Could CBD help us live longer? New evidence suggests so

New research has found that CBD may contribute to improving health and extending lifespan. 

A new study, published last week revealed that CBD induces autophagy – the process by which the body cleans out damaged cells in order to regenerate newer, healthier ones.

When stimulated, autophagy could have potent anti-aging effects, explaining for the first time the process behind the anti-aging and neuroprotective properties often associated with CBD.

According to those behind the study, CBD treatment has been shown to increase lifespan and improve healthspan in different animal models, but until now, the exact mechanism through which it does this has remained unclear.

Early evidence suggests that CBD may have the potential to treat age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, as well as its anti-aging properties making it a popular ingredient in consumer skincare products.

But this new study suggests that CBD may actually be able to extend lifespan by stimulating the autophagy process.

How did it work?

Researchers examined roundworms known as caenorhabditis elegans [C.Elegens] as they were exposed to CBD throughout their life.

​​Their findings show that CBD improves the longevity of health and signs associated with ageing in C. elegans by inducing neuronal autophagy and increasing overall autophagy.

In other words, CBD can reduce neuronal ageing, which is associated with a decline in the behavioural and cognitive functions of the brain.

According to the author’s, CBD contributed to “extending lifespan” and “rescuing age-associated physiological declines” in the model.

CBD actually improved almost all the age-associated physiological functions, including reproduction, total brood size, pumping rate, and body bends of the animals.

Final thoughts

The author’s concluded: “Our study provides evidence that CBD contributed to extending lifespan and ameliorating the deterioration of ageing-related physical functions in C. elegans. 

“Furthermore, our results indicate that autophagy genes (bec-1, vps-34, and sqst-1) are involved in the anti-aging effects of CBD, including neuronal ageing. 

“Our results are the first to provide the anti-ageing mechanisms of CBD promoting lifespan and ameliorating neuronal ageing, which forms a basis for the possible application of CBD in improving neuronal health and longevity.”

They added: “These findings collectively indicate the anti-aging benefits of CBD treatment, in both in vitro and in vivo models, and its potential to improve neuronal health and longevity.”

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