In a study recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, neuroscientists at the University of South Florida discovered that they hope to slow down the cannabis-poor compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have found that very low doses of THC can reduce the production of beta amyloid and prevent the abnormal accumulation of this protein. Amyloid β usually exists in soluble form in most elderly brains, and its abnormal accumulation is generally considered to be one of the earliest pathological features of memory loss diseases. Low concentrations of THC can also selectively enhance mitochondrial function. Mitochondria play a role in the energy supply and signal transmission of a healthy brain. Dr. Cao Chuanhai, the first author of this study, said: “THC is known for its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. This study shows for the first time that THC can reduce the level of β-amyloid and inhibit its accumulation. It can enhance mitochondrial function and affect the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Tetrahydrocannabinol is a natural amyloid inhibitor and is expected to be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
In addition, Dr. Neil Navarre, who participated in this study, said that the controversy over medical marijuana has not stopped, and the relevant policy environment is constantly changing. He said: "Our research shows that THC may be valuable in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which means we are defending people who use illegal drugs to treat their disease. No, we can use this research Develop other treatments for Alzheimer's disease
Cao’s laboratory is currently researching drugs (tetrahydrocannabinol, caffeine, etc.) for use in cell models of Alzheimer’s disease. We are studying the effects of compositions (including natural compounds) and will continue to do so. Transgenic mice test. Mr. Cao also said: “Every drug has a dose and a target. Because it is so important, the treatment process, especially the tetrahydrocannabinol proposed by cannabis, requires careful monitoring of the drug content in the blood and system. Regarding the compound.”
Tetrahydrocannabinol δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. It was first developed in 1964 by three researchers from the Wiseman Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. It is divided into several years. Cannabis has been used as an anesthetic throughout history, and its anesthetic component is tetrahydrocannabinol, but production has since ceased. Previous studies have shown that synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol may be effective against HIV-1 virus infection