Marijuana is touted for its
medical uses, lessening pain, nausea, and other uncomfortable side effects of conditions like glaucoma, nerve pain, and cancer. Now
researchers say, a chemical found in the hotly debated drug could slow or altogether stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Findings of a preclinical study published in the
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, suggest very small doses of THC, a chemical found in marijuana, slow down the production of the
beta-amyloid protein, which builds up to create
plaques in the brain, an accumulation of which is a known hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
"THC
is known to be a potent antioxidant with neuroprotective properties,
but this is the first report that the compound directly affects
Alzheimer's pathology by decreasing amyloid beta levels, inhibiting its
aggregation," lead author Chuanhai Cao, of the
University of South Florida's Byrd Alzheimer's Institute said in a release.
Similar
studies have also pointed out the effectiveness of THC in fighting the
formation of harmful brain plaques. Researchers in a
2006 study conducted by the
Scripps Institute
found that THC blocked the aggregation of plaques completely, even
better than the best known inhibitors, found in existing Alzheimer's
drugs.
Researchers called THC "natural and relatively safe,"
emphasizing that in very low doses, the benefits of the compound
outweigh any potential harm.
But don't go light up just yet.
Researchers say the findings simply suggest the compound could be
explored in future development of Alzheimer's drugs and therapeutic
treatments.
"Are we advocating that people use illicit drugs to
prevent the disease? No," said co-author Neel Nabar. "It's important to
keep in mind that just because a drug may be effective doesn't mean it
can be safely used by anyone. However, these findings may lead to the
development of related compounds that are safe, legal, and useful in the
treatment of Alzheimer's disease."
