CBD shows promise in treating endometrial cancer

The cannabidiol (CBD) and CBD-rich extracts could be a therapeutic option for endometrial cancer, according to a new study published by the Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry and published online by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

«Among the various phytocannabinoids, the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) »Cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids are the most promising therapeutic compounds,« the study begins. »Beyond their well-known palliative effects on cancer patients, cannabinoids have demonstrated their ability to inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro. Similarly, the main endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), induce tumor cell death.”

The purpose of this study «was to characterize the cannabinoid components and to evaluate the effect of the cannabinoids »on the viability of endometrial cancer cells." Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine body cancer, affects the tissues of the uterus where implantation occurs.

After conducting a series of tests, researchers at the University of Porto in Portugal found that their «data indicate that cannabinoids modulate the death of endometrial cancer cells.» “Selective targeting of TPRV1 receptors by AEA, CBD, or any other stable analog may be an interesting avenue of research for the treatment of estrogen-dependent endometrial carcinoma.”.

The study concludes by stating: «Our data also support [the need] to evaluate CBD or CBD-rich extracts for the potential treatment of endometrial cancer, particularly in cases that have become unresponsive to standard therapies.»