CBD May Reduce Muscle Aging by Lowering Oxidative Stress and Modulating Gut Microbiota, Finds Study
- Cannabidiol (CBD) may slow age-related muscle decline by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and altering gut microbiota, according to a study published in Food Bioscience.
- The research, conducted by Qiqihar University, used C2C12 muscle cells and a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model to investigate CBD's effects on muscle aging.
- CBD reduced cellular aging markers, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell cycle arrest, while improving DNA damage responses and signs of muscle aging in mice.
- CBD also protected intestinal villi, regulated intestinal barrier genes, and increased gut microbiota complexity and stability, suggesting it may delay muscle aging by impacting both oxidative stress and gut health.
Cannabidiol (CBD) may help slow age-related muscle decline by reducing oxidative stress, limiting inflammation and altering gut microbiota, according to a study published today by the journal Food Bioscience.
The study, conducted by researchers from Qiqihar University in China, examined CBD’s effects in C2C12 muscle cells and mice with D-galactose-induced aging, a model commonly used in aging research.
Age-related muscle decline can weaken strength and mobility, reducing overall quality of life, notes researchers, who say that oxidative stress is a key driver of the process, with skeletal muscle especially prone to damage because it requires high levels of oxygen and energy to function.
According to the study, CBD reduced markers of cellular aging, including β-galactosidase-positive cells, while lowering inflammation, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. CBD also eased cell cycle arrest, influenced DNA damage responses and helped reduce signs of muscle aging in the animal model.
The study also found that CBD helped protect intestinal villi and regulated genes tied to the intestinal barrier. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, researchers reported that CBD altered the gut microbiota, increasing the complexity and stability of bacterial networks.
The researchers concluded that CBD may delay aging-related muscle deterioration by reducing oxidative stress and regulating the gut microbiota, though they said more research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms.