Pubdate: Sun, 20 Apr 2003
Source: Hindustan Times (India)
Copyright: 2003, Hindustan Times Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.hindustantimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/910
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

CANNABIS MAY STALL BRAIN DECAY BUT NOT WITHOUT COSTS

The third most popular recreational drug after alcohol and tobacco, cannabis
compounds have an interesting role cut out for them: protection of the brain
against damaging effects of ageing.

"Basic research is discovering interesting members of this family of
compounds that have previously unknown qualities, the most notable of which
is the capacity for neuroprotection," Prof Allen Thomson and colleagues
wrote in Lancet Neurology.

According to The Independent, the drug, as the aspirin of the 21st century,
may help prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's,
Huntingdon's and motor neurone diseases although it distorts perception and
affects short-term memory.

Cannabis was thought to affect the cells like alcohol by seeping through the
cell membrane. But in 1990 the first cannabinoid receptor was found, which
revolutionised the study of cannabinoid biology.

The natural system of cannabinoid receptors plays a role in maintaining the
balance of chemicals in the brain which regulate the rate at which neurons
fire. By altering this system, scientists believe it may be possible to slow
or prevent the process of brain decay.

But cannabis is a double-edged sword, with potentially damaging
side-effects. "It may be possible to develop drugs that allow selective
targeting of different areas of the brain and spinal cord and there may be a
way of limiting the negative effects," Dr Baker said.

Scientists at the Institute of Neurology in Queens Square, London, say the
"huge potential" of cannabis compounds is emerging, as understanding of its
biological and pharmacological properties improves.
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk