Injecting cannabinoids into the body may help prevent colon cancers, according to a recent study published in the journal iScience.
The study’s promising results could offer hope to people fighting colon cancer around the world.
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Cannabinoids could help fight colon cancer
In the study, mice were initially injected with a carcinogen to induce colon cancer — some of which were then given an additional 10-milligram-per-kilogram dose of THC.
The new study — from the University of South Carolina — involved the work of Professors Prakash Nagarkatti and Mitzi Nagarkatti. Both professors are well-known for their work concerning cannabis for medicinal purposes.
While mice injected with THC lost substantial weight, colon tumors never showed up. Additionally, the cannabinoid injections were linked to lower colon inflammation rates — making THC the magic ingredient.
THC treatment also prevents colon inflammation
Study author and the Vice President of research at the University of South Carolina, Nagarkatti said: “The fact that we were able to show that treatment with THC prevents inflammation in the colon and at the same time inhibits the development of colon cancer supports the notion that inflammation and colon cancer are closely linked,” said study author and Vice President of Research at the University of South Carolina Nagarkatti, in a statement, reports MedicalXpress.
„Thus, in patients who are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer, THC or other anti-inflammatory agents may be beneficial,” he added.
THC lowers colon inflammation
Of course, colon inflammation is serious: bowel diseases can be life-threatening, and usually stem from inflammation in the colon or gastrointestinal tract. Notable examples of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) include Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Sadly, patients who have an IBD also see an increased risk of colon cancer.
While further studies are needed, it seems THC could be key to preventing and possibly even reversing the effects of colon cancer on the human body, thanks to this recent study. Score one for cannabinoids.