As highlighted by a study published in the journal Pharmacology and Translational Science, THC had “a anti-aging effect on the brain, restoring cognitive abilities and synapse density in aged mice."
Excellent results for researchers at the University of Bonn and the Hebrew University, which "could be the basis for a drug Effective anti-aging and pro-cognitive"
The anti-aging effects of THC: the study
Divided into groups, young and old male mice, aged 4 and 18 months, were given a low dose treatment of THC.
After that, the research team continuously monitored brain function and the protein levels associated with metabolism, memory and learning.
And it was noted that, in aged mice, THC led to an increase in the activity of mTOR: protein that regulates the growth, proliferation and survival of cells.
Also metabolic activity in the hippocampus, an area of the brain linked to learning and memory, improved in elderly mice who received cannabinoid therapy.
What was surprising, however, were the effects of THC outside the brain, and in adipose tissues led to a decrease in mTOR activity and an increase in fatty acids that help fight aging.
Anti-aging and improving cognitive functions
“We have shown that long-term treatment with low-dose Δ9-THC leads to a temporary increase in mTOR activity and mobilization of energy resources, thus triggering formation of new synapses"the researchers said.
They continue: “This phase is followed by a reduction in energy expenditure and mTOR signaling in adipose tissue. Through this mechanism, treatment with Δ9-THC combines the pro-cognitive effect of mTOR activation with the anti-aging effect of blocking mTOR activity.
Over the course of 28 days, the authors noted that the "double effect" of the treatment occurred at different times. In the first two weeks in brain activity, however, the effects on adipose tissue peaked at the end of the study period.
"We concluded that long-term treatment with THC initially has an effect of improvement of cognition through increased energy and synaptic protein production in the brain, followed by a anti-aging effect through decreasing mTOR activity and metabolic processes in the periphery", he explained Andras Bilkei-Gorzo from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn.
He adds: "Our study suggests that a dual effect on mTOR activity and the metabolome could be the basis for a drug effective against aging and for improving cognition".
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