In a systematic review, researchers from Spain conclude: Glyphosate residues in the environment and in food can cause multiple different types of nervous system damage.
Mood changes, attention deficits, hyperactivity disorder, cancer, kidney damage, or Alzheimer's dementia and Parkinson's: In their systematic review, researchers from Spain analyzed which diseases glyphosate can trigger in humans. To do this, the scientists reviewed and evaluated numerous studies on the effects and mechanisms of action of glyphosate.
The study's findings were based on the observation of clinical signs and symptoms in people who were accidentally or intentionally exposed to the pesticide. Findings from in-vitro studies with human cells, meaning laboratory studies, also contributed to the knowledge gained.
Out of balance
This means the herbicide appears to affect, for example, so-called neurotransmission, which is the communication between neurons (nerve cells) at synaptic contact sites, and to trigger „oxidative stress.“ In this process, the balance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body is disrupted – an example of how an environmental toxin can influence metabolism. In this context, glutamate, the most common neurotransmitter in the nervous system, can be affected. Glutamate, the researchers write, „is involved in various cognitive functions such as learning and memory.“
Inflammatory reactions in the brain
Damage caused by glyphosate, such as neuroinflammation, can also occur. Inflammatory reactions in the brain are of particular importance in Alzheimer's dementia. „The inflammatory response plays an important role in supporting the immune system in coping with certain pathological conditions, but if this response becomes unbalanced or persists over a longer period of time, it can damage the central nervous system (CNS),“ the researchers explain. Both oxidative stress and neuroinflammation can lead to nerve cell death.
Similarly, the neural development of the CNS could be influenced. For example, if mothers were exposed to pesticides, including glyphosate, during pregnancy, children experienced developmental and autism spectrum disorders.
Glyphosate - one wrongdoer among many
However, in the review article, the authors point out that illnesses cannot be solely attributed to glyphosate, as they could also have been caused by other factors. Nevertheless, they summarize: Although there are considerable discrepancies between the analyzed results, it is clear that glyphosate exposure can have „significant changes“ and severe consequences for the structure and function of the human nervous system.
Here is the link to the study:
Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review
