A new study published in the journal Brain Research found that the cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) reversed memory deficits and brain abnormalities caused by schizophrenia-like conditions in an animal model.
CBD tincture.
In the study, researchers from the University of São Paulo and the University of Saarland used the drug MK-801 to simulate schizophrenia symptoms in rats by chronically blocking NMDA receptors. This led to both short- and long-term memory impairments, a reduction in gamma brain wave activity, and a loss of key neurons in regions associated with cognitive function, including the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
The animals were then treated with CBD for seven days. Researchers found that CBD reversed the memory impairments and restored normal gamma oscillations. It also reversed the loss of parvalbumin-positive neurons and their protective structures, known as perineuronal nets, as well as reduced signs of microglial activation—a marker of neuroinflammation.
Importantly, the beneficial effects of CBD on memory and inflammation were found to be mediated by 5-HT1A and CB2 receptors in certain brain regions, suggesting that these pathways play a role in its therapeutic potential.
“These findings suggest that CBD modulates multiple pathways affected in SCZ-like conditions,” the researchers noted, “offering a promising therapeutic avenue for SCZ treatment.”
For more information on this study, click here.
