Israeli Scientist David (Dedi) Meiri, Ph.D., is conducting research on how the various components of cannabis affect various types of cancer, inflammatory diseases and disorders of the nervous system (Epilepsy, Alzheimer, sleep disorders and more).
David (Dedi) Meiri, Ph.D., is an Israeli Scientist, an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Biology at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology and a member of the Technion Integrated Cancer Center (TICC). https://biology.technion.ac.il/en/member/meiri/
In his lab he uses genetically engineered mice and a wide variety of cell lines to understand the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoids’ function. He is working to better understand the complexity and diversity of cannabinoids and other natural components, and realize their full therapeutic potential for human health.
In the lab he and his team have discovered that various combinations of cannabis compounds have the ability to kill specific types of cancer.
He states, “the biggest challenge in the medical Cannabis field today is to match the right components to the disease.” He calls this, “marrying the right bride to the right flower.”
In his lab, he and his team, have developed analytical techniques allowing them to identify and match the cannabis compounds, of which there are over 400, with the endocannabinoid components in different types of cells. The endocannabinoid system is a biological system in the body that helps regulate and balance key bodily functions.
Together with cell biology methods and in-vivo models (in living cells) they were already successful in matching the right combinations to treat specific types of cancer, sleep disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases.
These studies are done in the laboratory with mice and need to be replicated in human clinical trials. But the research is very promising and already has been used to create pharma produced medical cannabis products like the oral mucosal spray Sativex, which is applied inside the cheek or under the tongue. It has been approved to alleviate the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, including muscle spasms and neuropathic pain. Sativex has been approved in 25 countries outside of the United States, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
So, the promise is that the polypharmacological nature of cannabis makes it a promising prospect for treating a multitude of conditions.
Dr. Meiri has been a featured speaker at many of the national Cannabis Science Conferences and has shared the very compelling research here in the PNW many times. Hopefully the Cannabis Science Conference will return to Portland soon. Here is a link to the site: https://www.cbtevents.com/page/aboutcannabisconference/
See this short video where Dr. Meiri explains his work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJMEU1l4K78&t=50s
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