Although still considered illegal, new studies show that marijuana or marijuana contain active ingredients that can increase appetite in patients with advanced cancer.
Research from the University of Alberta, Canada, showed that the active ingredient in marijuana called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can increase appetite and taste ability in patients with advanced cancer.
Previously, marijuana has been known to reduce symptoms of nausea in cancer patients, so the use of THC also can function as an appetite stimulant.
Results showed 37 percent of cancer patients who took 2.5 milligrams of the compound in pill form of THC 2 or 3 times a day for 18 days, reported an increase in appetite, compared with 30 percent of patients who took placebo (empty medicine).
And 64 percent of patients who took THC reported appetite increases as compared with 50 percent of patients who took placebo.
"Cannabis has a bad reputation for healthy people, but studies show that marijuana also has a good effect for cancer patients," says researcher Wendy Wismer, a food scientist at the University of Alberta in Canada, as reported by LiveScience, "Monday (28 / 2 / 2011).
Wismer said that cancer patients can enjoy a meal and not feel hungry is a big improvement to improve quality of life.
"Patients with advanced cancer often suffer from wasting syndrome, in which the body burns calories more quickly than people who do not suffer from cancer. But on the other hand, cancer patients often lose their appetite," said Wismer.
According to Wismer, this study may indicate that THC can help overcome wasting syndrome.
"Furthermore, these findings should be tested in larger studies with more patients," said Wismer.
The results of this study have been published on 22 February in the journal Annals of Oncology.
That is a good information no doubt but what about the other side effects that may be troubling the patient due to such dosage? Plastic Surgeon Atlanta
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