“Background and purpose: Several studies demonstrated anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic actions of cannabinoids on several tumours, together with their anti-angiogenic properties. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) effectively inhibits in vitro and in vivo the growth of different types of tumours and down-regulates some pro-angiogenic signal produced by glioma cells. As its anti-angiogenic properties have not been thoroughly investigated to date, and given its very favorable pharmacological and toxicological profile, here we evaluated CBD ability to modulate tumour angiogenesis. Experimental approach: We firstly evaluated CBD effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and viability- through MTT assay and FACS analysis-and in vitro motility-both in a classical Boyden chamber test and in a wound-healing assay. We next investigated CBD effects on different angiogenesis-related proteins released by HUVECs, using an angiogenic Array Kit and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) directed at MMP2. Afterwards we evaluated in vitro angiogenesis in treated HUVECs invading a Matrigel layer and in HUVEC spheroids embedded into collagen gels. We further characterized CBD effects using a Matrigel sponge model of in vivo angiogenesis. Key results: CBD induced HUVEC cytostasis without inducing apoptosis, inhibited HUVEC migration, invasion, and sprouting in vitro, and angiogenesis in vivo in matrigel sponges. These effects were associated with down-modulation of several angiogenesis-related molecules. Conclusions and Implications: This study reveals that CBD inhibits angiogenesis by multiple mechanisms. Its dual effect on both tumour and endothelial cells reinforces the hypothesis that CBD could represent a potential effective agent in cancer therapy.”
Tag Archives: Cannabinoids
Marijuana May Fight Cancer Better Than Chemo, So Why Is It Still ‘Wrong’?
“Cristina Sanchez found that aggressive brain cancer cells died every time they were exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana — and other “cannabinoids.”
Believe it or not … This happened back in 1998. And ever since, mounting evidence all over the globe has concurred that marijuana shows major promise for slowing cancer growth — even going so far as to directly attack tumors — as well as manage many cancer symptoms (nausea, pain, loss of appetite, fatigue). ”
http://thestir.cafemom.com/healthy_living/143155/marijuana_may_fight_cancer_better
American Cancer Society on Cannabis curing Cancer
“scientists reported that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) slows growth and/or causes death of certain types of cancer cells growing in laboratory dishes. Some animal studies suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms of cancer”
The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis
“The therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), the major nonpsychoactive component of cannabis, was explored in murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).
CBD was administered after onset of clinical symptoms, and in both models of arthritis the treatment effectively blocked progression of arthritis. CBD was equally effective when administered i.p. or orally.
Clinical improvement was associated with protection of the joints against severe damage.
Taken together, these data show that CBD, through its combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory actions, has a potent anti-arthritic effect in CIA.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC16904/
“In the present study, we report that CBD has a beneficial therapeutic action on established CIA, and we explore its mode of action.” http://www.pnas.org/content/97/17/9561.long
The CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Is Coupled to the Activation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase
“One of the most intriguing and unexplored actions of cannabinoids is their ability to control cell growth. Thus, cannabinoids have been shown to induce antiproliferative effects through the CB1 receptor… we have recently shown that cannabinoids are able to modulate through the CB1 receptor the activity of the PI3K/protein kinase B pathway, which serves as a pivotal antiapoptotic signal…”
7-Oxo-[1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-ij]quinoline-6-carboxamides as Selective CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands: Structural Investigations around a Novel Class of Full Agonists
“Cannabinoid receptor agonists have gained attention as potential therapeutic targets of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we report the identification and optimization of a series of 7-oxo-[1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-ij]qu
Cannabidiol protects oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from inflammation-induced apoptosis by attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress
“Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa that has no psychoactive properties. CBD has been approved to treat inflammation, pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), of which demyelination and oligodendrocyte loss are hallmarks. Thus, we investigated the protective effects of CBD against the damage to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) mediated by the immune system… Cannabidiol protects oligodendrocyte progenitor cells… These findings suggest that attenuation of the ER stress pathway is involved in the ‘oligoprotective’ effects of CBD during inflammation.”
Rimonabant inhibits human colon cancer cell growth and reduces the formation of precancerous lesions in the mouse colon
“Rimonabant inhibits human colon cancer cell growth and reduces the formation of precancerous lesions…” and “Cannabinoid receptor activation induces apoptosis… in colon cancer cells”
Cannabinoids for gastrointestinal diseases: potential therapeutic applications
“…pharmacological modulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system could provide new therapeutics for the treatment of a number of gastrointestinal diseases, including nausea and vomiting, gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, secretory diarrhoea, paralytic ileus and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some cannabinoids are already in use…”
Alternative targets within the endocannabinoid system for future treatment of gastrointestinal diseases
“Alternative targets within the endocannabinoid system for future treatment of gastrointestinal diseases… Many beneficial effects of herbal cannabinoids on gut motility and inflammation have been demonstrated, suggesting a vast potential for these compounds in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders….endocannabinoid system’ (ECS), a cooperating network of molecules that regulate themetabolism of the body’s own and of exogenously administered cannabinoids. The ECS… offering many potential targets for pharmacological intervention. Of major therapeutic interest are nonpsychoactive cannabinoids that do not directly target cannabinoid receptors but still possess cannabinoid-like properties… promising alternative therapeutic tools to manipulate the ECS.”