A study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that cannabinoids can suppress cancer growth and inflammation, as shown through lab tests, animal studies, and computer modeling.
Researchers examined the ethanol extract of female cannabis, which contained cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and humulene, as identified through GC-MS analysis. In vitro testing on cancer cells showed that the extract significantly slowed their growth, killing 51%–77.6% of them. Further analysis found that CBD, THC, and humulene interacted with key proteins linked to cancer progression, including PD-1/PD-L1, TNF-α, and MMP-9.
In vivo, researchers induced breast cancer in female rats using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and treated them with cannabinoids either individually or in combination. Results showed that the simultaneous use of all three cannabinoids produced the most substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, leading to significant tumor reduction. The treated groups exhibited decreased serum biomarkers associated with inflammation and tumor progression, highlighting the potential of cannabinoids in breast cancer therapy.
The study, conducted by researchers from Xinjiang University in China, The University of Lahore in Pakistan, and Equator University of Science and Technology in Uganda, concludes by stating:
Cancer still has no known treatment, and research is being conducted to create lead compounds and precursors that could be used as anticancer medications for 1 day. The goal of this study was to identify natural compounds with anticancer properties. The MTT assay showed that cannabinoids retain anti-proliferative, anti-invasion, and apoptotic effects. IC50 upregulates 51%–77.6% of carcinoma cell death. The synergistic effects of cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, and humulene significantly suppressed PD-1/PD-L1 expression and oxidative stress, suggesting a possible approach for targeting breast cancer resistance. The greatest effect was obtained when all three compounds were combined, suggesting that the immunosuppressive and oxidative stress-modulatory effects of the compounds occurred synergistically. Herein, we report comprehensive findings that may be helpful in designing new combinatory therapeutic strategies for breast cancer via the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and oxidative stress markers. Further studies and trials are needed to identify more cannabinoid-based treatments and to combine pharmacological and cannabinoid drugs to gain remarkable effects against various cancer treatments.
