Exploring potential anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal cannabis
Taylan Gurgenci 1 2, Gregor Kijanka 3, Ristan Greer 2 4, Georgie Huggett 1, Phillip Good 1 2 5, Md Moniruzzaman 2 6, Janet Hardy 7 8
- 1Department Palliative and Supportive Care, 10th floor, Mater Health Services, Raymond Tce, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia.
- 2Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- 3Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
- 4Torus Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- 5Department of Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- 6School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- 7Department Palliative and Supportive Care, 10th floor, Mater Health Services, Raymond Tce, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia. janet.hardy@mater.org.au.
- 8Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. janet.hardy@mater.org.au.
Affiliationer
Purpose: Inflammation is thought to play a key role in malignant disease and may play a significant part in the expression of cancer-related symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a bioactive compound in cannabis and is reported to have significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Method: Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in all participants recruited to a randomised controlled trial of CBD versus placebo in patients with symptoms related to advanced cancer. A panel of inflammatory cytokines was measured over time in a subset of these patients.
Results: There was no difference between the two arms in the trajectory of CRP or cytokine levels from baseline to day 28.
Conclusion: We were unable to demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect of CBD in cancer patients.
