Researchers at Harvard University have shown that delta-Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the active ingredient of marijuana, cuts tumor growth in ordinary lung cancer in half and significantly reduces the ability of the cancer to spread. They noted that delta-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibits EGF-induced growth, and migration in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Meanwhile, lung cancer has been associated with overactivity of EGFR.
Read more about EGF and EGFR.
Firstly, the researchers demonstrated that THC inhibited the growth and spread of cells from two different lung cancer cell lines and from patient lung tumors Then, they injected THC into mice that had been implanted with human lung cancer cells. Three weeks later, they examined the mice and discovered that the tumors shrank by about 50% compared with tumor in untreated mice.
THC targets and activates two specific cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, in a fashion similar to endocannabinoid produced naturally in a human body. Endocannabinoid stimulates appetite and controls pain and inflammation. Hence, THC, by this way, impedes the inflammatory action of lung cancer cells; thereby, inhibits the growth and spread of the cancer.
Nevertheless, if you plan on smoking that tumor away, note that, apart from the risk of addiction and a litany of other problems, studies have shown that marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.Read more about CB1 and CB2.
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