Cannabis May Protect the Brain From the Neurotoxic Effects of Aluminum

Aluminum is a silent killer that can have major long-term health consequences. Now, scientists have discovered that cannabis may help protect the brain from the neurotoxic effects of aluminum.

Cannabis has long been used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders, which goes some way to explaining where its ability to defend against aluminum comes from. The two main active substances produced by this plant are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD has no psychoactive properties.

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Aluminum – The Silent Killer

Aluminum is a metal that is all around us. It is the third most common element on the surface of the Earth, and its lightness and strength make it extremely useful in many different areas. We can find it in our cars, computers, cosmetics, and even in some medicines.

However, despite its ubiquity, we don’t yet fully know how aluminum affects our bodies. We know that it is generally safe in small amounts, but if it enters our bodies in large quantities, it can be harmful. In particular, our nervous system is sensitive to the metal.

In large concentrations, aluminum can lead to poisoning and cause neurotoxicity, meaning that it is harmful to our neurons – the cells that make up our nervous system. This can lead to various health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

What’s more, because of the abundance of aluminum, it is widely used in many different fields, which increases the risk of exposure to the metal. For example, it is used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce certain drugs, in the cosmetics industry to make deodorant and makeup, and in the metal industry to produce items ranging from cars to beverage cans.

One daily source of aluminum exposure is aluminum beverage cans. Although manufacturers coat the inner surface of cans with a thin layer of polymer to prevent direct contact between the beverage and the metal, small amounts of aluminum can seep into the beverage. This is especially likely if the beverage is acidic, such as cola. Therefore, while drinking from aluminum cans is generally considered safe, it can contribute to the total amount of aluminum we consume on a daily basis.

All of this makes aluminum a silent killer – it’s all around us, but we often don’t realize the potential risks it carries. That’s why it’s so important to conduct further research on the effects of aluminum on our health and to find ways to protect our bodies from its potentially harmful effects.

Cannabis Sativa-Based Oils in Action

The study, conducted on an animal model and published in the journal Nature, evaluated the potential effect of two different doses of CBD- and THC-rich oils against aluminum-induced toxicity. Behavioral biomarkers such as the Social Preference Test (SPT) were studied, as well as biochemical biomarkers such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity and the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase.

Results of the Aluminum Study

Researchers conducted a series of tests to see how cannabis oils, which contain CBD and THC, can affect our nervous system when it is exposed to aluminum. In this context, it is important to understand that aluminum, while common in our environment, can be harmful to our brains if it enters our bodies in large quantities.

The results of these tests were indeed promising. It turned out that cannabis oils help our nervous system fight the negative effects of aluminum. How do they do this? Well, they increase the activity of a certain enzyme called AChE (acetylcholinesterase). This enzyme is very important for the proper functioning of our brain, and its activity can be disrupted by aluminum. With cannabis oils, this enzyme can work more efficiently, which helps protect our brains.

What’s more, the researchers noted that cannabis oils can affect our behavior. The study used special tests that help assess how well our brain functions.

The results of these tests showed that brain function also improved after using cannabis oils. In conclusion, the study showed that cannabis oils can help protect our brains from the harmful effects of aluminum. This means that they can be used to prevent neurological problems that can result from aluminum entering our bodies. This is really good news, but keep in mind that further research is always needed to confirm these results and learn more about how exactly these oils work.

How Can Cannabis Help Fight Aluminum-Related Diseases?

Aluminum, although common in our environment, can be harmful to our bodies if it enters them in large quantities. Our nervous system, in particular, is sensitive to metal. Long-term exposure to aluminum has been linked to various health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Studies show that cannabis oils, which contain CBD and THC, can help protect our brains from the negative effects of aluminum. They work by increasing the activity of an enzyme called AChE (acetylcholinesterase), which is crucial to the proper functioning of our brain. Thus, they could potentially prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with aluminum exposure.

What diseases can cannabis extracts treat?

Cannabis oils are already used to treat a variety of conditions beyond providing a defense against aluminum. For example, they are used to relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and treat some forms of epilepsy. Studies suggest that they may also help treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.

In the context of the research we’re discussing, cannabis oils may prove particularly useful in preventing and treating health problems associated with aluminum exposure. This means they could potentially help people who are exposed to the metal, for example, through their workplace, diet, or the products they use every day.

Summary

Cannabis sativa-based oils, rich in THC and CBD, may be crucial in the fight against the neurotoxicity of aluminum. Studies show that these oils can increase acetylcholinesterase activity, which helps the nervous system fight aluminum toxicity. This discovery opens up new possibilities for the use of Cannabis sativa-based oils in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and anxiety. However, as always, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of these oils against aluminum and confirm their safety and efficacy in clinical practice.

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(Featured image by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels)

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First published in Fakty Konopne, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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