Germana Carillo Findings from a new study suggest the brain may be much more susceptible to the harmful effects of the herbicide than previously believed
Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, may have “persistent and harmful effects” on brain health, potentially leading to Alzheimer’s disease. According to a new study by Arizona State University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), glyphosate exposure is closely linked to brain tissue inflammation, an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and higher rates of premature mortality.
New evidence on glyphosate’s impact
The research highlights that exposure to glyphosate can cause significant brain inflammation associated with neurodegenerative conditions.
More than two years ago, a separate study had already shown that glyphosate can cross the blood-brain barrier, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. This latest study builds on those findings, offering deeper insights into the effects of this widely used chemical on the brain.
In laboratory experiments, subjects were exposed to glyphosate for 13 weeks, followed by a six-month recovery period. Even at low doses—close to the acceptable limits set for human exposure—glyphosate demonstrated harmful effects. These included:
- Premature death
- Accelerated progression of Alzheimer’s-like disease
- Anxiety-like behaviors
- Neuroinflammation
What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a molecule structurally similar to the amino acid glycine but modified with a phosphorus-based group. It was first discovered in 1950 by chemist Henry Martin. In the 1970s, Monsanto Company scientists identified its herbicidal properties. Today, glyphosate remains the most widely used herbicide globally.
Its applications extend beyond agriculture to urban and domestic environments. People may come into contact with this chemical through direct exposure during agricultural or gardening use, as well as indirectly through water, beverages, and food. Common sources include:
- Plant-based foods: bread, pasta, cereals, and legumes, where glyphosate is often used as a desiccant before harvest
- Animal-based products: particularly meat and processed goods from animals fed on GMO-derived feed
