Category Archives: Cancer

THC, found in cannabis, shown to be effective in the treatment of brain tumors

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“In 2000, scientists at the Complutense University of Madrid carried out an extensive experiment, testing the effects of THC on cancerous brain cells in laboratory rats. Their discoveries were nothing short of amazing, as THC had effectively managed to destroy all cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unaffected.
 
 Research into the effects of THC on glioblastoma would have had the potential to revolutionize available cancer treatments, yet due to insufficient funding and poor public exposure, the science team was unable to further their research.Manuel Guzman explained that “cannabinoids are selective antitumor compounds, as they can kill tumor cells without affecting their non-transformed counterparts.” In contrast to this, chemotherapy, the prevalent anticancer treatment of today, consists of a combination of antineoplastic drugs that have devastating physical and psychological side-effects… 
 
THC works by triggering the build-up of a chemical messenger known as ceramide, which in turn induces apoptosis (or programmed cell death) in mutated tumor cells.
Subsequent research into the properties of THC has revealed that it is among the very few naturally occurring, harmless substances that are capable of inducing programmed cell death in cancerous cells. Other substances with this property include anandamide, other cannabinoids and tumor necrosis factors produced by the immune system in its attempt to fight cancer.
 
After months of effort to obtain funding for testing the medical effects of THC on human tissues, the Madrid science team was forced to abandon this project, although there is currently no effective treatment available for malignant brain tumors.” 
 
 

Marijuana Compounds Possess Synergistic Anti-Cancer Effects, Study Says

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“Marijuana’s active compounds act synergistically to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce malignant cell death, according to preclinical trial data published online by the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.

Investigators at the University of California, Pacific Medical Center Research Institute assessed whether the administration of the non-psychoactive cannabidiol would enhance the anti-cancer effects of THC on glioblastoma (brain cancer) cells.

Researchers reported that a combination of cannabinoids showed greater anti-cancer activity than the administration of either compound individually. “We discovered that cannabidiol enhanced the ability of THC to inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (programmed cell death),” authors reported.

Investigators concluded: “Individually, THC and cannabidiol can activate distinct pathways in glioblastoma cells that ultimately culminate in inhibition of cancer cell growth and invasion as well as induction of cell death. We hypothesized that, if the individual agents were combined, a convergence on shared pathways may ensue, leading to an enhanced ability of the combination treatment to inhibit certain cancer cell phenotypes. We found this to be true in this investigation.”

A 2008 scientific review published in the journal Cancer Research reported that the cannabinioids inhibit cell proliferation in a wide range of cancers, including brain cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lymphoma.”

http://norml.org/news/2010/01/21/marijuana-compounds-possess-synergistic-anti-cancer-effects-study-says

Cannabidiol enhances the inhibitory effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on human glioblastoma cell proliferation and survival

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Molecular Cancer Therapeutics

“Δ9-THC and other cannabinoids can act as direct anticancer agents in multiple types of cancer in culture and in vivo. 

Individually, Δ9-THC and CBD can activate distinct pathways in glioblastoma cells that ultimately culminate in inhibition of cancer cell growth and invasion as well as induction of cell death.

We hypothesized that, if the individual agents were combined, a convergence on shared pathways may ensue leading to an enhanced ability of the combination treatment to inhibit certain cancer cell phenotypes.

We found this to be true in this investigation.

CBD enhances the inhibitory effects of Δ9-THC on glioblastoma cell growth.

Cannabidiol significantly improved the inhibitory effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on glioblastoma cell proliferation and survival.

The Combination Treatment of Δ9-THC and Cannabidiol Inhibits Cell Cycle and Induces Apoptosis.

Our results suggest that the addition of CBD to Δ9-THC may improve the overall effectiveness of Δ9-THC in the treatment of glioblastoma in cancer patients.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2806496/

http://mct.aacrjournals.org/content/9/1/180.full

“CBD Enhances the Anticancer Effects of THC”  https://www.scribd.com/document/50154001/CBD-Enhances-the-Anticancer-Effects-of-THC-Journal-MCT-Marcu

Cannabinoids can inhibit tumor cell growth in highly invasive cancers

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“A new study has found that Cannabinoids, the active components in marijuana, may aid in inhibiting tumor cell growth in highly invasive cancers.”

Fig. 4

“Although, Cannabinoids are used in reducing the side effects of cancer treatment, such as pain, weight loss, and vomiting, evidences indicate that they might even help in suppressing tumor invasion.

Robert Ramer, Ph.D., and Burkhard Hinz, Ph.D., of the University of Rostock in Germany investigated whether and by what mechanism cannabinoids hold back tumor cell invasion.

It was found that Cannabinoids did suppress tumor cell invasion and stimulated TIMP-1 expression.

TIMP-1 is an inhibitor of a group of enzymes involved in tumor cell invasion.

“To our knowledge, this is the first report of TIMP-1-dependent anti-invasive effects of cannabinoids,” the authors said.

They added: “This signaling pathway may play an important role in the antimetastatic action of cannabinoids, whose potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment of highly invasive cancers should be addressed in clinical trials.”

The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (ANI)”

“Inhibition of Cancer Cell Invasion by Cannabinoids via Increased Expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinases-1” http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/100/1/59.long

http://www.topnews.in/health/cannabinoids-can-inhibit-tumor-cell-growth-highly-invasive-cancers-2380 

Active Chemicals in Cannabis Inhibits Prostate Cancer Cell Growth

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“According to researchers, active chemicals in cannabis inhibits prostate cancer cell growth…

cannabis

Professor Ines Diaz-Laviada, study author said: “Our research shows that there are areas on prostate cancer cells which can recognize and talk to chemicals found in cannabis called cannabinoids. These chemicals can stop the division and growth of prostate cancer cells and could become a target for new research into potential drugs to treat prostate cancer.””  http://www.elements4health.com/active-chemicals-in-cannabis-inhibits-prostate-cancer-cell-growth.html

“Inhibition of human tumour prostate PC-3 cell growth by cannabinoids R(+)-Methanandamide and JWH-015: Involvement of CB2″ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2743360/

“Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol induces apoptosis in human prostate PC-3 cells via a receptor-independent mechanism.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10570948

Marijuana Ingredient Inhibits VEGF Pathway Required For Brain Tumor Blood Vessels

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“Cannabinoids, the active ingredients in marijuana, restrict the sprouting of blood vessels to brain tumors by inhibiting the expression of genes needed for the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

“Blockade of the VEGF pathway constitutes one of the most promising antitumoral approaches currently available,” said Manuel Guzmán, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, with the Complutense University in Madrid, Spain, and the study’s principal investigator.

“The present findings provide a novel pharmacological target for cannabinoid-based therapies.””

More: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040816085401.htm

“Cannabinoids inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway in gliomas.” http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/64/16/5617.long

Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by cannabinoids

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“Cannabinoids, the active components of marijuana and their derivatives, inhibit tumor growth in animal models… Because the generation of a new vascular supply (angiogenesis) is causally involved in the progression of the majority of solid tumors, the aim of this study was to test whether cannabinoids inhibit tumor angiogenesis.”

Figure 1.

“PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

1. Cannabinoid administration inhibits tumor angiogenesis

2. Cannabinoid administration inhibits vascular endothelial cell migration and survival

3. Cannabinoid administration inhibits tumor expression of proangiogenic factors and improves other markers of tumor malignancy

 

 …In the context of the renaissance in the study of the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, our findings show that these compounds may be considered promising anti-tumoral agents as they inhibit tumor angiogenesis and growth in vivo with no significant side effects.

 This report provides a mechanistic basis for the anti-tumoral action of cannabinoids and a novel pharmacological target for cannabinoid-based anti-tumoral therapies…”

Full text:  http://www.fasebj.org/content/17/3/529.full

The use of cannabinoids in chronic pain.

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“We present the case of a 56-year-old man who developed chronic pain following the excision of a facial cancer that was poorly controlled despite multiple analgesic medications. Following the starting of nabilone (a synthetic cannabinoid) his pain control was greatly improved and this had a huge impact on his quality of life.

We also managed to significantly reduce his doses of opioid analgesia and ketamine.

We review the current literature regarding the medicinal use of cannabinoids, with an emphasis on chronic pain, in an attempt to clarify their role and how to select patients who may benefit from this treatment.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23893276

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