Study: Medical Cannabinoids Show Broad Neuroprotective Effects in Ischemic Stroke Models

A study published recently by the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience finds that medical cannabinoids demonstrate wide-ranging neuroprotective effects in various models of ischemic stroke, supporting growing interest in marijuana-derived compounds as potential therapeutic tools for acute brain injury. The research was conducted by scientists from the Third Clinical Medical College of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University.

Ischemic stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, with limited treatment options available beyond narrow time windows, notes the study’s researchers. To better understand whether medical cannabinoids could help address this gap, the study combined bibliometric analysis with a large-scale meta-analysis to evaluate both research trends and experimental outcomes related to cannabinoids and cerebral ischemia.

The bibliometric portion of the study reviewed 241 scientific publications published between 2000 and June 2025, showing a generally upward trend in research activity despite year-to-year fluctuations. Analysis of keyword patterns identified three dominant areas of focus: neuroprotective mechanisms, experimental stroke models, and specific bioactive components such as cannabidiol.

The meta-analysis included 26 animal studies and found that medical cannabinoids significantly reduced brain damage and improved neurological outcomes following ischemic stroke. Reported benefits included smaller cerebral infarct volumes, improved neurological function scores, better cerebral blood flow, reduced blood-brain barrier permeability, and lower levels of brain edema. Cannabinoid treatment was also associated with reductions in oxidative stress, inflammation, excitotoxicity, and programmed cell death.

Subgroup analysis suggested that intraperitoneal administration and full-course cannabidiol treatment produced more consistent benefits, while isoflurane emerged as a potentially suitable anesthetic in experimental settings.

Researchers conclude the study by stating:

Medical Cannabinoids exert multi-target neuroprotection in ischemic stroke by improving cerebral blood flow, reducing brain edema and blood–brain barrier permeability, and inhibiting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and excitotoxicity. Future research should focus on high-quality clinical trials to validate these findings and translate MCs into clinical practice.