Liposomal hemp extract for the management of cachexia

Abstract

Background: The onset of cachexia, a body-wasting condition, is an ominous sign— it occurs in up to 80% of patients with cancer and is the ultimate cause of death in up to 20% of these patients. Moreover, cachexia can make treatment for cancer more difficult and less effective. With no approved treatment for cachexia, some patients have experimented with cannabis to increase their appetite. Findings on the use of cannabis as a treatment for cachexia have shown some promise; however, well-designed clinical trials of cannabinoids are necessary to provide guidance to both physicians and patients regarding formulation and dose.Objective: The aim of this studyas to use a mouse model to examine the effects of a liposomal cannabinoid-containing hemp extract on cancer-related cachexia.Method: Bagg Albino c mice were inoculated with colon 26 tumor cells and followed until they developed signs and symptoms of cachexia. Upon onset of cachexia, the mice received a single dose of either 0.2 mg or 1 mg of a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-free (THC-free) liposomal hemp extract containing 20% cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids. A control group received no treatment. Another dose of 0.2 mg liposomal hemp extract was given after a few days to mice that failed to respond to treatment, or to mice that initially responded to treatment but began to lose weight again after stabilizing.Results: Of the 7 mice who were given 1 mg liposomal hemp extract, 4 gained weight and survived. Of the 7 mice who were given 0.2 mg of liposomal hemp extract, 2 gained weight and survived. Only 1 of the 9 mice in the control group survived.Conclusion: The findings suggest the beneficial effects of liposomal hemp extract in treating and, in some cases, reversing cachexia and improving survival in a mouse model. This study revealed promising results that should be replicated in human subjects to test if similar results are seen and to determine an optimal dose.Keyword: Hemp, Cannabinoids, Liposomal, Cancer, Cachexia, Mouse