THC spells TLC for Alzheimer’s patients?

Cannabis Plants     (Public Domain)

THC, the active ingredient of marijuana, may help to “remove key toxic protein from brain cells.”

This toxin, amyloid beta, is a telltale sign of Alzheimer’s disease.  Its accumulation is often linked to inflammation and nerve-cell death. Neurons themselves often produce THC-like compounds (endocannabinoids) as a buffer against the dreaded syndrome.

According to David Schubert of the Salk Institute, researchers have known for quite some time about the neuroprotective aspects of THC.  Nevertheless, his team has been “the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells.”

Physical exercise also results in the natural production of endocannabinoids, and might help to protect the brain against Alzheimer’s.

Resources

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3666357/Could-cannabis-cure-Alzheimer-s-Drug-s-active-ingredient-helps-remove-key-toxic-protein-brain-cells.html 

Copyright June 29, 2016 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved