A peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, may have persistent, damaging effects on brain health. Laboratory mice exposed to glyphosate exhibited significant brain inflammation, a condition tied to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The symptoms persisted even months after the exposure ended.
The research team at Arizona State University (ASU) noted the study’s particular relevance to rural communities, where glyphosate is heavily used in farming. Lead researcher Ramon Velazquez, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of examining the effects of such a widely used chemical on brain health.
“This work is yet another step forward in understanding the impact of this widely used herbicide on the brain. But more research is needed to determine the impact that glyphosate has on the brain since most Americans are exposed to this herbicide on a daily basis.”
Ramon Velazquez, Ph.D., Arizona State University
The study revealed that even low doses—near the levels considered acceptable for human exposure—caused significant harm in the mice. Researchers observed premature death, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer’s-like pathology in genetically predisposed mice. They also detected the accumulation of aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), a byproduct of glyphosate, in brain tissue, raising serious safety concerns about the chemical’s long-term effects on humans.
Hellbound and Down 