In the global battle against COVID-19, top scientists across the world continue to research molecules that could mitigate the symptoms, lower their duration, and reduce the infection rate.
Over the course of the last two months, research from renowned US and international universities have shown that cannabidiol, the non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis better known as CBD, may play a vital role against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by reducing the lethality of COVID-19, the disease it causes.
“Perception of CBD has been deeply tarnished by a plethora of unsubstantiated claims, yet the latest research from over a dozen respected universities are exposing several fascinating ways that CBD may mitigate the symptoms of COVID-19.” - said Oleg MaryAces, the Director of Education at the Brooklyn-based health and wellness company, Lock & Key Remedies.
Five separate studies released in recent weeks address the potential effects that CBD may have on fighting COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada found that CBD plays a role in down-regulating gene expression in ACE2 receptors. This is meaningful because when coronavirus enters the body, it infiltrates bodily systems via ACE2 receptors, with the spikes on the coronavirus binding to ACE2. The researchers concluded that interfering with this binding process utilizing CBD may impair the virus’ entry and provide some protection against infection.
When infections are present in the body, proteins called cytokines are released to fight the infection by triggering inflammation. However, the immune system can overreact and release a hyper-inflammatory response called a “cytokine storm,” overwhelming the lungs. Researchers specializing in infectious diseases and chronic viral illnesses from McGill University Health Centre, in Montreal, Canada have come to a conclusion that:
“as SARS-CoV2 induces significant damage through pro-inflammatory cytokine storm mediated by macrophages and other immune cells and based on the fact that CBD has broad anti-inflammatory properties, CBD might represent as a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic approach against SARS-CoV2-induced inflammation.”
Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center also indicate that CBD may down-regulate the cytokine response and decrease inflammation, allowing the body to respond with a more appropriate amount of inflammation to the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Another recent research report put together collectively by 10 prominent US-based universities, including Ohio State, Brown, and Yale also concludes that CBD may be helpful in relieving COVID-19 symptoms. Interestingly, besides via oral ingestion, they are considering the possibility that vapor inhalation may be the most effective delivery method.
Beyond CBD’s potential to impair COVID-19’s attachment to ACE2, the University of Lethbridge researchers are assessing terpenes, another group of plant-derived compounds that have been shown to act synergistically with CBD. Research from prestigious international universities have shown that terpenes such as Pinene, Myrcene and b-Caryophyllene have been effective in suppressing prior coronaviruses such as the original SARS and the Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV).
This preliminary research indicates that plant-derived extracts may potentially have the antidotes to COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.
Scientists agree that more research is necessary, including clinical surveys to better understand what kind of methods and dosing is necessary to potentially achieve positive effects.
As an innovator in the wellness space, Lock & Key Remedies aims to collaborate with scientists and medical professionals in efforts to mitigate the harm of the COVID-19 epidemic. We encourage you to reach out to Oleg MaryAces at Lock & Key Remedies with any questions you may have about the latest research on this topic.
