Cannabinoids may modulate the spread of cancer cells

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that are involved in many physiological processes, helping to balance inflammatory signals; regulate cell growth, division, death, and cleanup; and model new tissues and blood vessels. They seem to play a central role in tumor metastasis and survival in many cases.
New research out of Germany looks at the role of anandamide and THC in reducing the invasiveness of cervical cancer cells, and seems to indicate that invasion is reduced through the cannabinoids' inhibitory effect on MMPs. The results look promising, even though they are still in vitro, and give us another insight into the immune- and inflammation-regulating power of Cannabis in the human physiology.

Chemically modified curcumin

Curcumin, one of the polyphenols present in Turmeric, has a long track record of positive research relating to its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and liver-protective effects. It is a mild and generally well-tolerated addition to the diet, and even concentrated extracts of the Turmeric rhizome (like New Chapter's TurmericForce) work well without having to take multiple daily tablespoons of the spice (see here for my articles on this spice).
Now, Japanese researchers have gone in and chemically modified curcumin, which is already an isolated constituent of Turmeric and contains none of its beneficial mucilage and fewer aromatic constituents, and given these modified chemicals to rats with colorectal cancer. The results: the new chemicals seem to work better.
My main comment on this research, other than the fact that it was performed on rats, is that it continues the misguided trend of taking botanical substances, refining them, and modifying them for an 'enhanced' effect in the human physiology. Historically, my favorite example of this trend is the opium -> morphine -> heroin chain, which has certainly done wonders for the human race. The problem with this approach is that we have no understanding of, and therefore no way to predict, the effects of long-term supplementation with substances our physiology hasn't ever seen. This is in contrast with unaltered, whole-plant preparations, which are not only familiar to our metabolic pathways, but probably created those pathways to begin with.
In the long run, many modified chemicals, while potent in the short term, leave the body with unwanted side-effects and often further weaken the system. I am fully in support of ongoing research into the chemistry and effects of plant constituents, but please, let's wait a little until applying them to humans in refined, or modified, forms.

Coffee, running, and skin cancer

Good news for runners who enjoy a cup of coffee before morning exercise: new research in mice seems to point towards caffeine combined with exercise as protective against skin cancer and the deposition of subcutaneous fat. The study involved caffeine-laced water, which arguably has no flavonoid content compared to coffee and thus is even less protective, but nevertheless the mice who consumed it and exercised had about 4 times more cell death in UV-damaged skin cells. Death (apoptosis) here is good - it sure beats growth and division (a.k.a. cancer)! Interestingly, exercise or coffee, by themselves, were much less effective against melanomas.
This is an animal study, and thus largely theoretical, and I would be the first to volunteer for a logitudinal study in humans. Nevertheless, it balances earlier news that marathon runners have a higher incidence of melanoma (I wonder if they were controlling for coffee intake?), and continues to bolster the idea that good quality coffee, at about 1-2 cups a day, has a wide range of protective effects similar to those of chocolate. Tropical herbal medicine.

American Ginseng helps cancer-related fatigue

Panax quinquefolium, the gentler ginseng native to the Northeastern U.S., received an endorsement at this year's annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Debra Barton, of the Mayo Clinic, described how patients with fatigue and short (6 month) life expectancies were given P. quinquefolium for 8 weeks, at varying doses. The results seem to point to a marked improvement in vitality and a reduction of fatigue-like symptoms.

282 patients were given placebo, 750mg, 1000mg, or 2000mg of ginseng. The product was Wisconsin-grown American ginseng root, dried and encapsulated. All the patients in the active treatment groups reported improvement greater than placebo, with the higher doses showing greater positive response. Toxicity was absent in all treatment groups. The authors of the study seemed generally pleased with ginseng's effects and recommend additional research.

In my opinion, the doses used were still a little low. Traditionally, 3-4 grams a day are given, especially in conditions where the life force is severely challenged (as in this study's treatment group). Quality of life could be improved further not only by increasing the dose of ginseng, but also by selecting additional adaptogens and other herbs suited to the individualized constitutions of the people involved. Nevertheless, even in this one-size-fits-all approach, the life-enhancing power of this woodland plant still comes through. I am reminded of stories that talk about court physicians in China giving massive doses of prized ginseng roots to the Emperor during the last months/weeks of his life, to keep him active and alert in extremis so that the final affairs of the State could be settled.
One final note: beware, generally, of Wisconsin ginseng. It is often grown in massive industrial lots, covered with shade cloth, fed chemical fertilizers and liberally doused with fungicides. Insist on organically grown, preferably woods-grown organic, roots.