Cannabinoid Trans-Caryophyllene Protects Brain Cells From Ischemia

Editor's Choice Academic Journal Main Category: Stroke Article Date: 24 Feb 2013 - 0:00 PST

Current ratings for: Cannabinoid Trans-Caryophyllene Protects Brain Cells From Ischemia

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TC is derived from the essential oils of the Cannabis sativa plant, but its structure is very different to other classical cannabinoids - it is not associated with any psychoactive side effects.

Researchers conducted tests in both in vivo and in vitro animal models and found that TC is successfully able to protect brain cells from ischemia.

Brain ischemia occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain, this can sometimes lead to irreversible damage in the form of vascular dementia. It can be quite deadly, according to researchers from the University of California - Los Angeles, around 62% of ischemic stroke patients are re-hospitalized within 12 months and 15% die within a month of being hospitalized.

In cell cultures consisting of oxygen deprived rat cortical neurons and glia, TC reduced neuronal injury and mitochondrial depolarization.

The lead author of the study, Won-Ki Kim, PhD, of the Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Korea University in Seoul, said:

The study is the first of its kind to show how CB2R is able to promote neuroprotection. The scientists obstructed the blood flow of the right middle cerebral artery in rats - mimicking the effects of ischemic stroke - and observed whether treating them with TC (three hours following the occlusion) would have any therapeutic effects, some of the rats also received AM630 - a CB2R antagonist.

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Cannabinoid Trans-Caryophyllene Protects Brain Cells From Ischemia