CBD can extend lifespans by almost 20%

As reported in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, scientists have demonstrated that CBD can extend lifespans by almost 20%.

And even more importantly, CBD increased health-span and late-stage life activity by an amazing 206%!1

This study – using the C elegans nematode – was the first long-term toxicity and lifespan research regarding the effects of chronic exposure to cannabidiol.

Researchers use this “worm” for studies because C elegans share up to 83% of its genes with humans.2

And even though this worm is a relatively simple organism, many of the molecular signals that control its development are the same ones found in more complex organisms – including humans.

C elegans also has a very short lifespan of just two to three weeks. This makes it an extremely useful model for research on human diseases and longevity.

This may be the first study to directly and specifically link CBD with longevity. But other research has shown CBD has an impact on the symptoms of aging.

Of course, growing older isn’t a disease. But the symptoms associated with aging are often as debilitating as any chronic disease…

And we know both CBD and cannabis can help. For example, compounds in cannabis can:

  • Improve brain function. A recent study showed that cannabinoids can remove beta-amyloid plaque from brain cells and eliminate the inflammatory response caused by the protein.3 A second study found that when old animals were given CBD oil, their memory improved to the point that they performed equally as well on cognitive tests as young animals.4
  • Relieve arthritis. Researchers applied a topical gel containing CBD to severely arthritic rats for four days. They noted a significant drop in inflammation and signs of pain, without additional side effects. Joint pain, swelling and inflammation were reduced by as much as 47%.5
  • Help heal bone fractures.
    Cannabidiol enhances bone healing by strengthening the collagen “bridge” that mineralizes and hardens into new bone. In rats treated with CBD, this collagen tissue was stronger, and the newly healed bone was between 35 and 50% stronger.6
  • Reduce the physical appearance of aging. This is one of the first signs of getting older – and one of the most obvious. But because CBD increases the production of collagen, it helps firm up skin and underlying muscle. It also improves the appearance of scars, wrinkles and discoloration by counteracting free-radical damage and reducing the look of inflammation.

2 more ways to increase longevity

If you’re not convinced CBD is right for you, there are still ways to increase longevity.

  1. Boost glutathione. Multiple studies show a clear connection between glutathione and health and longevity. In one, researchers found glutathione levels were much higher in centenarians than in a group of 60- to 79-year-olds. And among the 100-plus group, the most active had the highest levels of this super-antioxidant.7

    But studies indicate glutathione may also prevent many of the diseases associated with aging. Like arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and diabetes — just to name a few.

    The most natural way to build more glutathione in your body is eating foods that make glutathione. Meat, eggs and fish are your best sources. I also suggest supplementing with 600 mg daily of an amino acid supplement called N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). NAC is a precursor to glutathione.

  2. Take CoQ10. Studies show that when given CoQ10, C. elegans worms slowed down the aging process and had an extended life span.8 And supplemented rats experienced an 11.7% increase in mean life span, and a 24% increase in maximum life span.9 That translates into the equivalent of 9 human years.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD, CNS

1. Land M, et al. “Effect of cannabidiol on the long-term toxicity and lifespan in the preclinical model Caenorhabditis elegans.” Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. Published Online:20 Nov 2020https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0103
2. Lai C, et al. “Identification of novel human genes evolutionarily conserved in Caenorhabditis elegans by comparative proteomics.”Genome Res. 2000 May; 10(5): 703–713.
3. Salk News. “Cannabinoids remove plaque-forming Alzheimer’s proteins from brain cells.” June 27, 2016.
4. Bilkei-Gorzo A, et al. “A chronic low dose of ∆9 –tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) restores cognitive function in old mice.” Nat Med. 2017;23(6):782-787.
5. Hammell DC, et al. “Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.” Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936–948.
6. Kogan N, et al. “Cannabidiol, a Major Non-Psychotropic Cannabis Constituent Enhances Fracture Healing and Stimulates Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity in Osteoblasts.” J Bone Miner Res. 2015 Oct;30(10):1905-13.

7. Andersen HR. “Lower activity of superoxide dismutase and high activity of glutathione reductase in erythrocytes from centenarians.” Age Aging. 1998;27:643-648.

8. Ishii N, et al. Coenzyme Q10 can prolong C. elegans lifespan by lowering oxidative stress. Mech Ageing Dev. 2004 Jan;125(1):41-6.

9. Coenzyme Q supplementation protects from age-related DNA double-strand breaks and increases lifespan in rats fed on a PUFA-rich diet. Exp Gerontol. 2004 Feb;39(2):189-94..