Study: Cannabis Extracts With THC, CBD, and CBN Reduce Parkinson’s-Related Protein Toxicity in Cell Models

Researchers from Newcastle University and the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro tested four marijuana extracts with varying levels of cannabinoids—THC, CBD, and CBN—on yeast and human cells engineered to produce alpha-synuclein, the protein known to accumulate in Parkinson’s patients. All extracts demonstrated antioxidant properties, reducing intracellular oxidation and increasing healthy cell growth in yeast. While they did not prevent mitochondrial damage, the extracts significantly decreased the number of alpha-synuclein inclusions in human cells and increased the percentage of cells free from these toxic aggregates.

Phytochemical analysis showed that the extracts ranged in cannabinoid content, with THC-rich samples containing about 69.9%, CBD-rich 52.6%, and CBN-rich between 47.4% and 58.6%. Despite their different profiles, all four extracts provided similar protective effects.

The researchers concluded that Cannabis sativa extracts, regardless of their cannabinoid composition, exhibit protective biological activity against toxicity caused by alpha-synuclein buildup, highlighting their potential as therapeutic candidates for Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.