Scientists from the University Hospital Bonn and the University of Bonn have unveiled promising evidence that low doses of THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, could reverse brain aging. This falls in line with a past study on the subject from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
The research hinges on the interaction between THC and the brain’s cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1), which diminishes with age, leading to cognitive declines. By enhancing CB1 activity, THC appears to activate the mTOR protein, a crucial regulator of cell growth and aging. This interaction sparked a significant uptick in cognitive functions in elderly mice, reinvigorating brain activities, especially in the hippocampus, the core area for learning and memory.
What makes the study particularly interesting is its detailed examination of how THC modulates brain and body functions differently over time. Initially, THC boosted brain metabolism and synaptic protein levels, indicative of heightened cognitive processes. Subsequently, it shifted towards reducing metabolic activities in the body akin to the effects seen with caloric restriction or intensive exercise, known for their anti-aging benefits.
