As mentioned in earlier blogs, my background includes experience as a nurse in neurology. From this perspective one receptor holds a special interest. CBD activates receptors called PPARs [peroxisome proliferator activated receptors] that are situated on the surface of the cell’s nucleus. Like GPR55, PPARs have an effect on cancer tumors – but in this case, they have an anti-proliferative effect, effectively stifling cancer cells. PPAR receptors also regulate genes that are involved in energy homeostasis, lipid uptake, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic functions. It stands to reason that diabetics may benefit from a CBD-rich treatment regimen.
These are all wonderful consequences of bumping up PPARs. But there’s more. PPAR activation degrades beta- amyloid, a naturally-occurring protein that, when produced in abundance, is thought to cause clusters of plaque in the brain. A long-held theory of Alzheimer’s determinant suggests that these plaque formations interrupt the communication between brain cells (neurons). Visualize brain plaque as big gluey clumps of cornstarch after it’s tossed into hot water.
For years pharmaceutical companies have tried to find a drug that would bust up brain plaque. Sadly, all of these trials have failed to benefit actual Alzheimer’s patients and there hasn’t been a new drug approved for Alzheimer’s treatment since 2002. Perhaps this vexing disease can be approached another way – If PPARs break down beta- amyloid from CBD activation could they work to stall or prevent Alzheimer’s? With an aging population worldwide, this could have enormous consequences. Time will tell.