Research Shows Cannabinoid Compounds Remove Proteins Linked To Alzheimer's
Credit: Salk Institute
By New Frontier Analysts
Researchers from the Salk Institute recently discovered that the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, THC, and other cannabinoid compounds demonstrated the ability to remove beta amyloid proteins that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The study also concluded that cannabinoids reduce cellular inflammation, which is a byproduct of the disease’s progression. Although this is not the first study to suggest that cannabinoids may help treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease, it is the first study to show the reduction of beta amyloid proteins and inflammation. Furthermore, the brain produces endocannabinoids, which seem to be linked to protecting neurons from amyloid caused inflammation.
A major take away was that neuron inflammation was found to be a significant component of Alzheimer’s disease, which was not previously recognized. Additionally, the study showed that further research could spark more conclusive results regarding how cannabinoids affect neural pathways. Furthermore, this study will open the gate for an increased amount of clinical trials to take place, which will provide more evident results. Similarly, the study also found that the amyloid protein, which contributes to neural inflammation, might also be the initiation of cognitive disabilities associated with aging.
After the findings of this study, it can be expected that more studies that investigate the effect of cannabinoids on the nervous system will take place. Additionally, more grant money from governments and private interests will be pouring into the cannabis research industry. With more research being conducted, physicians and scientists alike can find out more about cannabis use and how cannabinoids affect neural pathways and cognition. Likewise, cannabis will be more likely to be accepted by traditional medical practices and an increase in medicinal cannabis use can be expected as more studies are published.
New Frontier Analysts
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