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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- There are more potential medicinal benefits from a controversial source -- marijuana. Extracts from the plant may help increase fertility and decrease stomach cramps.
Two new studies outline the benefits. The first one reveals a compound like a chemical in marijuana can help a heavy smoker's sperm more effectively bind to eggs.
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Researchers from Buffalo, N.Y., and Boston studied eight heavy smokers. Half had normal sperm function; half had reduced sperm function. Some of their sperm was washed in a low-concentration cannabinoid (marijuana-like compounds) solution.
The sperm of the smokers who had reduced function improved significantly after it was washed in the solution, but the sperm of those with normal function did not. The sperm function in both groups improved when researchers used a solution with a higher concentration of cannabinoid.
The second study looked at the effects of dronabinol -- a synthetic THC and a marijuana extract -- in healthy adults.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., report the chemical extract from the marijuana plant relaxes the colon and reduces stomach contractions and cramping after eating.
Results also show dronabinol was more effective in females.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Annual Meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in New Orleans Oct. 21-25, 2006; 71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Las Vegas, Oct. 20-25, 2006
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