Originally published October 3 2005
Bladder disorders aided by marijuana derivative THC, researchers say
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
University of Pittsburgh researchers discovered that IP-751, a synthetic modeled on THC (marijuana's main ingredient) is a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory, making it a potential answer to bladder problems like overactivity and irritation.
IP 751 is a potent anti-inflammatory and a powerful analgesic, although the mechanisms by which it works are unknown.
For the study, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine injected IP 751 into rat models of acute and subacute bladder inflammation.
IP 751 significantly suppressed bladder overactivity in both animal models without affecting bladder contractility.
By doing this, IP 751 can ease bladder pain.
By stopping the underlying cause of irritation - overactivity of the bladder - IP 751 is able to eliminate the associated pain.
"Interstitial cystitis is a difficult disease to treat, and not all treatments work well on all patients," said Michael Chancellor, M.D., professor of urology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
"Any new option we can give our patients to alleviate their painful symptoms is very exciting."
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 700,000 Americans have IC; 90 percent are women.
IC is one of the chronic pelvic pain disorders, defined by recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and surrounding pelvic region.
Symptoms vary and can include any combination of mild to severe pain, pressure and tenderness in the bladder and pelvic area; and an urgent and/or frequent need to urinate.
In IC, the bladder wall may become scarred or irritated, and pinpoint bleeding may appear on the bladder wall.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml