Cannabis phytochemicals found to be effective in destroying leukemia cells

Researchers from St. George’s, University of London have confirmed that cannabinoids are effective in destroying the cells of leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming organs. When used in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments, cannabinoids, the active chemicals in cannabis, results against the blood cancer cells improved significantly. The new findings, which have been published in the International Journal of Oncology, suggest that lower doses of chemotherapy can be administered to patients.

The researchers set out to test the efficacy of existing chemotherapy treatments alongside cannabinoids, and to determine whether the order of the drugs had any impact on potency. Different types of cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), were then paired up and used in combination the chemotherapy drugs vincristine and cytarabine. Based on their results, the researchers determined that using cannabinoids after chemotherapy improved the chances of cancer apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The outcome was less favorable when the order was reversed and the cannabinoids were given prior to chemotherapy.

“We have shown for the first time that the order in which cannabinoids and chemotherapy are used is crucial in determining the overall effectiveness of this treatment,” lead author Dr. Wai Liu said of the study. “Studies such as ours serve to establish the best ways that they should be used to maximise a therapeutic effect.”

The researchers noted that more tests would be needed before this practice can be implemented on a larger scale. Liu also pointed out that the team didn’t use the entire plant during their study; instead, he and his team utilized cannabis extracts. “These extracts are highly concentrated and purified, so smoking marijuana will not have a similar effect,” Liu told the DailyMail.co.uk.

Regardless, the results of the study are very promising. Chemotherapy has numerous severe side effects such as hair loss, mouth sores, and an increased risk of infections. If combined with cannabinoids, then chemotherapy dosages could be greatly diminished.

Moreover, the news could not have been more timely. Ireland is poised to legalize the use of cannabis for treating certain medical conditions such as severe epilepsy and multiple sclerosis in order to offset the damaging effects of chemotherapy. Simon Harris, the Irish Health Minister, has expressed his support for medical cannabis, especially in cases “where patients have not responded to other treatments and there is some evidence that cannabis may be effective.”

Meanwhile, Australian actress Olivia Newton-John revealed that she will be using cannabis oil and “other natural remedies” after her second breast cancer diagnosis. Newton-John’s daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, stated that her mother opted to use cannabis oil in addition to modern medicine. “My mom and best friend is going to be fine. She will be using medicine that I often talk about. CBD oil! (Cannabis has scientifically proven properties to inhibit cancer cell growth) and other natural healing remedies plus modern medicine to beat this,” said Lattanzi. (Related: Cannabis oil (CBD) CURES 12-year-old girl of life-threatening seizure)

Though controversy still surrounds cannabis, its healing effects are gaining more attention, and its medical potential is gaining traction. What Liu and his colleagues have unearthed has opened the door to for cannabis, and like Liu said: “Cannabinoids are a very exciting prospect in oncology.”

Read up on more stories that are just like this one by visiting CannabisCures.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

MedicalNewsToday.com

Health.com

Spandidos-Publications.com

Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage for Optimum Health Benefits

Apple cider vinegar, a type of vinegar made from apples or cider, has a reputation for being beneficial to the health in numerous ways. But since it is a remedy for various health conditions, therefore it must be taken in the appropriate amount. In this article, we shall discuss the recommended apple cider vinegar dosage for optimum health benefits.

Apple cider vinegar in its raw and unfiltered form contains beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. These bacteria are advantageous to the gut environment in the human body. They can be helpful to treat gastrointestinal issues and boost the immune system. Comparatively, raw apple cider vinegar has more nutrient content than the pasteurized apple cider vinegar. This is because during the pasteurization process, a lot of the nutritious bulk of the living microbes- yeast and probiotic, get eliminated.

In spite of being a popular traditional remedy, the health claims of apple cider vinegar are yet to receive medical science support. However, people still believe in the potency of apple cider vinegar while doctors suppose that its effectiveness could be a placebo effect.

Apple cider vinegar dosage

Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature. It contains high amounts of acetic acid, which is linked to aiding and benefiting different health conditions and ailments. People with acute acne, diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight issues take apple cider vinegar as a complementary remedy.

Now, apple cider vinegar isn’t a doctor prescribed medication and therefore it is difficult to estimate the correct effective dosage of apple cider vinegar. However, it is crucial to know how much of apple cider vinegar appropriate to take. People who vouch for the efficacy of apple cider vinegar usually take 1 or 2 tablespoons of it diluted with a glass of 8oz water up to three times a day on an empty stomach. Avoid taking apple cider vinegar directly as it is inherently acerbic and always remember to rinse your mouth with water after drinking cider vinegar. Otherwise, the enamel of your teeth could get eroded by the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar.

To treat nasty skin conditions like acne, eczema, etc. you can directly apply it o the affected area with a cotton dab.

Apple cider vinegar and baking soda

The constitutional acidity of apple cider vinegar may not go well with people with acute gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, to reduce the acidity baking soda is combined with apple cider vinegar. According to the American Diabetes Association, the concoction of apple cider vinegar and baking soda could be used to treat diabetes as it can possibly lower glucose level up to 20 percent when taken with a high carbohydrate meal.

You can quickly prepare this tonic of apple cider vinegar and baking soda. Simply add two tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar in a glass. Put 1/8 tablespoon of baking soda followed by water. Drink it immediately on an empty stomach.

The tonic of apple cider vinegar and baking soda helps to alkalize the body. As we know, an acidic body is conducive to many health problems; hence to kill pathogens and inhibit the growth of diseases it is necessary to maintain our body’s pH scale. And this could be easily done by drinking apple cider vinegar and baking soda water regularly.

Three health benefits of apple cider vinegar

#1 Treats diabetes: Apple cider vinegar has the potential to treat type 2 diabetes, which is related to insulin function in the bloodstream. Medical researchers have found that apple cider vinegar is quite effective in controlling blood sugar levels. It can significantly influence our body’s response to sugar and improves insulin sensitivity. It is found that during a high-carb meal, apple cider vinegar cam improves insulin sensitivity by 19-34%, when eating 50 grams of white bread, it can reduce blood sugar by 34%, and taking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before sleeping reduces fasting blood sugars by 4%.

#2 Controls blood pressure: According to Brenda Skidmore, Holistic Health Expert at Disabled World, apple cider vinegar for blood pressure control is a reliable remedy. High pressure is a common condition in which the pressure of blood against the artery walls is remarkably high. The abnormality in the pressure of blood imminently leads to coronary and heart problems. Apple cider vinegar helps in balancing the body’s pH level. Its acidic nature can erode fat and phlegm depositions in the body and thereby aid in better blood circulation and lower pressure against the artery walls. Apple cider vinegar is also helpful in reducing bad cholesterol which has a positive effect on blood pressure.

#3 Aids weight loss: Apple cider vinegar for weight loss is a rather inconclusive subject. Yes, it can aid in weight loss to a certain effect but to believe that apple cider vinegar will certainly cause weight loss is a questionable claim. Before a high-carb meal, drinking apple cider vinegar will lower glucose level in the blood by blocking the digestion of starch. This will result in a reduction of calorie obtained from the food. Additionally, apple cider vinegar also lowers blood triglycerides and provides a sense of fullness, thereby reducing our food intakes. In this way, apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar has a good nutrient profile that benefits the health in various ways. It is low in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat, and a very good source of manganese and potassium. Yet, its acetic acid content makes it a tad bit dicey. It could erode the teeth enamel, irritate the throat, and interfere with blood thinning medications. Although two tablespoons of it diluted with 8 oz of water could hardly do any damage, it is advisable to consult with a physician before consuming apple cider vinegar to avoid side effects of drinking too much apple cider vinegar.