Cannabidiol (CBD) reduced brain damage and cognitive deficits caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) in both cell and animal models, according to a new study published in Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters.

Researchers from Kunming Medical University and Soochow University examined the effects of CBD in HT-22 neuronal cells and in mice with traumatic brain injury, focusing on ferroptosis, a form of cell death tied to iron-dependent oxidative stress.

The study found that CBD significantly reduced ferroptosis, neuronal injury and cognitive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury in both the cell and mouse models. Researchers said CBD appeared to protect mitochondria by reducing calcium overload through the TRPV1/MCU signaling pathway.

The study also identified mitochondrial calcium uniporter, or MCU, as a key regulator of ferroptosis in neurons after traumatic brain injury. When researchers reduced MCU activity in neurons, ferroptosis was lessened and neurological outcomes improved.

According to the researchers, CBD’s protective effects were linked to the TRPV1/MCU/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. They concluded that CBD may have “potent anti-ferroptotic” effects and could be a promising therapeutic candidate for traumatic brain injury.

However, the findings are preclinical, meaning they do not establish that CBD can treat traumatic brain injury in humans. Further research, including clinical studies, would be needed to determine whether similar effects occur in patients.