NOV 23, 2022

Why researchers have hope that cannabis may help fight ovarian cancer

WRITTEN BY: Helaine Krysik

Scientists are hopeful that the proteins from cannabinoids can help stave off potentially cancerous ovarian cells. Since hemp was removed from the Schedule 1 drug list in 2018, researchers have been able to conduct more studies as to what the plant can do medicinally.

In one study, researchers discovered that adding various doses of KY-hemp – an extract grown in Kentucky - to cultured ovarian cells led to significant dose-dependent slowing of cell migration. Scientists were encouraged by the finding, optimistic that one day hemp could help stop – or at least delay – the spreading of cancer to other parts of the body.

Another study with cultured ovarian cancer cells indicated that KY-hemp slowed the secretion of the interleukin IL-1 beta. Interleukins cause inflammation linked to the progression of cancer. The hemp-induced slowing of the secretion, in this study, indicates a potential correlation between KY-hemp and anti-cancer effects.

Other studies show a positive link between the use of chemotherapy along with CBD, possibly helping to slow the growth of ovarian cancer.

So, there is cause for optimism in the fight against all cancers, as not only are these finding encouraging, but also as cannabis research expands and new cannabinoids are being discovered.

Cannabis has long been considered a go to solution for relief from side effects due to chemotherapy treatments, and as solution to pain relief from symptoms related to various forms of cancer in general. That said, these findings put the plant in a whole other league.

As cannabis continues to legalize, and eventually becomes legalized on a federal level, the potential for scientific research and breakthroughs will expand tenfold. We are only scratching the surface as to the healing potential of cannabis, and solutions that the plant may provide in years to come.

 

Sources: Daily Egyptian, Science Daily, Science Daily, Science Direct