Posted by pseudoname on October 19, 2005, at 10:53:10
A synthetic cannabinoid 100 times stronger than similar compounds found in marijuana actually promotes neuron growth in the hippocampus, according to a forthcoming study in "The Journal of Clinical Investigation."
Current theories suggest that depression may be triggered when too few new brain cells are grown in the hippocampus. The new compound could offer a treatment for depression by stimulating the growth of new cells.
Study author Xia Zhang said, “Most drugs of abuse suppress neurogenesis. Only marijuana promotes neurogenesis.”
HU-210, the highly purified compound used in the study, would apparently avoid the memory impairment and dependency problems that come from other compounds present in marijuana.
No word on how long until an antidepressant treatment containing HU-210 could be available.
Press release here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051016083817.htm
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