Researchers at Oregon State University and Oregon Health & Science University found through a study that Cannabis prevents Corona Virus. This study was just published a week ago, highlighting all the benefits of Cannabis against the Corona Virus.
CBGA and CBDA
CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid) and CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid) are the compounds that are present in hemp. Hemp and hemp extracts contain many of these cannabinoid acids. They have the ability to combat COVID-19 disease.
The study revealed that these compounds strongly bind to the virus’s spike protein. Hence, they result in blocking the SARS-CoV-2, which enters our body’s cells to cause COVID-19. So this recent study found Cannabis more beneficial to combat the COVID-19 disease in a very effective way.
Spike Protein:
The COVID-19 virus contains a spike protein that is subject to vaccines and antibody treatment. Besides this spike protein, SARS-CoV-2 also contains sixteen nonstructural and three structural proteins. In order to treat COVID, all vaccines and medications target these proteins.
According to researcher, Van Breeman:
Any part of the infection and replication cycle is a potential target for antiviral intervention, and the connection of the spike protein’s receptor binding domain to the human cell surface receptor ACE2 is a critical step in that cycle,
He further described:
That means cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells. They bind to the spike proteins so those proteins can’t bind to the ACE2 enzyme, which is abundant on the outer membrane of endothelial cells in the lungs and other organs.
Apart from this, he said that further studies are needed on this subject to better understand the action of Cannabis against COVID-19.
Currently, hemp is widely used in manufacturing many products, including food, cosmetics, and industrial products.
According to the researcher
These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans,
He added
They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2,”
The new variants of COVID are now the primary concern of the present-day world and all health organizations. Cannabis seems to be effective against the new variants too.
Van Breemen said
Our data show CBDA and CBGA are effective against the two variants we looked at, and we hope that trend will extend to other existing and future variants.