Australia’s Ecofibre and its medical cannabis subsidiary Ananda Hemp are to discuss their research findings on the role cannabinoids can play in treating endometriosis at an event in Sydney this month.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, which – among other things – can cause debilitating pain. According to Ecofibre, endometriosis affects one in nine women. A survey report released early last year found 72% of Australian and 88.2% of NZ respondents reported self-administering cannabis illicitly to manage endometriosis symptoms.
Ecofibre Chief Science Officer Dr Alex Capano and Professor Pradeep Tanwar from University of Newcastle are to share research findings from a trial involving cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-intoxicating cannabis compound found in hemp plants, on endometriosis symptoms.
The trial used uterus “avatars” known as ‘organoids’ from endometriosis patients. An organoid is a miniaturised, simplified version of an organ produced in vitro (outside of a living organism) in three dimensions that mimics the key functional, structural and biological complexity of that organ.
The trial delivered some promising results.
“Their findings demonstrated complete elimination of endometriosis lesions in human derived organoids,” states Ecofibre. “The researchers found that CBD not only reduced inflammation and other symptoms but also appeared to significantly reduce lesions associated with endometriosis in the lab setting.”
Another related study, with the curious title of FREEHER (Finding Relief from Endometriosis and Exclusion), also demonstrated some positive outcomes.
“92% of patients in the US FREEHER study, an observational Phase IV trial, reported that a CBD cream was helpful after 7 days. 36% of respondents had endometriosis and all reported pelvic pain.”
The Ecofibre / Ananda Hemp Medicinal Research Update is to be held on October 18 at Parliament House, Sydney. Dr Capano will also discuss the findings at an upcoming Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery (AGES) Society Limited symposium taking place from October 20-21, 2023 at the Sofitel on Collins, Melbourne.
Ecofibre is a hemp company operating three vertically integrated businesses focused on natural health care, plant-based foods, and sustainable product solutions. One of those businesses is Ananda Hemp, which provides Australians with medicinal cannabis products as part of the SAS-B and Authorised Prescriber program.
