The Anticancer Properties of Hemp Seed Peptides
Dozens of studies have shown that various components of the cannabis plant exhibit anticancer properties. These components most notably include phytocannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. While these compounds have received the bulk of attention, new research is demonstrating that other molecules in cannabis may also help fight cancer.
Cannabis seed, commercially known as hemp seed, is a protein-rich food available in several forms. Anyone can order hemp seed, hemp protein powder, or hemp seed oil from online retailers or most grocery stores. In addition to protein, hemp seed contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a wide variety of minerals, making it a particularly healthy food. While hemp seed has generally been consumed for overall health or muscle building, a 2021 study in the journal Food Science & Nutrition by researchers in China now points to the potential of peptides (small proteins) from hemp seed to act as anticancer agents.
The researchers first prepared hemp peptides (HP) by using enzymes to break down large hemp proteins, then used a filtration system to capture the compounds, which were freeze-dried in preparation for use. The HP treatment was applied to both human liver cancer cells and normal human liver cancer cells. The normal cells were unaffected in any way, but the liver cancer cells showed reduced viability, proliferation, and migration. Apoptosis (programmed cell death) was also only observed in the cancer cells, indicating selective cytotoxicity. The relationship between cell viability of cancer cells (Hep3B), healthy cells (L02), and concentration of HP is shown below.
Interestingly, the mechanisms by which HP caused the above effects overlap with the primary phytocannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabigerol (CBG). For example, HP treatment stimulated an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), highly reactive molecules that damage structures within cancer cells. Numerous other studies have linked increased ROS generation by phytocannabinoids, mainly CBD, with cancer cell death. These include studies on CBD and breast cancer, CBG and colon cancer, CBD and leukemia, CBD and multiple myeloma, and THC and breast cancer.
Another effect of HP treatment was upregulation of a protein called Bad, which helps initiate apoptosis. Activation of this protein has also been connected with THC inducing apoptosis in leukemia cells.
It would be interesting for further studies to examine whether unprocessed hemp protein exerts anticancer effects in animals following natural digestion. Research into the impact of whole hemp seed on cancer development, with its rich array of essential fatty acids, fibers, and minerals, is also warranted. In the future, comprehensive cannabis therapy may include high doses of phytocannabinoids/terpenoids/flavonoids along with some forms of hemp protein, peptides, or seed meal. Only further research will determine what approaches are most efficacious.
