CBD May Protect the Brain from Toxic Acrylamide: New Research
CBD may have protective effects on the brain
Recent scientific studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), a key compound found in cannabis, may have protective effects on the brain against harmful environmental and food pollutants. Findings indicate that CBD could reduce the negative impacts of acrylamide, a chemical formed when food is cooked at high temperatures.
CBD and Acrylamide Neurotoxicity
A study published on December 15 in the Journal of Neuroscience Research indicates that CBD may help protect the brain from damage caused by acrylamide. This substance is commonly found in the environment and in foods that are fried or baked at high temperatures. Acrylamide is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired neuronal communication, all of which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
Animal Model Study
Researchers from the University of Patras in Greece experimented to determine whether CBD could counteract neurological damage caused by acrylamide exposure in an animal model. The study used male mice that were exposed to acrylamide.
The mice exposed to acrylamide displayed anxiety-like behaviours, reduced motor activity, and biochemical signs of brain damage. The researchers observed that acrylamide increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, worsened oxidative damage, and impaired cholinergic signalling, which is essential for memory and cognition.
Effects of CBD on Behaviour and Brain Biochemistry
Administering CBD alongside acrylamide resulted in a reduction of many negative effects. Behavioural tests showed that CBD alleviated anxiety-like behaviours caused by acrylamide and improved the animals' locomotion and exploration abilities.
At the biochemical level, CBD lowered markers of oxidative stress, partially restored antioxidant defences, and reduced inflammation in several brain regions.
CBD and Brain Neuroplasticity
The study also found that CBD countered the decline in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels associated with acrylamide exposure. BDNF is a protein critical for neuroplasticity, and decreased levels of BDNF are linked to cognitive decline. The researchers found that CBD increased BDNF levels in the hippocampus, counteracting the decline triggered by acrylamide.
In their conclusion, the study authors stated that CBD demonstrated neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cholinergic dysregulation. They emphasised the potential of CBD as a therapeutic tool for neurotoxicity resulting from environmental pollutants.
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