Study Finds CBN Improves Brain Function in Age-Related Cognitive Decline

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This article was originally published in our sister publication, Nutritional Outlook, on July 17, 2025.

A recently published in vivo study (1) examined the effects of cannabinol (CBN), a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, on age-related cognitive decline through mitochondrial modulation. Changes in cognition and neurodegenerative diseases, the study explains, have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and compromised energy metabolism. It also explains that CBN has previously been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects by preserving mitochondrial membrane and increasing antioxidant defenses. The study was conducted by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, and the CBN, at 99.9% purity, used was TruCBN from FloraWorks. “Cannabinol (CBN) alleviates age-related cognitive decline by improving synaptic and mitochondrial health,” was published in Redox Biology in May 2025.

In this study, male and female age-accelerated mice were placed into three groups: a younger control group, an older control group and the older test group, which was given either 200 ppm or 400 ppm of CBN for four months, starting at age nine months old. Overall, compared with the control group, the addition of CBN was found to improve cognitive function, restore synaptic function markers, enhance mitochondrial dynamics, and regulate metabolism.

Sex-related changes were also seen, suggesting the molecular effects of CBN may be gender-dependent, the researchers explained in the conclusion. CBN supported spatial learning and memory, particularly with the female mice, and executive function was improved in the male mice.

An earlier cell culture study (2) from this laboratory had demonstrated that CBN protected against cell death linked with neurodegenerative diseases. “While our cell culture studies suggested that CBN might be effective in vivo, it was really exciting to actually see these beneficial effects in aging mice which indicates that further studies with CBN are warranted,” stated Pamela Maher, research professor, Salk Institute Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, in a July 2025 press release from FloraWorks.

Future studies, the researchers explained, could focus on the potential for synergistic effects of CBN and other compounds with neuroprotective potential, long-term impact of CBN, as well as the mechanisms behind the sex-specific effects seen in this study.

“This research represents a leap forward in how we think about aging and cognitive health,” added Alleh Lindquist, CEO of FloraWorks. “We’re entering an era where safe, natural compounds like CBN could offer real solutions for millions struggling with memory loss, executive function decline, and age-related brain changes. It’s an exciting step not just for cannabinoid science, but for the future of brain health.”

A 2023 study had also demonstrated the benefits of TruCBN on improvements in sleep quality.

“We’re entering a new era in cannabinoid research—one that moves beyond general wellness into targeted therapeutic potential,” stated Matthew Roberts, translational scientist and chair of FloraWorks’ Scientific Advisory Board. “This study demonstrates that CBN does more than support sleep quality—it modulates key pathways linked to aging, neurodegeneration, and resilience. The translational implications are profound.”

References

1. Dar, NJ.; Currais, A.; Taguchi, T.; Andrews, N.; Maher, P. Cannabinol (CBN) alleviates age-related cognitive decline by improving synaptic and mitochondrial health, 2025, 84. DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2025.103692.
2. Liang, Z.; Soriano-Castell, D.; Kepchia, D.; Duggan, BM.; Currais, A.; Schubert, D.; Maher, P. Cannabinol inhibits oxytosis/ferroptosis by directly targeting mitochondria independently of cannabinoid receptors, 2022, 180, 33-51. DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.01.001