Coronavirus Study finds Cannabis compounds can block COVID-19
Coronavirus Study finds Cannabis
US researchers have found that cannabis compounds have the ability to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells. According to a study published last week by researchers from Oregon State University.
A Research article entitled “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants” was published online by the Journal of Natural Products.
The study was led by Dr. Richard van Breemen, a researcher at Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, who collaborated with scientists at the Oregon Health & Science University.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Of over 480 different compounds present in the plant, only around 66 are termed cannabinoids.
The most well-known among these compounds are the delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), which is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another important component, which makes up about 40% of the plant resin extract.
Researchers found that a pair of Cannabinoid compounds bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, blocking the cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory tests showed Cannabigerolic acid and Cannabidiolic acid were effective against the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant B.1.1.7 and the beta variant B.1.351. These cannabinoid acid compounds are abundant in hemp and many hemp extracts,” Van Breemen said.
“They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans. And our research showed the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7 (Alpha), which was first detected in the UK, and variant B.1.351 (Beta), first detected in South Africa.”
- Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants
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