Rats treated with full-spectrum cannabis extract after induced stroke showed improved neurological function, reduced gut permeability, lower oxidative stress, and decreased lung inflammation compared to untreated stroke animals.
Researchers studying stroke recovery and readers interested in cannabis for neuroprotection and systemic inflammation.
Cannabis extract reduced gut permeability, lung inflammation, and oxidative stress after stroke
What the researchers found
Full-spectrum cannabis extract (15 or 30 mg/kg) given by gavage after middle cerebral artery occlusion improved neurological deficits, reduced intestinal permeability, lowered serum corticosterone, decreased immune cell counts, and protected against post-stroke oxidative stress and lung inflammation at 72 hours.
Why it matters
Stroke damage extends far beyond the brain, causing gut barrier breakdown, immune suppression, and multi-organ inflammation. This study is among the first to examine whether cannabis extract can protect these peripheral systems after stroke, finding broad protective effects.
The numbers in context
Two doses tested: 15 and 30 mg/kg full-spectrum cannabis extract. Assessments at 72 hours post-stroke included: neurological scoring, blood cell counts, thymus/spleen/adrenal gland size, serum corticosterone, intestinal permeability, and oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in peripheral organs.
How the study worked
Male Wistar rats underwent 60-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion or sham surgery. They received full-spectrum cannabis extract (15 or 30 mg/kg) or coconut oil vehicle by gavage at multiple time points post-stroke. At 72 hours, researchers assessed neurological score, infarct volume, blood cells, organ weights, corticosterone, intestinal permeability, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines.
What this study cannot tell us
This is a rat model of stroke with a 72-hour endpoint, which cannot capture long-term recovery. Only male rats were used. Full-spectrum extracts contain multiple cannabinoids, so the specific active compounds are unclear. The doses and timing may not translate to clinical practice.
How to read the evidence
Single animal study in male rats using an established stroke model with multiple organ assessments at one time point.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
Post-stroke complications involving the gut-brain axis and systemic inflammation are increasingly recognized as major contributors to poor recovery. If cannabis extract can protect gut integrity and reduce multi-organ inflammation, it could represent a novel supportive therapy alongside standard stroke treatments.
Questions still open
- Which cannabinoids in the full-spectrum extract are responsible for the gut and organ protection? Would treatment initiated later after stroke still be effective? Could these peripheral protective effects improve long-term stroke recovery outcomes?
Common questions
Why does stroke affect the gut?
What is full-spectrum cannabis extract?
Read the original research
Full-spectrum Cannabis sativa extract enhances gut-peripheral organ integrity after experimental ischemic stroke.
Inflammopharmacology, 33(6), 3279-3305
Citation
de Souza Stork, Solange; Mathias, Khiany; Gava, Fernanda; Joaquim, Larissa; Dos Santos, David; Tiscoski, Anita Dal Bó; Bonfante, Sandra; Strickert, Yasmin Ribeiro; Machado, Richard Simon; Martins, Helena Mafra; Chaves, Jéssica Schaefer; Generoso, Jaqueline; Danielski, Lucineia Gainski; Giustina, Amanda Della; Scussel, Rahisa; Bitencourt, Rafael; Mack, Josiel Mileno; de Souza Goldim, Mariana Pereira; Machado-de-Ávila, Ricardo Andrez; Barichello, Tatiana; Bobinski, Franciane; Petronilho, Fabricia. (2025). Full-spectrum Cannabis sativa extract enhances gut-peripheral organ integrity after experimental ischemic stroke.. Inflammopharmacology, 33(6), 3279-3305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-01775-1
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