CBD may be a viable tool in the treatment of coronavirus
What is the relationship between COVID-19 and cannabis? Among the research carried out to find treatments for those infected with the coronavirus, phytocannabinoid hemp oil may be an option. There are those who are currently analyzing the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and other cannabinoids. One of the most important strategies to fight the disease is to reduce inflammation in the lungs, which CBD may assist with.
When the COVID-19 virus attacks the lungs and causes pneumonia, the immune system itself produces a storm of inflammatory proteins, cytokines. If this happens, the patient may acquire infections, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and even die. Risk groups, such as the elderly and immunocompromised patients, are the most vulnerable to this type of body response to covid.
In this context, much research looked to find treatment alternatives for covid-19. This July, researchers at the University of Nebraska and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute decided to recommend further studies on the role of CBD, a cannabinoid originating from hemp, for the treatment of pulmonary inflammation caused by the coronavirus.
Cannabis CBD may be an alternative to treat covid-19
In the article published in this month’s edition of the scientific journal “Brain, Behavior and Immunity”, the authors point out that the cannabinoids present in the plant have anti-inflammatory properties. This may have positive effects to fight the disease.
They also point out that CBD could be a successful drug alternative in the treatment of covid-19, since, unlike THC, it has no psychotropic side effects as explained in another article.
Previous research shows CBD action on Covid lung inflammation
Previous research, according to the authors, already showed that CBD is able to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, many of them related to the most severe cases of covid-19. In addition, it could also increase the production of interferons, a kind of protein that prevents the virus from replicating by activating immune cells.
The authors also cite that another study carried out in asthmatic animals showed that CBD reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also did the same with inflammation of the airways. The same study showed a reduction in pulmonary fibrosis in animals. These results indicate that it is worthwhile to continue studies with CBD aiming at positive results in humans.
Other research also evaluates the use of CBD in the treatment of COVID-19
In the fight against coronavirus, researchers at the Dental College of Georgia and Medical College of Georgia (MCG) also reported evidence that CBD could help patients with the severe acute respiratory syndrome.
In a study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, Dr. Jack Yu, a doctor, and scientist at MCG says that laboratory studies have indicated that the use of pure CBD can help the lungs recover from inflammation or cytokine action. It can also assist in restoring oxygen levels in the body.
At Augusta University, Georgia (USA), another study with rodents showed that CBD helped in the treatment of pulmonary inflammation caused by covid. According to the authors, the symptoms were partially or totally reversed after treatment with the substance.
It is important to make it clear that researchers also looked at other alternatives to combat covid-19. CBD, according to the results obtained, is included in the ranking of possible options with positive therapeutic effects and few side effects.
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