A new study published in the Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology found that CBD-rich oil may help protect against cellular damage associated with Parkinson’s disease.

The study was conducted by researchers from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy and Çukurova University Faculty of Pharmacy.

For the study, researchers used SH-SY5Y cells, a commonly used cell model in Parkinson’s disease research, and exposed them to MPP+ and manganese, both of which are known to induce Parkinson’s-like neurotoxicity. The researchers then examined whether CBD-rich oil could reduce the resulting damage.

Exposure to MPP+ and manganese significantly reduced cell viability and dopamine levels, while increasing alpha-synuclein accumulation and inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein and interleukin-18. Manganese also increased expression of NLRP3, an inflammasome linked to inflammatory responses in Parkinson’s disease.

According to the study, CBD co-treatment helped preserve dopamine levels, reduced alpha-synuclein accumulation, lowered inflammatory markers and weakened NLRP3 expression.

“These findings demonstrate that CBD-rich oil exerts neuroprotective effects in a PD cellular model,” the study states, adding that the effects were associated with reduced NLRP3 expression and potential modulation of inflammasome-related signaling.

Researchers concluded that the results support further investigation of CBD as a potential therapeutic strategy for Parkinson’s disease. However, the study was conducted in cells, not humans, meaning clinical research would be needed before any conclusions can be made about its effectiveness in patients.