Researchers from the University of South Florida found a compound in marijuana
called THC that can help treat Alzheimer disease and whilst slowing down
it's advancement.
"A compound called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC can help slow
down the advancement of Alzheimer's disease," according to the study the
USF neuroscientists.
The researchers believe that THC from marijuana has a great impact on
Alzheimers because it targets the growth and development of amyloid
beta, which plays a major role in robbing the memories of the patients
suffering from Alzheimer disease.
According to Mr. Chuanhai Cao, PhDand a neuroscientist at the Byrd
Alzheimer's Institute and the USF College of Pharmacy, "THC is known to
be a potent antioxidant with neuron protective properties, but this is
the first report that the compound directly affects Alzheimer's
pathology by decreasing amyloid beta levels, inhibiting its aggregation,
and enhancing mitochondrial function."
"Decreased levels of amyloid beta means less aggregation, which may
protect against the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Since THC is a
natural and relatively safe amyloid inhibitor, THC or its analogs may
help us develop an effective treatment in the future", he added.
According to the researchers THC can be toxic when consumed in high
doses. However, they found out that administering, using small
quantities of THC from marijuana can have a visible positive impact
against memory impairment in the disease.
Mr. Neel Nabar, the study co-author made it clear that his team is not
telling the patients suffering from Alzheimer to immediately seek out
marijuana.
"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," Nabar
outlined.
Nowadays, medical marijuana is primarily used as a pain killer for
headaches, for discomfort and pain in cancer patients undergoing
therapy and those who have a long-term health condition like
immunodeficiency syndromes and nervous system disorders.
Currently, an investigation lead by Dr. Cao's laboratory at the Byrd
Alzheimer's Institute is being held. This is to investigate the effects
of a drug cocktail that includes THC, caffeine as well as other natural
compounds in a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease. The said
investigation by Cao and his team is a precursor to an advance study
involving a genetically-engineered mouse model for an Alzheimer's study.