It’s well established that CBD possesses a number of health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anxiolytic effects as well as neuroprotection. Although research on CBD’s neuroprotectant qualities has been performed for decades, it’s only recently that science has been able to provide greater clues to how it works. It is now understood that there are multiple molecular targets, possibly more than 200, involved in CBD’s ability to provide neuroprotection throughout the body and brain.
What is Neuroprotection?
Neuroprotection refers to any mechanisms that aim to protect the nervous system from injury or damage and to preserve the structure and function of neurons. It literally means the protection of neurons and has gained a lot of scientific attention over the last couple decades, and for some very good reasons. Neuroprotection is what is needed to decrease risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, stroke and traumatic brain injury. Neuroprotection may also play a major role in reducing the rate of neuronal loss over time, which can be particularly important for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and schizophrenia.
How CBD Produces Neuroprotection
A highly complex integration and communication process at the cellular and molecular level between CBD and over 200 targets occurs ultimately producing a neuroprotective effect in the body and brain. Most recently, it has been discovered that CB1, CB2, PPARy, oxidative stress and 5-HT1A play an important role in this process.
CB1 and CB2
CBD has been shown to bind, although not powerfully, with two receptors in the endocannabinoid system – CB1 and CB2. These receptors also activate anandamide (AEA) which also works with a number of bioavailable targets which in the end, produce neuroprotection.
PPARy
One of three proteins in the family of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), PPARy is also activated both directly and indirectly by CBD to produce neuroprotective qualities. It has been found to have important protective qualities for neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, inflammation, pain, cancer and lung diseases.
Oxidative Stress
Put simply, oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radials and antioxidants. The body needs antioxidants to root out unstable molecules known as free radicals and when there is an imbalance between the two – having more free radicals and antioxidants, cells and tissues throughout the body are at risk for disease formation. CBD shows neuroprotective qualities by decreasing free radicals and increasing the strength and health of cells.
5-HT1A
CBD interacts with an important serotonin receptor, 5HT1A, which is important for numerous brain and bodily functions including vasodilation and regulation of body temperature as well as health conditions including depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, sleep disorders and substance -use disorders. It is through CBD’s cross-talking with 5-HT1A, that neuroprotective effects transpire.
Final Thoughts on Neuroprotective Actions of CBD
Although science cannot fully explain how and why CBD provides neuroprotection by interacting with more than 200 bioavailable targets, recent studies have demonstrated how at least a handful do produce this valuable effect. More research will be needed in this area and hopefully more results will be just as positive, because most individuals living with neurodegenerative or mental health disorders still rely on prescription medications, which may or may not work and come with a variety of negative side effects.
References
- Albert, Paul, R. and F. Vahid-Ansari. (2019) The 5-HT1A Receptor: Signaling to Behavior. Biochimie, 161:34.
- Campos, Alline, C. et al. 2016. Cannabidiol, Neuroprotection and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Pharmacological Research, Volume 112, pages 119-127.
- TQMBE, Srushti et al. (2023). Neuroprotective Potential of Cannabidiol: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Volume 21, Issue 3, Pages 236-244.
- Tyagi, Sandeep, et al. 2011. The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor: A Family of Nuclear Receptors Role in Various Diseases. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, Volume 2, Issue 4, Pages 236-240.