Lab Study Finds Certain Cannabis Compounds May Block Covid Infection
An Oregon State University study analyzing a range of botanical compounds discovered that two found in hemp can bind to the virus that causes covid and prevent it from infecting human cells. In the lab tests, researchers used the original virus and the alpha and beta variants, but no subsequent strains. Smoking cannabis does not offer any protection, the lead researcher said.
Bloomberg:
Cannabis Compounds Prevented Covid Infection In Laboratory Study
Cannabis compounds prevented the virus that causes Covid-19 from penetrating healthy human cells, according to a laboratory study published in the Journal of Nature Products. The two compounds commonly found in hemp -- called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA -- were identified during a chemical screening effort as having potential to combat coronavirus, researchers from Oregon State University said. In the study, they bound to spike proteins found on the virus and blocked a step the pathogen uses to infect people. (Matsuyama, 1/12)
Forbes:
Study Finds Cannabis Compounds Prevent Infection By Covid-19 Virus
Although further research is needed, van Breemen noted that study shows the cannabinoids could be developed into drugs to prevent or treat Covid-19. “These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans,” [lead researcher Richard] van Breemen noted. “They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2. CBDA and CBGA are produced by the hemp plant as precursors to CBD and CBG, which are familiar to many consumers. However, they are different from the acids and are not contained in hemp products.” (Herrington, 1/11)
KGW.com:
OSU Study Identifies Hemp Compounds With Potential To Block COVID
Hemp is a strain of cannabis plant that has been cultivated to have a minimal concentration of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and is instead used in other commercial products such as textiles, cosmetics or food. ... The compounds are precursors to more well-known hemp-derived substances such as CBD and CBG, but are typically not contained in hemp products, according to van Breemen. More research is needed to find the correct dosage for human consumption, he added. Smoking cannabis does not offer any protection from the virus that causes COVID-19. (1/11)
More From The Study: Summary From Oregon State University | Study Abstract
