The Scripps Research Institute scientists have discovered that tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the active ingredient in marijuana inhibits the formation of amyloid plaque, a primary pathological marker for Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, using both computer modeling and biochemical assays, found that THC inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChe works as a “molecular chaperone” and speeds up the creation of amyloid plaque in the brains of Alzheimer victims.
As THC seems to be a strong inhibitor of these plaques, it could well be that it could provide therapeutic treatment for the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
While Scripps Research scientists are …read more