SCIENTIFICS OF THE INSTITUTE OF SOLK in the United States found out that the cannabis contains a compound that can protect the brain from aging. This is reported in the article published in the Free Radical Biology and Medicine magazine.
Researchers found that Cannabinol (CBN) protects neurons from oxidative stress and death, which is considered two main signs of Alzheimer’s disease. CBN is molecularly similar to tetrahydrokannabinol, but does not possess psychoactive effect. Although it has already been known that this substance has neuroprotective properties, the mechanism of its impact on neurons has not yet been disclosed.
Neuron experiments showed that CBN reduces ferroptosis – oxidative necrotic cell death (or oxitosis) with the participation of iron ions. More and more data indicates that oxitosis can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and it is caused by the gradual loss of glutathione antioxidant. Reducing antioxidant protection entails the oxidation of lipids, including in the composition of cell membranes, which, in turn, causes cell death.
CBN also protects mitochondria and maintains their normal functioning. In damaged cells, the strengthening of oxidative stress led to twisting mitochondria, which is observed in old cells in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also associated with other neurodegenerative diseases and the aging process, which indicates a wide therapeutic potential of Cannabinola.