Science

CBD increases blood flow in regions of the brain linked to memory

CBD increases blood flow in regions of the brain linked to memory
New research has for the first time shown that a single dose of CBD can increase blood flow in the hippocampus, a brain region connected to memory and emotion
New research has for the first time shown that a single dose of CBD can increase blood flow in the hippocampus, a brain region connected to memory and emotion
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New research has for the first time shown that a single dose of CBD can increase blood flow in the hippocampus, a brain region connected to memory and emotion
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New research has for the first time shown that a single dose of CBD can increase blood flow in the hippocampus, a brain region connected to memory and emotion

A new study, led by researchers from University College London, is offering some of the first robust evidence showing how cannabidiol (CBD), a key compound in cannabis, increases cerebral blood flow in memory processing regions of the brain such as the hippocampus.

CBD is just one of more than 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound most often associated with the plant’s psychoactive euphoric effects. CBD on the other hand is increasingly being found to confer a number of positive health outcomes. It recently became the first cannabis-derived compound ever approved by the FDA, used to reduce seizures in severe forms of epilepsy.

“There is evidence that CBD may help reduce symptoms of psychosis and anxiety,” says lead author on the new study, Michael Bloomfield. “There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may improve memory function. Additionally, CBD changes how the brain processes emotional memories, which could help to explain its reputed therapeutic effects in PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of CBD on memory are unclear.”

Considering the long-standing stereotype of a dopey forgetful cannabis user, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest a compound in cannabis can improve memory function. But recent research has found some of the negative psychiatric conditions linked to cannabis use may be primarily due to THC, and CBD can potentially negate those ill effects.

This new research looked to measure the acute effects of CBD on cerebral blood flow in brain regions associated with memory processing. Baseline blood flow measurements were the key metric studied, based on prior research findings suggesting higher resting hippocampal blood flow can be linked to better memory performance.

Fifteen healthy subjects were recruited and brain scanned after being given either a placebo or a 600 mg capsule of CBD. Cerebral blood flow was measured using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called arterial spin labelling.

The results revealed significant increases in hippocampal blood flow following a single CBD dose. However, the study interestingly noted similar blood flow increases were not seen in other nearby brain regions of the medial temporal lobe. Blood flow increases were also seen in the orbitofrontal cortex, a region known for decision making.

“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,” says Broomfield. “This supports the view that CBD has region-specific blood flow effects in the human brain, which has previously been disputed.”

Additional tests conducted on the cohort found the single dose of CBD did not confer any improvements to memory task performance. So this research certainly does not conclude CBD is an acute memory-boosting compound. Instead, the study points to compelling new research directions investigating the potential for CBD to help treat neurological conditions known to be related to region-specific blood flow abnormalities.

“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," says Broomfield.

The new study was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Source: University College London

5 comments
5 comments
Nobody
WOW!!! 15 subjects and either 7 or 8 were given a placebo. Proof positive that the CBD increased blood flow. Once again proving that statistical results are not dependent on sample size. Reminds me of the statistics instructors in quality assurance where I worked that had no idea that there was a difference between n and n-1. They also believed the statistics purified insufficient or corrupt data. I'm thinking that these researchers had a little too much THC in their CBD.
rollzone
Hello. Researchers get more grant money. Fact is I've had extensive real time neurological damages to my physique. CBD numbs the pain signals to my brain.
Theodore41
It is for this that I take only ginkgo biloba...
TeaPleez
The active dose in these small, unspecified studies is always massive. Current cost for 400mg of CBD oil is roughly $60, so the 600mg active dose would cost $90 per use.. That's a bottle and a half a day of a product that gives dose amounts in drops haha.
Johannes
Oh Nobody, just read the paper. The 15 participants were given either CBD or placebo on separate days and tested 3 hrs after ingestion.