I put this thread in the mountain, as the plant in question is a sacred gift from god, imo. So many uses, so little understanding....
Btw, I'm pretty sure these findings have been alluded to years ago, and its unfortunate that our gubmit has restricted the research needed to bring the truth to light, concerning this bush that burn.
lw
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15145917/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15145917/)
Marijuana may help stave off Alzheimer’s
Active ingredient in pot may help preserve brain function
Updated: 3:31 p.m. CT Oct 5, 2006
WASHINGTON - Good news for aging hippies: smoking pot may stave off Alzheimer’s disease.
New research shows that the active ingredient in marijuana may prevent the progression of the disease by preserving levels of an important neurotransmitter that allows the brain to function.
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California found that marijuana’s active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, can prevent the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from breaking down more effectively than commercially marketed drugs.
THC is also more effective at blocking clumps of protein that can inhibit memory and cognition in Alzheimer’s patients, the researchers reported in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.
The researchers said their discovery could lead to more effective drug treatment for Alzheimer’s, the leading cause of dementia among the elderly.
Those afflicted with Alzheimer’s suffer from memory loss, impaired decision-making, and diminished language and movement skills. The ultimate cause of the disease is unknown, though it is believed to be hereditary.
Marijuana is used to relieve glaucoma and can help reduce side effects from cancer and AIDS treatment.
....just saw this as well, in the LA Times. Perhaps this will start steering the sheep at large, towards a better acceptance of plant helpers.