The prostate is a gland in males that is responsible for the production of seminal fluids. Cancer that occurs in the prostate is called prostate cancer and it is one of the common cancers in men. Some types of prostate cancer are harmless and might require minimum treatment but there are types of prostate cancer that are aggressive and can quickly spread to other organs.
In America, more than 250,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year. There are many treatment options available for prostate cancer that include testosterone blockers, surgery, radiation, and medications. But many studies are progressing on finding if CBD can help in treating prostate cancer. Some studies show positive results for the effectiveness of CBD in suppressing prostate cancer cells. Let us look into the details below.
CBD And Prostate Cancer
CBD works on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of our body. The CB1 and CB2 receptors of ECS are majorly targeted by CBD and other cannabinoids. The majority of the CB1 receptors are present in the brain and CBD binding to the CB1 receptor can help to relieve pain. CB2 receptors are available in immune cells, blood-forming organs, and other cell tissues. CBD binding to the CB2 receptors is the area of interest for cancer treatment researchers. When the CB2 receptors are stimulated by CBD, it was able to suppress cancer cells from a variety of human tumors.
Studies suggest that CBD can help to regulate cell growth. CBD along with other cannabinoids makes it difficult for prostate cancer cells to survive, grow and spread to other healthy tissues. These results are based on animal studies or studies conducted on cells in a lab. Further research and more clinical studies on patients are required to conclude the effectiveness of CBD on prostate cancer.
Moreover, many studies have confirmed that CBD can inhibit angiogenesis, and cell proliferation, and can promote apoptosis. Anandamide, an endocannabinoid produced by our body, has antiproliferative properties that prevent prostate cancer cells from spreading.
Final Thoughts
As of now, there are limited studies on the effectiveness of CBD on prostate cancer. But these studies show that CBD is a promising candidate for the treatment of various cancers including prostate cancer. In the future, we may see CBD-based medicines and treatments for effectively treating prostate cancer and other types of cancers.
If you are planning to use CBD products along with cancer treatment, consult a doctor and seek his approval before doing so.