Researchers Explore CBD as an Option to Help COVID-Related Anxiety
by Chane Leigh
New research from the researchers at the University College London has provided evidence that the cannabis compound called cannabidiol (CBD) can increase blood flow in regions of the brain linked to memory. This is amazing for those suffering from brain disorders that have a great impact on memory such as Alzheimer’s Disease. The parts of the brain associated with memory processing include the hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex. Before we get into the research from the team at University College London, let us have a look at the respective regions of the brain.
Memory is categorized into two groups called the long-term memory and the short-term memory… of which long-term memory has sub-types of memory. Long-term memory is the brains’ system for storing, managing and retrieving information while the short-term memory is the system for keeping something in mind for a short period, which is then either dismissed or transferred to the long-term memory.
Now that we are clued up on memory, let us have a look at how the cannabis compound CBD can be used to increase the cerebral blood flow in regions of the brain related to memory.
Cannabidiol (CBD) became the first cannabis-derived compound to be approved by the FDA for medicinal use on conditions such as epilepsy. The FDA approval of the compound means that better research can be conducted on its benefits and effects. Now, a recent study conducted by Dr. Michael Bloomfield and his team stated that CBD may reduce symptoms related to psychosis and anxiety as well as that the hippocampus blood flow increased significantly, even after just one dose.
The same study also yielded evidence that CBD can be used to improve memory function. The common stigma attached to cannabis use includes forgetfulness, which is why the fact that CBD may improve memory seems counterintuitive. Well, it appears that the memory impairment linked to the cannabis compound known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be negated by the CBD. The study also focused on measuring the effects of CBD through the cerebral blood flow of the areas related to memory processing. The team took on 15 healthy participants with little to no history with cannabis, scanned their brains using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called “arterial spin labeling” and then they administered a placebo or a 600mg capsule of CBD. After the administration of a single dose, the participants were scanned again.
The results displayed that there was a significant increase in blood flow in the hippocampus after the single CBD dose. The study also found out that there was a notable increase in blood flow in the orbitofrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain involved in decision making. The study also noted that there was no increase in blood flow in the surrounding areas of the medial temporal lobe.
Dr. Bloomfield stated that “to our knowledge, this is the first study to find that CBD increases blood flow to key regions involved in memory processing, particularly the hippocampus. If replicated, these results could lead to further research across a range of conditions characterized by changes in how the brain processes memories, including Alzheimer’s disease, where there are defects in the control of blood control flow, along with schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder”.
The results of this randomized control study open the door for researchers to investigate the means of using this discovery to establish effective treatment for conditions related to memory. On top of that, this study offers hope to those who have long believed that their cannabis consumption will ruin their memory processing. However, the study did make use of single doses, which may not mean that the same results will be reached through repeated use. Just as Dr. Bloomfield said, “the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of CBD on memory are unclear”.
nice read chane thank you
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