In a recent study, English scientists investigated the effects of cannabidiol on tumor growth in cancer patients - with promising results. The special feature: The study was carried out on humans.
Meanwhile, cannabidiol is often referred to as a medical all-rounder. The medicinal properties of cannabinoid can significantly enhance well-being and, when taken regularly, have a major health benefit. Unlike THC, it does not look psychoactive, meaning you do not have to worry about influencing the mind. CBD has no effect on motor skills and is legally available in Germany as a dietary supplement.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also classifies cannabidiol as a harmless substance.
Most studies on the efficacy of CBD have been performed in vitro, ie in test tubes, or on animals. English scientists have now tested the efficacy of cannabinoid in cancer on human subjects - with promising results.
Study on the effects of cannabidiol on cancer cells
A total of 119 patients with advanced metastases participated in the study [1] and received synthetic cannabidiol in the form of an oil at a concentration of 5%. Each drop contained 1mg of synthetic CBD in a neutral oil.
To test the efficacy of the
treatment, a circulating tumor cell (CTC) test was performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Patients received the
CBD oil for three days, followed by a three-day break. The average dose was 10mg per day, but adjusted to the status of the disease. The minimum duration of application was six months. 28 patients were treated with synthetic cannabidiol only. Other participants also took cannabis products or, due to illness, other medications.
The result: In 92% of the patients a clinically significant reaction could be observed. Despite the relatively small number of participants, an observable change in 92% of the subjects is quite meaningful. In some subjects even a decrease of the metastases could be observed. Others benefited from stopping the spread of cancer cells. None of the 119 patients had side effects.
Unfortunately, while 92% of the respondents responded to treatment with synthetic CBD, this does not mean that cannabidiol is the new natural wonder weapon in the treatment of cancer cells.
The authors of the study concluded that CBD is a potential treatment option for patients with breast
cancer or glioblastomas. Especially when conventional therapies have no effect. Overall, more studies are needed to better assess the effect of CBD as a potential cancer drug.
CBD as a natural complementary treatment method
In conventional cancer therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, immune or hormone treatments are used to stop tumor growth. Such "therapies" are extremely expensive and sometimes associated with severe side effects.
The use of cannabidiol is considered to be very safe and it can only come to interactions with special drugs that can be excluded in advance but very well. Experience has shown that CBD has been used to treat the side effects of cancer therapy. Many cancer patients report how CBD has helped to increase their appetite. Also in alleviating vomiting and nausea, CBD showed promising therapeutic potential.
Although it was conducted only with 119 participants, the results of the study nevertheless have a high significance. In 92% of the participants a clinical change of the metastases could be observed and although none of them could be completely cured, the results provide important arguments for the further investigation of possible medical applications of cannabidiol.