the survival pattern of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12724920

“The in vitro anti-tumor activity of some crude and purified components of blackseed, Nigella sativa L.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9673365

“Antitumour principles from Nigella sativa seeds.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1555206

“Anti-tumor properties of blackseed (Nigella sativa L.) extracts.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17581684

“Anticancer activity of Nigella sativa (black seed) – a review.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22083982

“Anticancer activities of Nigella sativa (black cumin).” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252704/

“ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITY OF NIGELLA SATIVA” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3336718/

Curing With Curcumin – News

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“Chemical in Tumeric, Popular in Curries, May Cut Colon Cancer”  http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/08/02/chemical-in-tumeric-popular-in-curries-may-cut-colon-cancer/

“Curry may help in fight against bowel cancer, study finds” http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/05/08/curry-may-help-in-fight-against-bowel-cancer-study-finds/

 “Researchers Uncover Why Turmeric Helps Heal” http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Healthday/story?id=7769316&page=1

“Healing powers of turmeric uncovered” http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?id=6854704

 “Curry spice used to fight bowel cancer” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-08/curry-may-fight-bowel-cancer/3997590

“Turmeric inhibits cancer’s spread in mice” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-06-10/turmeric-inhibits-cancers-spread-in-mice/1589900

“The Healing Power Of Curry?” http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=2681428n

“Curry May Cut Down Colon Cancer” http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500368_162-1860248.html

“Seasonings That Help Your Health” http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500165_162-799082.html

“Curry chemical’s ability to fight cancer put to the test” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17959521

“Curry spice ‘kills cancer cells'” http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8328377.stm

“Turmeric ‘Kills Cancer Cells'” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/28/turmeric-kills-cancer-cel_n_336850.html

“Turmeric component kills cancer cells.” http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Turmeric+component+kills+cancer+cells.-a0123580388

“Scientists say curry compound kills cancer cells” http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/technology/10/28/09/scientists-say-curry-compound-kills-cancer-cells 
“Primary component in turmeric kicks off cancer-killing mechanisms in human saliva” http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-09-primary-component-turmeric-cancer-killing-mechanisms.html

“Curcumin halts spread of breast cancer in mice – Early study shows spice stunts deadly spread to lungs” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/32147.php 

“How Curcumin Helps Fight Cancer” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/72129.php

“Curcumin Inhibits Prostate Cancer Metastases” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/251461.php

“Cancer Doctor Explains How Cooking with Turmeric Leads to Amazing Health Benefits” http://naturalsociety.com/cancer-doctor-explains-how-cooking-turmeric-health-benefits/

“Curry Spice Kills Cancer Cells” http://www.newser.com/story/72704/curry-spice-kills-cancer-cells.html

“Scientists say curry compound kills cancer cells” http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/28/us-cancer-curry-idUSTRE59R1E020091028

“Curcumin and melanoma. Can a spice help fight cancer?” http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/briefs/cancer/hb050711a.htm

“Curry Spice May Fight Skin Cancer. Ingredient in Curry May Kill Melanoma Cells” http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20050711/curry-spice-fight-skin-cancer

“Curry compound could fight cancer; Curcumin may kill bowel cancer cells” http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/curry-india-holy-powder-subject-cancer-fighting-proven-spice-curcumin-kill-bowel-cancer-cells-article-1.1074477

“Curcumin vs. cancer: The scientific evidence continues to flow in” http://www.naturalnews.com/039304_curcumin_cancer_scientific_evidence.html

“Curcumin and black pepper combine to stop breast cancer tumor cells” http://www.naturalnews.com/028763_cancer_tumors_curcumin.html

“Groundbreaking study: Aronia, curcumin extracts effectively kill brain cancer cell line” http://www.naturalnews.com/037476_aronia_curcumin_brain_cancer.html

“Curcumin slays cancer cells in their tracks” http://www.naturalnews.com/037879_curcumin_cancer_cells_turmeric.html

“Primary Component in Curry Spice Kicks Off Cancer-Killing Mechanisms in Human Saliva” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913092430.htm

“Study: Chewing curcumin activates cancer-killing mechanisms” http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/311514

“Curry compound kills cancer cells” http://www.health24.com/Medical/Cancer/News/Curry-compound-kills-cancer-cells-20120721

 

Anti-cancer effects of curcumin (CUR) and tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) – Science

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Curry Powder.jpg
 

“Anticancer potential of curcumin: preclinical and clinical studies.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12680238

“Tetrahydrocurcumin is more effective than curcumin in preventing… colon carcinogenesis. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a major metabolite of curcumin (CUR), has been demonstrated to be anti-cancerogenic and anti-angiogenic…these results demonstrated for the first time the in vivo chemopreventive efficacy and molecular mechanisms of dietary THC…”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21887819

“Tetrahydrocurcumin inhibits HT1080 cell migration and invasion via downregulation of MMPs and uPA.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18565284

“Plant-derived anticancer agents – curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700916

“Anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic effects of curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin on implanted hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701520/

“Mechanisms of cancer chemoprevention by curcumin.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11370761 

“Tetrahydrocurcumin, a major metabolite of curcumin, induced autophagic cell death through coordinative modulation of PI3K/Akt-mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in human leukemia HL-60 cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21928294

 “Synergistic anticancer activity of curcumin and catechin: an in vitro study using human cancer cell lines.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21780253 

“Synergistic anticancer effects of curcumin and resveratrol in Hepa1-6 hepatocellular carcinoma cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23446753

“Curcumin enhances the anticancer effects of trichostatin a in breast cancer cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22290509

 “Curcumin polymers as anticancer conjugates.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20591475

“Curcumin Potentiates The Ability of Sunitinib to Eliminate the VHL-lacking Renal Cancer Cells 786-O: Rapid Inhibition of Rb Phosphorylation as a Preamble to Cyclin D1 Inhibition.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23848205

 “RL66 a second-generation curcumin analog has potent in vivo and in vitro anticancer activity in ER‑negative breast cancer models.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22971638

“ApoE3 mediated polymeric nanoparticles containing curcumin: apoptosis induced in vitro anticancer activity against neuroblastoma cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22890189

 “Inclusion complex of novel curcumin analogue CDF and β-cyclodextrin (1:2) and its enhanced in vivo anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22322899

“Water-soluble antioxidants improve the antioxidant and anticancer activity of low concentrations of curcumin in human leukemia cells.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15700780

“Superior anticancer efficacy of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles against lung cancer.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23786839

“Dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic study of nanoparticle curcumin, a potential anticancer agent with improved bioavailability, in healthy human volunteers.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21603867

“Apigenin shows synergistic anticancer activity with curcumin by binding at different sites of tubulin.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23485682

 “Anticancer and carcinogenic properties of curcumin: considerations for its clinical development as a cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18496811

“Curcumin-free turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities: Identification of novel components of turmeric.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23847105

“Perspectives on new synthetic curcumin analogs and their potential anticancer properties.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23116312

“Synthesis and evaluation of curcumin-related compounds for anticancer activity.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22551677

 “Curcumin and its analogues: potential anticancer agents.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20027668

“Safe and targeted anticancer therapy for ovarian cancer using a novel class of curcumin analogs.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665575/

“Highly active anticancer curcumin analogues.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569206 

Kurkumina

‘It’s the one medicine we have seen work’: Oregon parents use medical marijuana to help severely autistic son

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“Alex Echols has Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare genetic disorder that led to autism and seizures from a young age. Medical marijuana is the only treatment that eased his violent behavior, his parents said.”

An Oregon family has turned to medical marijuana to manage their son's severe autistic rage. Eleven-year-old Alex Echols is severely autistic. 

“Most parents wouldn’t dream of giving their child marijuana. But an Oregon couple says it’s the only thing that’s been able to help their 11-year-old autistic son.”

 

Marijuana cannabinoids found to help combat autism

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cannabinoids

“(NaturalNews) The cannabinoid compounds naturally found in many varieties of cannabis, also known more commonly as marijuana, may help children with autism spectrum disorders experience dramatic behavioral improvements, and potentially even full recovery from their symptoms. These are the findings of a new study published in the journal Nature Communications that help reinforce the growing body of evidence which shows that medicinal cannabinoids hold incredible potential in both treating and potentially curing chronic illness…
 

Can non-psychoactive cannabinoid compounds actually cure chronic illness?

Though the researchers were quick to deny that cannabinoids hold any potential at actually curing autism, which more than likely was a politically-motivated denial rather than a factual admission, other research and actual case studies suggest that cannabinoid compounds are, indeed, powerful enough to mitigate many or all of the symptoms associated with autism, as well as many other diseases.”

 

Stanford University Study Finds That Marijuana Could Help With Autism

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“A study conducted by Stanford University has found that there might be compounds in marijuana which have some very specific health benefits. The study’s results reveal that cannabinoids – which are found in cannabis – might help to treat autism.”

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“A new study shows that mutations associated with autism block the action of brain molecules that act on the same receptors that marijuana’s active chemical acts on,” according to the Autism Daily Newscast. “Thomas Sudhof, a cellular physiologist at Stanford University, tested mutations associated with autism in mice. Two mutations associated with autism in a synapse-adhesion protein led to deficits in prolonged endocannabinoid signaling in mice. This suggests that autism could caused by a disruption of the brain’s ability to send clear signals.
 
ADN references another study that supports the theory that cannabinoids could be used as a treatment to autism…”
 

More: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/health/stanford-university-study-finds-marijuana-could-help-autism#

Study Finds Cannabis May Provide Treatment For Autism

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“A new study out of Standford University has found promising signs to suggest that cannabinoids – compounds found in cannabis, as well as naturally produced in our body – may help to treat autism.

According to Autism Daily Newscast (ADN); ”A new study shows that mutations associated with autism block the action of brain molecules that act on the same receptors that marijuana’s active chemical acts on”.

They continue: “Thomas Sudhof, a cellular physiologist at Stanford University, tested mutations associated with autism in mice. Two mutations associated with autism in a synapse-adhesion protein led to deficits in prolonged endocannabinoid signaling in mice. This suggests that autism could caused by a disruption of the brain’s ability to send clear signals”.

These findings suggest that cannabinoids could be used as a treatment to autism as they can unblock a disruption in the body’s cannabinoid receptors…”

More: http://www.theweedblog.com/study-finds-cannabis-may-provide-treatment-for-autism/