coronavirus and the flu

Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the United States, experts are looking for and testing new treatment methods.

One of the most surprising suggestions recently that shows potential is cannabis.

Specifically, researchers are looking to see if CBD, which is cannabidiol that is derived from cannabis, may benefit people with COVID-19.

What Is CBD?

CBD works well for many people, which is why sales have increased sharply in recent months.

Since it is used to treat a variety of ailments, many people have heard of this substance today. However, many still confuse it with marijuana.

CBD oil is extracted from hemp, which is a type of cannabis that contains low amounts of THC.

The THC component is what causes psychoactive effects. Marijuana is the type of cannabis that contains a lot of THC, which is what makes people high.

In the past, cannabis cultivation was legal in some states and illegal by federal law. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 made it legal on the federal level to cultivate and sell hemp.

CBD that is extracted from the hemp plant has been approved by the FDA to treat epileptic seizures. Although it has not been approved as a type of treatment to replace medications for other types of ailments, people often use it to reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety. It has pain relief effects as well.

Also, it has shown potential neuroprotective benefits, anti-inflammatory actions, skin benefits and other helpful effects. People may consume it orally as an oil solution from a dropper bottle. Others consume it in gummies or infused foods.

There are also topical CBD products. Plant strains, extraction methods and proper care affect the potency.

Potential Benefits of CBD for COVID-19 Victims

While current research findings are not conclusive enough to suggest CBD as a replacement treatment for patients who are currently using other COVID-19 treatments prescribed by a doctor, the findings are interesting to learn.

Although researchers are not currently suggesting that CBD could cure COVID-19, they are optimistic that it could help ease some dangerous actions in the body.

In past studies, CBD has shown an ability to reduce cytokine and ACE2 expression, which could create beneficial effects for the lungs.

Cytokine induces an inflammatory reaction in the body, and ACE2 is an enzyme that is attached to cells in the heart, lungs and other organs. It is often the entry point for some coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and others.

Lung inflammation is present in more severe cases of COVID-19, and it contributes to difficulty breathing. Also, it can create risks for other complications.

A study from Georgia’s Augusta University showed that CBD potentially impacted Acute Respiratory Distress syndrome (ARDS) positively by reducing the inflammation that triggered it.

ARDS happens with some cases of COVID-19. It is a complex condition from a severe overreaction of the body’s cytokine-related inflammatory response. The body creates inflammation to help heal itself. However, this level of overreaction is dangerous.

Since there is no cure for ARDS, researchers are looking for effective treatment options to manage or reduce its effects. CBD’s demonstrated ability to reduce cytokine may help reduce the severity of inflammation. Depending on when it is used, it might reduce or prevent severe reactions.

The reason the Georgia researchers’ rodent study is significant is because they first created cytokine storms in mice that damaged lung structure and reduced oxygen by 10%.

After CBD treatment, symptoms were partially or completely reversed in the affected mice. This type of study has not yet been conducted on humans.

Future Research for CBD and Inflammation

Researchers are hopeful that this treatment may be tested on humans for ARDS at some point.

However, the substance will need to have a consistent history of significant benefits before it can be approved as a treatment.

Researchers are hopeful that CBD will eventually be used to treat anti-inflammatory overreactions for other conditions or ailments as well.

Since it has shown benefits in reducing inflammation for other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, its anti-inflammatory properties are one of the reasons why proponents of cannabis are encouraging more research funding for CBD benefits.

Leave a Reply