Chronic Low Doses of a Cannabinoid Causes New Brain Cell Formation
January 2nd, 2010 | by J.Marcu |The Journal of Molecular Psychiatry recently published an LTE from a group of researchers who demonstrated that chronic low doses of the cannabinoid WIN55212, resulted in new brain cells or neurons in the hippocampus of old rats. As we age, our ability to make new cells decreases, this may be the cause of many age related disorders. A class of drugs that can restore neurons may be a potential cure for diseases such as Parkinson’s, depression, etc.
The data was simply amazing–3 weeks of treatment resulted in noticeable effects! So this blog includes the figures from the publication, see below. On the left hand side, Figure A shows brain cells stained with red and green. Green, spindle like, staining indicates neuron growth. Pictures A and B show the typical neuron growth in developing brains. As you can see in pictures E and F, chronic administration of a non-psychotropic dose of WIN55212 restores neuron production in older rats, indicated by the green wisps. Note that this green stain is very low in old rats that did not receive the cannabinoid, pictures C and D.
The authors speculate, “Cannabinoid receptor stimulation therapy may thus provide clinical benefit for humans with age-associated memory impairment.”
Lots of molecules can activate cannabinoid receptors, so take your pick. More research is needed to determine which cannabinoids are the best option. None of the plant cannabinoids have not been explored for this effect. This not the first time cannabinoids have been linked to neurogenesis; HU-210 has also demonstrated similar effects.
Please donate! Every dollar helps this site bring you the latest scientific findings!
Thanks,
Jahan
Tags: cannabis, cannabis research, endocannabinoid system, marijuana research, neurogenesis, NIH, research, science
By Alchemic on Jan 15, 2010
Can these low doses be achieved by smoking, vaporization, or ingestion of cannabis?
By Tom on Apr 8, 2010
Yes. I think they are going to discover that many different cannabinoids have healing properties. Another cannabinoid that has hope is:http://www.herbavigor.com/html/cannibinoids.html this synthetic cannabinoid. It also seems to have very analgesic properties like THC. And I am sure that it will be found that it regenerates neurons.
By Michael West on Jul 31, 2011
Dear Colleagues,
One question. Could it be possible that combining MMJ with other compounds may take the medicine to the next level?
Please consider this: It is a little known fact that the receptors of cells can be altered with very special nutrition. A few key ingredients may enhance MMJ; Trehalose, Glyconutrients, Hemp Nuts and Diatomaceous Earth. It is also known that ingestion of MMJ has more permanent health benefits. It is my hope that combining certain compounds will enhance the results people are experiencing with MMJ.
See http://www.google.com/search?q=pheonix+tears and http://GlyCop.com/ along with http://huntingtonsresearchfoundation.org/ for more information.
As an example: We could create a medicine bar that preserves and enhances the delivery of MMJ. The bar would have a standard dose of CBD/THC in a “hash oil” base, mixed with Hemp Nuts and sweetened with Trehalose. Coconut chips or other fruits could be used as flavoring.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the possibilities.