Tag Archives: CBD

Marijuana May Deflect Obesity

Posted on by
Reply
   

“Cannabis seems to have many different allures. It can produce a “high.” It can give the feeling of munchies. Now, it can possibly help combat obesity. Scientists recently revealed that they found two compounds from cannabis leaves that could up the total energy that the body burns.

Previous studies of two specific compounds demonstrated that they could be used to treat type-two diabetes. The compounds were also discovered to have the ability to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood stream and decrease fat in important organs such as the liver. With the aim of treating patients who have “metabolic syndrome,” the researchers are currently conducting clinical trials in 200 patients with the drug. With “metabolic syndrome,” diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity combine to heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke in patients.

“We are conducting four Phase 2a clinical trials and we expect some results later this year,” commented Dr. Steph Wright, director of research and development at GW Pharmaceuticals, in a Telegraph article. “The results in animal models have been very encouraging. We are interested in how these drugs effect the fat distribution and utilization in the body as a treatment for metabolic diseases… Humans have been using these plants for thousands of years so we have quite a lot of experience of the chemicals in the plants.”

GW Pharmaceuticals was given a license to grow cannabis in greenhouses that were specially constructed for project. The company produces cannabis plants that have a number of cannabinoids, which are varied compounds of cannabis. They are already working on creating drugs that can assist in treating epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Interesting enough, when the scientists studied two specific compounds, THCV and cannabioidol, they found that they had the ability to suppress appetite but the effect lasted for a short amount of time. Upon further examination, the investigators discovered that the compounds could influence the fat level in the body as well as its effects to the hormone insulin.

Likewise, the studies of the compounds in mice showed that they increased the metabolism of the animals, causing decreased levels of fat in livers and minimized levels of cholesterol in the blood stream. In particular, THCV showed the ability of boosting the animals’ sensitivity to insulin but also shielding the insulin-producing cells. With these actions, the cells were able to work at a longer and more durable pace.

The researchers hope that the findings will help in the development of treatments for obesity-related illnesses and type-two diabetes.”

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112653330/research-finds-marijuana-may-deflect-obesity/
redOrbit (http://s.tt/1hqLQ)

Endocannabinoid chemical biology: a tool for the development of novel therapies.

Posted on by
Reply

Abstract

“The identification of the major psychoactive constituent of Cannabis and marijuana, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, opened the way first to the cloning of the G-protein-coupled cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors, and then to the isolation and characterisation of their endogenous agonists, the endocannabinoids. Considerable progress has been made in the characterisation of pathways and enzymes for the biosynthesis and degradation of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, the two best-known endocannabinoids, as well as of endocannabinoid-related molecules, such as the N-acylethanolamines, which, as in the case of N-palmitoylethanolamine and N-oleoylethanolamine, may interact with other receptor types. However, it is still not fully understood how other plant cannabinoids, of which cannabidiol is the most studied representative, exert their pharmacological effects. Together with these issues, this first review article on the endocannabinoids describes the synthetic pharmacological tools that have been designed so far to interact with the proteins of the ‘endocannabinoid system’ and that can potentially be used as templates for the development of new therapies.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19457702

Pharmacological actions of cannabinoids.

Posted on by
Reply

Abstract

“Mammalian tissues express at least two types of cannabinoid receptor, CB1 and CB2, both G protein coupled. CB1 receptors are expressed predominantly at nerve terminals where they mediate inhibition of transmitter release. CB2 receptors are found mainly on immune cells, one of their roles being to modulate cytokine release. Endogenous ligands for these receptors (endocannabinoids) also exist. These are all eicosanoids; prominent examples include arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. These discoveries have led to the development of CB1- and CB2-selective agonists and antagonists and of bioassays for characterizing such ligands. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists include the CB1-selective SR141716A, AM251, AM281 and LY320135, and the CB2-selective SR144528 and AM630. These all behave as inverse agonists, one indication that CB1 and CB2 receptors can exist in a constitutively active state. Neutral cannabinoid receptor antagonists that seem to lack inverse agonist properties have recently also been developed. As well as acting on CB1 and CB2 receptors, there is convincing evidence that anandamide can activate transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors. Certain cannabinoids also appear to have non-CB1, non-CB2, non-TRPV1 targets, for example CB2-like receptors that can mediate antinociception and “abnormal-cannabidiol” receptors that mediate vasorelaxation and promote microglial cell migration. There is evidence too for TRPV1-like receptors on glutamatergic neurons, for alpha2-adrenoceptor-like (imidazoline) receptors at sympathetic nerve terminals, for novel G protein-coupled receptors for R-(+)-WIN55212 and anandamide in the brain and spinal cord, for novel receptors for delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol on perivascular sensory nerves and for novel anandamide receptors in the gastro-intestinal tract. The presence of allosteric sites for cannabinoids on various ion channels and non-cannabinoid receptors has also been proposed. In addition, more information is beginning to emerge about the pharmacological actions of the non-psychoactive plant cannabinoid, cannabidiol. These recent advances in cannabinoid pharmacology are all discussed in this review.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16596770

Pharmacology of cannabinoids.

Posted on by
Reply

Abstract

“Dronabinol (Delta 9-tetrahydocannabinol, THC), the main source of the pharmacological effects caused by the use of cannabis, is an agonist to both the CB1 and the CB2 subtype of cannabinoid receptors. It is available on prescription in several countries. The non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD), some analogues of natural cannabinoids and their metabolites, antagonists at the cannabinoid receptors and modulators of the endogenous cannabinoid system are also promising candidates for clinical research and therapeutic uses. Cannabinoid receptors are distributed in the central nervous system and many peripheral tissues including spleen, leukocytes; reproductive, urinary and gastrointestinal tracts; endocrine glands, arteries and heart. Five endogenous cannabinoids have been detected so far, of whom anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol are best characterized. There is evidence that besides the two cannabinoid receptor subtypes cloned so far additional cannabinoid receptor subtypes and vanilloid receptors are involved in the complex physiological functions of the cannabinoid system that include motor coordination, memory procession, control of appetite, pain modulation and neuroprotection. Strategies to modulate their activity include inhibition of re-uptake into cells and inhibition of their degradation to increase concentration and duration of action. Properties of cannabinoids that might be of therapeutic use include analgesia, muscle relaxation, immunosuppression, anti-inflammation, anti-allergic effects, sedation, improvement of mood, stimulation of appetite, anti-emesis, lowering of intraocular pressure, bronchodilation, neuroprotection and antineoplastic effects.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15159677

Study: Marijuana Could Stop Growth of Colon Cancer Cells

Posted on by
Reply

“The administration of the non-psychotropic cannabis plant constituent cannabidiol (CBD) is protective in an experimental model of colon cancer, according to preclinical trial data published online in the Journal of Molecular Medicine.

Investigators at the University of Naples assessed the effect of CBD on colon carcinogenesis in mice. Researchers reported that CBD administration was associated with cancerous tumor reduction and reduced cell proliferation.

Authors wrote: “Although cannabidiol has been shown to kill glioma cells, to inhibit cancer cell invasion and to reduce the growth of breast carcinoma and lung metastases in rodents, its effect on colon carcinogenesis has not been evaluated to date. This is an important omission, since colon cancer affects millions of individuals in Western countries. In the present study, we have shown that cannabidiol exerts (1) protective effects in an experimental model of colon cancer and (2) antiproliferative actions in colorectal carcinoma cells.”

Authors also acknowledged that CBD possesses “an extremely safe profile in humans.” They concluded, “[O]ur findings suggest that cannabidiol might be worthy of clinical consideration in colon cancer prevention.””

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/drug-law/latest-science-non-psychotropic-cannabinoid-inhibits-colon-cancer-cell

Induction of apoptosis by cannabinoids in prostate and colon cancer cells is phosphatase dependent.

Posted on by
Reply

Abstract

“AIM:

We hypothesized that the anticancer activity of cannabinoids was linked to induction of phosphatases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and the synthetic cannabinoid WIN-55,212 (WIN) on LNCaP (prostate) and SW480 (colon) cancer cell proliferation were determined by cell counting; apoptosis was determined by cleavage of poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 (Western blots); and phosphatase mRNAs were determined by real-time PCR. The role of phosphatases and cannabinoid receptors in mediating CBD- and WIN-induced apoptosis was determined by inhibition and receptor knockdown.

RESULTS:

CBD and WIN inhibited LNCaP and SW480 cell growth and induced mRNA expression of several phosphatases, and the phosphatase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate significantly inhibited cannabinoid-induced PARP cleavage in both cell lines, whereas only CBD-induced apoptosis was CB1 and CB2 receptor-dependent.

CONCLUSION:

Cannabinoid receptor agonists induce phosphatases and phosphatase-dependent apoptosis in cancer cell lines; however, the role of the CB receptor in mediating this response is ligand-dependent.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22110202

Chemopreventive effect of the non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid cannabidiol on experimental colon cancer.

Posted on by
Reply

Abstract

“Colon cancer affects millions of individuals in Western countries. Cannabidiol, a safe and non-psychotropic ingredient of Cannabis sativa, exerts pharmacological actions (antioxidant and intestinal antinflammatory) and mechanisms (inhibition of endocannabinoid enzymatic degradation) potentially beneficial for colon carcinogenesis. Thus, we investigated its possible chemopreventive effect in the model of colon cancer induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in mice. AOM treatment was associated with aberrant crypt foci (ACF, preneoplastic lesions), polyps, and tumour formation, up-regulation of phospho-Akt, iNOS and COX-2 and down-regulation of caspase-3. Cannabidiol-reduced ACF, polyps and tumours and counteracted AOM-induced phospho-Akt and caspase-3 changes. In colorectal carcinoma cell lines, cannabidiol protected DNA from oxidative damage, increased endocannabinoid levels and reduced cell proliferation in a CB(1)-, TRPV1- and PPARγ-antagonists sensitive manner. It is concluded that cannabidiol exerts chemopreventive effect in vivo and reduces cell proliferation through multiple mechanisms.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22231745

Dixie X Hemp CBD Wellness Products Online Store Now Open!

Posted on by
2

“At long last, Dixie X the revolutionary hemp CBD powered wellness products from Dixie Elixirs & Edibles are now available for sale over the Internet at dixiex.com.

Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTC: MJNA), a leading hemp industry innovator, is pleased to announce a new on-line sales website for its Hemp-based Dixie X line of products:  www.dixiex.comThis announcement supports the company’s large scale national launch of on-line sales of its Hemp-based Cannabidiol (CBD) enriched health and wellness Dixie X products.

According to the company, since Dixie X is manufactured from non-THC high CBD concentrate industrial Hemp it can be legally shipped to consumers in all 50 states in the U.S. as well as internationally.”

http://dixieelixirs.com/dixie-x-store-open/

Cancer-fighting Potential of Cannabidiol Bodes Well for Dixie X Hemp Products

Posted on by
Reply

“Research by California Pacific Medical Center indicating that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic compound found in hemp, may arrest the spread of aggressive, metastatic cancer cells, is drawing the attention of the medical community. John Malanca of medical cannabis resource UnitedPatientsGroup.com believes this encouraging news will also bring CBD to the attention of health-minded consumers.

“Many people want the health benefits of CBD, but they don’t want to get ‘high,’” said Malanca. “Dixie X products deliver a new option, and as our understanding and awareness of the health benefits of CBD grow, so does the attractiveness of Dixie X CBD wellness products.”

http://www.prweb.com/releases/cbd-pills/medical-cannabis-resource/prweb9985704.htm

Can Cannabidiol (CBD) Fight Metastatic Cancer? According to the latest research the answer is yes.

Posted on by
2

“Medical Marijuana Inc. (OTC: MJNA), a leading hemp industry innovator, is pleased to report on a September 18 San Francisco Chronicle Article, “Pot compound seen as tool against cancer.”

The article states that scientists at California Pacific Medical Center who have been researching marijuana’s compounds for the 20 years have found that Cannabidiol, or CBD, has the ability to “turn off” the DNA that causes “breast and other types of cancers” to metastasize. CBD is the second-most abundant cannabinoid within marijuana, but does not cause the psychotropic high of THC.

As stated in the article: “We started by researching breast cancer,” said scientist Pierre Desprez. “But now we’ve found that Cannabidiol works with many kinds of aggressive cancers–brain, prostate–any kind in which these high levels of ID-1 are present.”

According to the Chronicle article, when scientists first exposed metastatic cancer cells to Cannabidiol in a petri dish, “the cells not only stopped acting crazy but they also started to revert to a normal state. Both scientists were shocked…But they got the same results each time they did it.”

“This article and the findings it reports just confirm what many have known, that Cannabidiol or CBD have tremendous health and wellness potential. We are pleased that our Dixie X line of products are available right now to patients who have an immediate need for CBD and are searching for an easy way to find it,” states Ted Caligiuri, Interim President of MJNA. “We take great pride in knowing that our Dixie X line may be of significant health benefit to not only all cancer patients, but those in late stages of metastatic disease. We are also looking forward to the clinical trials that will soon be underway and thank the National Institute of Health, Susan G. Komen Foundation and others for their unwavering commitment to funding this necessary research.”

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/can-cannabidiol-cbd-fight-metastatic-cancer-according-to-the-latest-research-the-answer-is-yes-170681736.html