Cannabis Can Reverse Brain Aging
A new study has found that the low-dose, long-term use of full-spectrum cannabis oils—a key component—can reverse aging processes in the brain and exhibit anti-aging effects. Bonn University Hospital, in collaboration with Israel's Hebrew University, examined the effects of THC on aging mice. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the main active compounds in the cannabis plant, known for its psychoactive effects, meaning it causes euphoria and mind-altering experiences. It is also used for medical purposes, such as pain relief and appetite stimulation. Full-spectrum cannabis oils and extracts in most EU countries contain less than 0.2% THC, which is not enough to produce a psychoactive effect under proper use, but their therapeutic value can still be significant.
The findings published in the ACS Pharmacology & Translation Science journal suggest that THC can rejuvenate cognitive functions in older mice by influencing key molecular pathways in the brain.
Cognitive functions are fundamental mental abilities of the human brain that enable thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and adapting to the environment. These functions encompass numerous mental processes that help in processing, understanding, and applying information. The main cognitive functions include:
1. Attention
2. Memory
3. Language skills
4. Executive functions
Executive functions are higher-level mental processes that enable goal-directed behavior, planning, and decision-making. They include problem-solving, impulse control, self-regulation, flexibility, and the ability to process and integrate new information.
5. Perception
Perception is the process through which our sensory organs convert stimuli into understandable information for the brain. This includes sight, hearing, touch, and other senses, allowing us to recognize objects, sounds, colors, etc., in our environment.
6. Spatial orientation
8. Learning
Why are cognitive functions important?
Maintaining and enhancing cognitive functions is essential for quality of life, as these abilities define independent living, learning, workplace performance, and social relationships. A healthy lifestyle and regular mental challenges—such as reading, puzzles, or studying—can help preserve brain freshness and improve cognitive functions.
Aging often leads to a decline in cognitive abilities, caused by deterioration in brain cells and their connections. Previous studies have hinted that the endocannabinoid system—a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules found in the brain and other organs—plays a decisive role in this process. This new research clearly demonstrates the importance of THC, specifically its effect on the brain’s abundant CB1 receptor. It was shown that loss of CB1 receptor activity in mice leads to significant, age-related learning and memory impairments.
With this in mind, the researchers examined whether enhancing CB1 activity with low-dose THC could produce the opposite effect—possibly reversing some aspects of brain aging. They were particularly interested in how THC affects mTOR, a protein that functions as a central regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and aging. mTOR has been linked to both cognitive performance and aging processes, making it a key target for interventions aimed at extending healthy lifespan.
For the study, the researchers used groups of young (four-month-old) and old (18-month-old) male mice. The animals were randomly assigned to receive either low-dose THC or a placebo neutral solution for 28 days. THC was administered via minipumps, allowing the researchers to control dosing and ensure continuous delivery.
The study focused on several key areas: brain function, levels of specific proteins involved in signaling between brain cells, and the general condition of the mice. The researchers monitored the mice’s body weight, food intake, and activity levels throughout the experiment. They also conducted detailed biochemical analyses of the mice’s brains, blood plasma, and fat tissue to assess how THC impacted mTOR signaling and the metabolome.
(The metabolome refers to the complete set of small molecules found in cells, tissues, or organisms, including metabolites (metabolic products) like sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, and other compounds. These molecules reflect the current state of metabolism in living beings, providing insights into physiological processes, environmental influences, and disease-related changes in the cell or organism.)
In the brains of older mice, THC treatment led to a temporary but significant increase in mTOR activity, especially in the hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory. The rise in mTOR activity was accompanied by increased levels of key synaptic proteins, such as synaptophysin and PSD-95, which are essential for the formation and maintenance of synapses—the connections between neurons.
Additionally, the researchers observed that THC treatment significantly enhanced hippocampal activity. This was demonstrated by increased levels of metabolites involved in energy production pathways like glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, which supply the energy necessary for cellular processes. Interestingly, these changes were strongest after 14 days of treatment and returned to baseline by day 28.
István Bilkei Gorzó
“We have now successfully demonstrated that THC treatment has a tissue-specific and dual effect on mTOR signaling and the metabolome,” explained András Bilkei-Gorzo, a researcher at the Molecular Psychiatry Institute at Bonn University. “We concluded that long-term THC treatment initially exerts a cognitive-enhancing effect by increasing brain energy and synaptic protein production, followed by an anti-aging effect through modulation of mTOR activity and dampening of peripheral metabolic processes. Our study suggests that this dual impact on mTOR activity and the metabolome could form the basis of an effective anti-aging and cognition-enhancing medication.”
Though the findings are promising, the study has limitations. It was conducted on mice, and while these animals are frequently used as models in human biology, differences must be taken into account. It remains unclear whether the same effects would be observed in humans, so further studies are needed to understand the potential therapeutic uses of THC.
Future research will need to define optimal treatment protocols that maximize anti-aging effects while minimizing potential risks.
Source:
The authors of the study titled “Bidirectional Effect of Long-Term Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Treatment on mTOR Activity and Metabolome” are András Bilkei-Gorzo, Britta Schurmann, Marion Schneider, Michael Kraemer, Prakash Nidadavolu, Eva C. Beins, Christa E. Müller, Mona Dvir-Ginzberg, and Andreas Zimmer. The original study in its original language is available here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsptsci.4c00002
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