Numerous plant extracts have demonstrated impressive anticancer properties in clinical settings, offering a natural approach with fewer adverse effects. Does cannabis cure cancer? This article explores the diverse world of medicinal plants as potential cancer-fighting agents and provides facts on cannabis and cancer.
Plants & Herbs: A promising approach in cancer care
Cancer remains one of the major causes of death, despite advances in medical technologies and therapies. While effective, current cancer treatment, chemotherapy, brings huge side effects. Chemotherapy often comes with the drawback of harming healthy cells due to the non-selectivity of the drugs. The ideal approach would be to destroy tumour cells while preserving healthy ones. To achieve this, scientists look to natural resources such as plants. Testing raw extracts holds promise for developing more effective cancer medications. The need for natural treatments that are more effective and cause fewer adverse reactions is undeniable.
A variety of medicinal herbs with their diverse chemical compounds offer a valuable source for discovering new cancer treatments. Plants produce chemical compounds, also called secondary metabolites. These compounds do not directly contribute to their growth and include terpenoids, pigments, tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Secondary metabolites exhibit various biological effects, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and contraceptive effects, as well as effects on lipids, blood cells, and the cardiovascular system. Medicinal herbs and plant extracts containing these secondary metabolites have emerged as a promising approach for improving existing cancer treatments. Plants exert their anticancer effects by suppressing enzymes responsible for cancer growth, DNA damage, and DNA repair, stimulating the release of antitumor enzymes within cells, boosting the immune system, and initiating antioxidant activity.
The need for more potent anticancer agents
Plants have been used for the treatment and management of various diseases for thousands of years. With rapid advances in research on herbal products and their phytochemical properties, plant extracts are emerging as increasingly popular sources of cancer-fighting agents. While initial tumours are treatable with surgical procedures and a combination of therapies, metastatic cancers that have spread to other parts of the body often become resistant to treatment. Chemotherapy’s non-selectivity remains an issue, as it can potentially destroy healthy cells in the body alongside malignant cells. Data indicate that about 60% of anticancer medicines are derived from herbal, marine, and microbial sources. Many research studies have yielded positive results associated with the effectiveness of plant extracts in cancer management. Similar positive effects have been demonstrated in clinical trials for treating fertility and infertility, anaemia, diabetes, psychological disorders and thyroid disorders.
Plants with anticancer properties
Certain components from the plants have been confirmed for their anticancer activities. According to data, around 50-60% of patients in the US utilise agents derived from various plant parts or nutrients, alone or concomitantly with traditional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Let’s dive into the study of some plants, their crucial chemical compounds, and the mechanisms by which they exert their effects.
• Allium satuivum L: Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum L. According to research studies, garlic and its organosulfur compounds can reduce the incidence of various cancers, including those of the larynx, skin, oesophagus, breast, uterus, lung, colon, and bladder. The key compound present is Allciin, which has been identified for its tumour-fighting properties, particularly against prostate and breast cancers. It causes cell death and plays a crucial role in the prevention of cancer. Crushed garlic triggers an enzymatic reaction that converts alliin into allicin, which stops the growth of cancer cells.
• Achillea wilhelsii: It is a grassy perennial herb. Research shows that methanol extract and oil from its leaves can kill colon cancer cells. Moreover, this extract has been found to be effective against breast and stomach cancer. This methanol extract contains phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, that interfere with cancer cell growth by inducing cell death.
• Ammi visnaga: It is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also found to support vitiligo treatment. The ability of this plant extract to destroy cancer cells and its inhibitory effects on human pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma have been recognised. It contains quercetin, a flavonoid that contributes to its potential anticancer properties.
• Andographis paniculata: Also called bhunimba, kalmegha, or kiryat, is known for its anti-HIV properties. It has also been shown to stimulate the immune system and interfere with immune responses, making it effective against cancer-causing agents. Its effectiveness in the detoxification process helps prevent the development of cancer in most research studies.
• Petroselinium crispum (Parsley): It contains Apigenin, a flavone that has been shown to have cytotoxic activities against cancer of the breast and colon. Its cytotoxicity is comparable to that of doxorubicin. Apigenin has also been considered as a mediator for chemoprevention in the process of cancer.
• Curcuma longa (Turmeric): It contains diferuloylmethane, whose anticancer effects have been studied for breast cancer, lung metastases, colon cancer, and brain tumours. It can trigger cell death without harming healthy cells, an attractive feature for cancer researchers.
Cannabis and cancer
Is cannabis anticancer? Medical marijuana (Cannabis) has potential for therapeutic applications in the cancer field. It has been found that various cannabinoids in the cannabis plant have a variety of effects. Yet the available evidence and legal status of the drug pose a challenge for healthcare professionals. There is low evidence for the use of medical cannabis for cancer. Some patients in the clinical trials have been found to benefit from cannabis for nausea, sleep, appetite, and anxiety. Yet, there is a moderate level of evidence, and some believe cannabis cures cancer. Research studies are underway, but the legal status of cannabis poses a challenge to scientists and researchers. It is tough to address the risks and adverse effects of marijuana when patients ask questions. Current evidence available on cannabis and cancer is conflicting. There is preliminary research on the use of medical cannabis for cancer as well, which may somewhat balance out the risk. So, does cannabis cure cancer? Well, overall, cannabis may have use in cancer care in some cases, but only under the guidance of an oncologist. Consult your doctor and check the possibility of cancer treatment with cannabis.
Verdict!
Improving cancer management strategies is critical. Despite advances, cancer remains a significant contributor to global illness and deaths. Numerous cancer treatments are available, but all come with unwanted effects like kidney harm, digestive problems and more. These anticancer treatments include herbs and plant extracts that contain chemical compounds that provide strong protection against cancer cells. These substances are antioxidants that protect DNA from damage, interfere with the cell cycle, trigger cell death, prevent the formation of new blood vessels in tumours, and provide more powerful anticancer benefits. There is low evidence that cannabis plays a significant role in preventing tumour growth. More research is needed to determine if cannabis can cure cancer. Speak to your doctor to get the best insight into your case, as the severity of every case varies.
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