New oncological finding on melatonin and cannabinoids

Cancer research is advancing day by day. A new finding places melatonin and CBD or cannabidiol in the spotlight in relation to the evolution of cancerous processes. In this post we tell you about this new discovery on the therapeutic properties of CBD and melatonin in relation to cancer.

The team of Dr. Paolo Lissoni, from the Institute of Biological Medicine in Milan, Italy, has just defined a new concept, the anti-cancer neuroimmunoendocrinological system of the organism, formed by the pineal axis and cannabinoids, to which oxytocin and angiotensin (a peptide with recognized protective effects on the functioning of the cardiovascular system that could delay its aging, according to the latest studies) are also added.

The endocannabinoid system and cancer

The endocannabinoid system plays a natural physiological anti-inflammatory role, key in cancerous processes. The pharmacological effects of cannabinoids from the Cannabis Sativa plant simply reflect the action of endogenous cannabinoids. Therefore, from a therapeutic point of view, the Cannabis plant cannot be understood without taking into account the pathophysiological role of the endocannabinoid system.

The large number of potentially therapeutic molecules of the Cannabis Sativa plant can be summarized in four: 

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• Cannabinol (CBN).
• Cannabigerol (CBG). 
• Cannabidiol (CBD).

All have similar anti-cancer activity, while their psychological effects are different. One of the main differences is that THC is the only psychotropic cannabinoid, while the other three cannabinoids have no psychotropic effect, but exert significant anxiolytic activity.

The neuroimmunoendocrinological system and cancer

The neuroimmunoendocrinological system identified by Dr. Paolo Lissoni and his team is based on the importance of the pineal axis and the cannabinoids that form it, which play a very important role in the progression of cancerous processes.

In fact, there is evidence that all cancerous processes advance faster when there is a physiological decrease in the functioning of this axis with age. For this reason, Dr. Lissoni defines a new strategy to fight cancer, which consists precisely in the exogenous administration of the elements that constitute this axis, which would basically be composed of melatonin and CBD, to which the other two, oxytocin and angiotensin, can be added.

Melatonin and cancer

Melatonin has already demonstrated its antitumor effects when administered as a complement to the usual treatments.

Lymphocytopenia is something that cancer patients present very often. Lymphocyte deficiency seems to be correlated with a worse prognosis for cure. The experimental study by Lisoni's team highlights how the combination of melatonin and AHCC (a nutritional supplement rich in alpha-glucan) in adequate doses can help to counteract the lymphopenia associated with cancerous processes.

As we told you in a previous post, melatonin has also been shown to prevent radiodermatitis in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Melatonin and CBD against cancer

The use of CBD in conjunction with that of melatonin could precisely potentiate and complement the anti-cancer actions of melatonin. 

Taking into account the absence of toxic side effects of these two compounds, it would be possible to apply them to practically all cancer patients, even and especially to those who are in a bad metabolic situation, which prevents the application and/or success of more conventional therapies. 

Unfortunately, despite the large number of experimental studies that continue to unveil more therapeutic properties of CBD and cannabinoids in general, the clinical use of cannabinoids in the treatment of human diseases is still in its infancy, although it is expected that research will take a significant leap in these years, now that the scientific community is increasingly interested in elucidating all the benefits of the medicinal use of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Here in Phexia's blog we will keep you informed of new studies and research.

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Sources:

Lissoni Paolo, et al Psychoneuroendoendocrine-immune (PNEI) therapy of cancer beyond melatonin. New Approaches in Cancer study 000641 (2021)

Grotenhermen F Pharmacology of cannabinoids Neuroendocrinology letters 25:14-23 (2004).

Warning:

This information is merely informative, with the purpose of informing about new scientific advances and discoveries about melatonin and CBD; however, it is not intended to encourage anyone to abandon their medication. Any medical pathology should be followed up with a health professional and in no case is it intended to suggest that these active ingredients are a substitute for any of the above.