Study: Cannabigerorcinic Acid (CBGOA) Shows Neuroprotective Effects in Human Cell Model of Stroke

New research published in the Journal of Cannabis Research and conducted by scientists at the University of Rhode Island has identified a little-known cannabinoid, cannabigerorcinic acid (CBGOA), as a potential neuroprotective compound in the context of stroke. Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, with very few treatment options available to limit or prevent the death of brain cells after blood flow is restored. Researchers noted that cannabinoids are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with effects on cell signaling pathways, but their role in stroke-related brain injury has received far less attention than their use in conditions such as epilepsy or neurodegenerative diseases.

To explore this gap, the research team used human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons to simulate a stroke event in the lab. These lab-grown human brain cells were exposed to 60 minutes of oxygen and glucose deprivation, followed by reperfusion, mimicking what happens in the brain during and after an ischemic stroke. Neuronal survival was then tracked for seven days using live-cell imaging.

The team screened 28 different phytocannabinoids to see if any could reduce cell death following this simulated stroke. While seven cannabinoids showed modest benefits, CBGOA stood out for significantly improving neuronal survival after the oxygen-glucose deprivation event.

Interestingly, the researchers found that although the stroke simulation triggered increased cell death through activation of caspase-3, a key pathway associated with programmed cell death, CBGOA did not appear to affect this pathway. This suggests the compound may be working through alternative, caspase-independent mechanisms to protect neurons.

Researchers cautioned that the observed effects were modest and that the study was conducted entirely in vitro, meaning in a laboratory cell model rather than in living animals or humans. However, the use of human stem cell-derived neurons adds translational relevance and provides an early foundation for future studies.

The study concludes that CBGOA warrants further investigation as a potential neuroprotective agent in stroke, particularly through in vivo research designed to better understand how it may protect brain tissue following ischemic injury.