According to a study led by researchers from the University of Bonn (Germany) a regular dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound cannabis, could significantly slow down and even reverse the aging processes of the brain. This work could be the entry point for a new strategy to treat the cognitive decline and certain forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
12-month-old mice with rejuvenated cognitive abilities
In this experiment, published in naturemedicine, the researchers gave a daily dose of THC to mice aged 2 months, 18 months and 2 years for one month. Then they gave them tests to see how quickly they moved through a maze or recognized familiar elements. Without the drug, the younger mice passed the tests while the older ones struggled. Whereas with THC, the score of the younger mice dropped while the older ones regained their abilities. The effects lasted for weeks after the injections ended and no mice showed side effects.
According to scientists, improved brain function has been linked to an apparent restoration of gene expression in the brain.
To study whether it works in humans, scientists plan to launch a clinical trial later this year.
Read also :
Severe epilepsy: cannabis used in therapy
Cannabis to improve vision?
