Researchers from Lebanese American University and Germany’s University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover have published findings in the journal Scientific Reports indicating that cannabinoids derived from Lebanese cannabis may offer significant anti-cancer properties.
Specifically, their study explored how CBD and THC mixtures influence the growth and motility of breast cancer cells in vitro.
The research team focused on a cannabinoid blend that mirrors the natural composition of Lebanese cannabis. They conducted various assays, including cell cycle analysis, immunofluorescence, and ELISA, to observe how the compounds affect cell death and autophagy in breast cancer cells.
Results showed that CBD and THC prompted apoptosis (cell death) through mitochondrial pathways, with cellular markers revealing DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine translocation, critical indicators of cellular breakdown.
Furthermore, anti-metastatic effects were observed through scratch wound-healing, migration, and invasion assays on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. While the study recorded alterations in autophagy upon exposure to the cannabinoids, it found that these effects were not directly responsible for cell death.
“In conclusion, our study demonstrates the promising therapeutic benefits of CBD and THC isolated from the Lebanese C. sativa plant on breast cancer cells in vitro”, states the study,
