Research continues to study the health benefits of cannabidiol or CBD for a wide variety of physical, emotional and neurological conditions, including cancer. One side effect of cancer or chemotherapy is loss of appetite, especially in advanced diseases. Traditional treatment combines medical intervention, nutritional strategies and symptom control. But, is CBD enough to help people with cancer-related anorexia or is something else needed?
Cancer-Related Anorexia
Cancer-related anorexia refers to loss of appetite and weight seen often among people with various types of cancer. It can be part of a broader syndrome called cachexia syndrome where muscle and fat are greatly diminished. Causes of cancer-related anorexia include the effects of tumors (metabolic changes), cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation) as well as pain, nausea, fatigue or depression. Any of these conditions can lead to malnutrition, decreased quality of life, and poor treatment outcomes.
Are There Benefits of CBD for Cancer-Related Anorexia?
It has been shown throughout research that CBD may not be strong enough on its own to help with symptoms of cancer-related anorexia. THC/CBD combinations, on the other hand, have shown positive results in increasing appetite and reducing nausea. CBD does have some indirect benefits for cancer-related anorexia including:
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Providing better quality sleep
By working on these symptoms, it is believed that CBD works indirectly to improve food intake and nutrition.
Nabiximols or Sativex
A THC/CBD combination medication administered as an oromucosal spray has shown good results in a number of studies. It is not approved in the United States currently, but is approved in Canada, UK and parts of Europe. Its benefits include reduction in cancer-related pain and increase in appetite. Like most drugs, it does come with several side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue and hypotension.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Cancer-Related Anorexia
Cancer-related anorexia reduces quality of life and can be medically complex to treat. Despite a number of current medications for the illness, researchers are always searching for remedies that are more natural, safer for use and cause fewer side effects. CBD appears to be not enough in symptoms control but needs an additional molecule – THC to work in concert to increase appetite, reduce nausea and manage pain. Nabiximols or Sativex has shown good results and hopefully will be available and FDA approved in the U.S. soon.