The cannabinoid CBN, while it may not be the secret to eternal youth, could play an important role (among others) in combating age-related cognitive decline.
Much of the research carried out on cannabinoids has been focused on two – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis. Cannabinol, which has a mild psychoactive effect, is another compound being studied. According to preliminary research, it has the potential for treating sleep disorders as well as playing a part in the “entourage” effect that cannabis produces.
CBN has a number of therapeutic properties, including analgesics, anticancer agents, antimicrobials, and antiinflammatory effects. However, more research is needed. Among research that is happening is another possibility — as a therapeutic agent for age-related cognitive decline and metabolic dysfunction.
Scientists from California’s Salk Institute for Biological Studies investigated CBN effects on cognitive decline associated with aging and metabolic dysfunction. They used the SAMP8 mouse, a model widely used to study age-related decline in cognitive function and Alzheimer’s.
The results showed that CBN improved spatial memory and learning, as well as key mitochondrial functions. Mitochondria, the powerhouses in cells, suffer deterioration of their function with age. This is due to oxidative stress, poor quality control and decreased biogenesis. Reduced cellular production of energy is the result. This can lead to cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, metabolic syndrome and cancer.
Among the findings, there were changes specific to sexes in metabolic processes such as oxygen consumption or energy expenditure. There was also a restoration of markers that indicate synaptic activity; for example synaptophysin (which is a protein) and PSD 95.
Researchers conclude:
These findings suggest that CBN is a potential agent to mitigate age-related decline in cognitive function and metabolic disturbances. This includes preserving mitochondrial functions during aging.
Future studies should be focused on the identification of the molecular mechanisms responsible for CBN’s effects on specific sexes and its impact over time on neurodegenerative process, as well as investigating potential synergistic interactions between CBN and other neuroprotective substances.
This study was conducted by the University of Toronto. published in the journal Redox Biology