Study: Certain Cannabis Strains May Support Brain Cell Health

Neurotech International Ltd. has completed in-vitro studies using human brain cells to assess and validate the anti-inflammatory and neuro-modulatory properties of its proprietary DOLCE/NTI cannabis strains, FinFeed reports. The completion of the test tube or dish studies pave the way for phase 1 clinical trials for the Australian firm.

The DOLCE/NTI strains contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which classifies it as industrial hemp in Australia and the United States. In the United Kingdom, the THC threshold for industrial hemp is 0.2 percent THC.

The in-vitro studies, conducted at Monash University, University of Wollongong, and RMIT University, showed the strains significantly improved neuronal cell health, cell viability, and have the ability to reduce inflammation compared with CBD alone, which could be used to manage autism, epilepsy, attention-deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders.

Brian Leedman, Neurotech chairman, described the study results as “very encouraging.”

“…In particular, the powerful anti-inflammatory mode of action of our strains compared to CBD alone. These results demonstrate that the DOLCE/NTI leads may have a broader application in relation to the management and treatment of a number of neurological disorders.” – Leedman to FinFeed

Overall, the study found the strains reduced brain cell inflammation up to 60 percent, increased overall brain cell health and viability in the absence of toxic insult up to 80 percent, and increased mitochondrial viability and output up to 60 percent. Each are important processes and outcomes in understanding and maintaining brain function and cognitive health, Neurotech said.

The company expects to begin clinical trials in the March quarter of 2021. Neurotech is publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange under the “NTI” symbol.