A study, conducted by Oregon State University, confirmed that some components of cannabis could prevent Covid-19 infection.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that, two cannabinoid acids, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), which are found in the cannabis plant, can bind to spike protein of the new coronavirus, thus preventing the virus from entering and causing infections. Remembering that the spike protein is the itself part of the virus target of Covid-19 vaccines and antibody therapies.
Published in the Journal of Natural Products, lo study reassures by saying that: “Orally bioavailable and with a long history of safe human use, these cannabinoids, isolated or in hemp extracts, have the potential to prevent and treat infection from SARS-CoV-2".
The research was conducted by Richard Van Breemen, a researcher at Oregon State's Global Hemp Innovation Center: “These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many of its hemp extracts", declared the scholar, "they are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive principle of cannabis, and have a good safety profile in humans."
Additionally, Van Breemen added that CBGA and CBDA have blocked the action of emerging variants of the virus that causes Covid-19, explaining that: “our research showed that hemp compounds were equally effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the B.1.1.7 variant, first detected in the United Kingdom, and the B.1.351 variant, first detected in South Africa.”
Although further research is needed, the study gives hope to Van Breemen who proudly states that cannabinoids could be transformed into drugs to prevent and treat Covid-19.
