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.