Cannabis found to shrink
cancerous brain tumours!
London, Aug 16 (ANI)
A new study conducted by
scientists at Complutense University in Spain suggests that cannabis
extracts may shrink brain tumours and other cancers by blocking the growth
of the blood vessels which feed them.
According to New Scientist, Manuel Guzman and colleagues have demonstrated
how the cannabis extracts block a key chemical needed for tumours to sprout
blood vessels.
The team tested the effects of marijuana extract, delta-9-
tetrahydrocannabinol in 30 mice and found that it inhibited the expression
of several genes related to the production of a chemical called vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
VEGF is critical for angiogenesis, which allows tumours to grow a network of
blood vessels to supply their growth. The cannabinoid significantly lowered
the activity of VEGF in the mice and two human brain cancer patients, the
study showed.
According to team member, Cristina Blazquez, "We saw that the tumours [in
mice] were smaller and a bit pallid. The paleness of the cancer reflected
its lack of blood supply as a result of the treatment. In the human
patients, she says: "It seems that it works, but it's very early."