CBD could offer protection against COVID-19.
A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario have found that cannabidiol, also known as CBD, may protect against COVID-19.
CBGA and CBDA could counteract the COVID-19 virus.
According to the researchers, two substances in hemp, CBGA, and CBDA, can counteract the virus. According to the study, CBD and the antiviral response to SARS-CoV-2 proteins showed that the non-psychoactive compound, found in the cannabis plant, “appears to initiate an innate immune system response, potentially offering protection against pathogens [such as those from COVID-19],” Global News reported.
Scientists have performed lab tests with the Alpha and Beta variants of Covid-19 but have not conducted human studies yet.
Researchers discovered that CBD increases the cellular response of several proteins produced by the coronavirus. The researchers have observed how the protein reacts on the genome in human kidney cells and healthy control cells, with and without CBD.
These components seem to attach themselves to the virus’s proteins and block the pathogen’s substance that infects people. Hemp is used in all kinds of products, including food. “These components, which can be taken orally, have a long history of safe use in humans. They have the potential to prevent and treat coronavirus infection.” confirms researcher Richard van Breemen of the University of Oregon.
“When cells in the lungs or the digestive system are infected with a virus, they can smell and respond, even before the immune system detects the presence of the virus,” explained Professor Robin Ducan, who led the research.
“[The cells] do this by activating an immune response within themselves, which forms the first line of defense. In the case of COVID-19, the response is not very good. This contributes to the high infection rates,” she added.
A member of the research team, Maria Fernandes, explained in an interview with Global News that CBD can help cells respond better to viruses but cause no response if not necessary when used in the correct dose. The professor also clarified that CBD does not provide a “high” like THC, making it a more healthy drug.
