A new retrospective study analyzing data from over 33,000 COVID-19 patients points to omega-3 fatty acids as a potential preventive strategy against the psychiatric aftereffects of the illness. Key findings: Patients taking omega-3 supplements before COVID-19 had around 20% lower risk of depression, anxiety and insomnia in the year following infection. The benefits remained consistent …
Gambling is a complex behavior influenced by multiple factors in the brain. New research in mice provides insight into the neurobiology underlying key aspects of gambling such as making the initial decision to gamble and persistently chasing losses. Key Facts: Mice exhibit typical gambling behaviors like choosing to gamble more when odds of winning are …
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring molecule that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects in the body and brain. Key Facts: PEA is produced naturally in the body and is also found in many foods like egg yolks, coffee, and soy. It activates PPAR-alpha receptors which regulate inflammation, pain perception, and …
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a newly recognized condition causing severe nausea and vomiting in long-term cannabis users. Key facts about CHS: Repeated, uncontrollable vomiting is the main symptom Occurs in long-term heavy cannabis users Exact cause is unknown, but likely involves cannabis effects on brain receptors Stopping cannabis use is the only definitive cure …
Researchers have identified a powerful combination of drugs that may help treat alcoholism by reducing cravings and blocking relapse. The dual treatment virtually wiped out binge drinking and heavy drinking in an animal model of alcohol addiction. Key Facts: Rats treated with both a probiotic and antioxidants showed a dramatic 90% decrease in relapse-like binge …
A new study looked at the side effects people report from using delta-8-THC products and found that most match the side effects seen with regular cannabis. This suggests delta-8-THC acts on the brain in a similar way as the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, delta-9-THC. Key Facts: Delta-8-THC is a compound derived from hemp that …
Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for a variety of mental health conditions. Here’s a quick rundown of the key facts: CBD is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the cannabis plant It has antipsychotic, anti-anxiety, and potential antidepressant effects CBD shows promise for schizophrenia, cannabis addiction, anxiety disorders, autism symptoms, and more …
A new Canadian study reveals that illicit cannabis contains concerning levels of pesticides, while legal cannabis products meet health safety standards. Key Facts: The study tested 327 different pesticides in legal and illegal dried cannabis samples from across Canada. 92% of illegal samples contained pesticides, compared to just 6% of legal samples. Illegal cannabis contained …
A new study provides preliminary evidence that MDMA-assisted therapy may help reduce alcohol use in people with severe PTSD. Key facts: MDMA-assisted therapy was tested in a phase 3 clinical trial for treating severe PTSD. Participants were allowed to have mild alcohol or cannabis use disorder. Compared to placebo therapy, MDMA therapy led to greater …
Researchers have discovered that a common soil bacterium called Mycobacterium vaccae (M. vaccae) may help reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation in the brain. Key Facts: M. vaccae is a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil, mud, and water. It is considered harmless to humans. When heat-killed M. vaccae is injected into rats, it reduces stress-induced …
