Study: THC May Treat Symptoms of Diabetes
A study published this month by the journal Cell Biochemistry and Function, and published online by the U.S. National Institute of Health, has found promising evidence to suggest that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may provide a safe and effective treatment option for those with diabetes.
THC molecule.
For the study; “Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, Δ9 -THC, diabetes and diabetes + Δ9 -THC groups. Δ9 -THC was administered intraperitoneally [through injection] at 3 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Body weights and blood glucose level of rats in all groups were measured on days 0, 7, 14 and 21.”
Researchers found that treatment with THC “significantly increased pancreas glutathione levels, enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in diabetes compared with non-treatment diabetes group.. We can suggest that Δ9 -THC may be an important agent for the treatment of oxidative damages induced by diabetes.”
They continue; “Furthermore, the present study for the first time emphasizes that Δ9 -THC may improve pancreatic cells via cannabinoid receptors in diabetes.
The study concludes; “The curative effects of Δ9 -THC can be occurred via activation of cannabinoid receptors in diabetic rat pancreas. Moreover, it may provide a protective effect against oxidative damage induced by diabetes. Thus, it is suggested that Δ9 -THC can be a candidate for therapeutic alternatives of diabetes symptoms.”
The full study can be found by clicking here.
– TheJointBlog