Researchers discover cannabis compounds may reduce COVID-19 infection – Orange County Register

New research shows that cannabis compounds have the ability to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

According to Oregon State University researchers, compounds from the hemp plant, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, can prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells.

Scientists discovered that a pair of cannabinoid acids binds to the mutant protein SARS-CoV-2, blocking a key step in the process the virus uses to infect humans.

“These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many extracts,” said Richard van Breemen, a researcher with the Global Hemp Innovation Center, College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute. hemp.

He added: “They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, and are generally safe for humans.

Their study found that hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2 – including alpha variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in United Kingdom and beta variant B.1.351, first discovered in South Africa.

Hemp is a source of dietary fiber, food, and fodder, and many hemp extracts and compounds are added to cosmetics, lotions, dietary supplements, and foods.

The pair of cannabinoid acids that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, CBDA. In addition, the mutant protein is a similar drug target used in COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy.

“These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans,” says Van Breemen. “They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2.

“CBDA and CBGA are produced by the hemp plant as precursors to CBD and CBG, which are already familiar to many consumers,” he added. “However, they are different from acids and are not found in hemp products.”

The results of the study led by van Breemen were published in the Journal of Natural Products.

The article states: “As an adjunct to vaccines, small molecule therapeutic agents for the treatment or prevention of infections caused by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other its variant, which causes COVID-19”.

“Biologically possible orally and with a long history of safe use in humans, these cannabinoids, isolated or in the form of hemp extracts, have the potential to be,” the study states. prevent as well as treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2”.

Van Breemen said resistant variants could still emerge in the context of the widespread use of cannabinoids, but the combination of vaccination and CBDA/CBGA treatment would create a much more challenging environment for the virus.