Hemp seeds could have anti-Alzheimer’s benefits

by Stepy — November 11, 2018

Hemp comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is related, but not the same thing as the marijuana plant, as hemp doesn’t contain enough THC to produce a “high.”

The seeds of the hemp plant are known for their important health benefits. They are packed with essential fatty acids, protein, and dietary fiber. The seeds are used in a variety of ways. New research shows that hemp seeds could have anti-Alzheimer’s benefits

The study abstract explains the following:

Hemp seed has high levels of fatty acids, protein, insoluble fiber, and a rich set of minerals and vitamins. It is considered to be perfectly balanced with regard to the ratio (3:1) of two essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for human nutrition, linoleic (ω-6) and α-linolenic acids (ALA) (ω-3). In addition to its nutritional value, hemp seed demonstrated positive health benefits, including alleviating constipation, lowering cholesterol, cardiovascular health benefits, immunomodulatory effects, and dermatological disease amelioration effects.Hemp seed extracts showed also strong antioxidant and antiaging effects and the potential to improve the impaired learning and memory induced by chemical drugs in mice.

The researchers found that hemp seed contained antioxidant compounds and compounds with acetylcholinesterase inhibiting properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors reduce activity of enzymes that damage brain transmitters. Many Alzheimer’s drugs are designed to be acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, but these drugs often come with side effects.

The researchers concluded:

“The bioassay results of the current study suggest that hemp seed, with lignanamides as nutrients, may be exploited for their bioactive potential, because compounds with both antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities are good choices for multitarget anti-Alzheimer’s disease candidates.”

The study showing that hemp seed could have anti-Alzheimer’s benefits was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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