Cannabis Compound Removes Alzheimer’s Plaque From Brain Cells
Yet another boost for the acceptance of cannabis as a wonder cure! While there has been research and trials to use compounds to treat chronic pain, cancers, epilepsy, and other diseases and illnesses, this laboratory study is the first of its kind to test tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a main component in marijuana, against the plaque buildup of the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease may now be added to a list of diseases with promising treatment from cannabis compounds, a new study from the Salk Institute says.
In the study, researchers grew human neurons in a lab and altered them so that they created the plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The plaque is comprised of proteins such as beta-amyloid. The researchers subjected the lab grown neurons to concentrated amounts of THC and other marijuana compounds.
What they found was that not only did the THC cause a breakdown of the protein buildup, but a reduction in inflammation in the cells.
Inflammation is bad as communication between neurons becomes more difficult.
“Although other studies have offered evidence that cannabinoids might be neuroprotective against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we believe our study is the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells,” says Salk Professor David Schubert, the senior author of the paper said in a statement.
The research also suggests these is a strong link between protein buildup and inflammation of neurons. Certain previous theories had thought that other immune-like cells had been inflamed, and not the neurons themselves.
The researchers believe that the THC compound was able to reduce the protein buildup and inflammation by working in the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors (naturally occurring in the human body). Scientists had already known that exercise engages these receptors, and physical activity can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Schubert and his fellow researchers had found in a previous study that the endocannabinoid receptors were involved with the removal of protein buildup and inflammation when testing a new drug. The researchers then decided to investigate the relationship with THC and Alzheimer’s plaque.
Many more studies need to be conducted before a definite link can be suggested between THC and beta amyloid, the researchers say. Human clinical trials is the next step in the quest to eradicate and control this degenerative disease. These exploratory laboratory models are just the beginning.
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