As scientists around the world search for a coronavirus vaccine, others focus on relieving the pain of those who contracted the infection. A team is exploring how cannabis might help and finding promising results.
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“New evidence is adding support to the theory that cannabis-derived CBD may help those suffering from the severe lung inflammation that occurs in the most severe cases of COVID-19. The study from researchers at the University of Augusta in Georgia suggests that CBD may positively impact ARDS or acute respiratory distress syndrome: a dangerous symptom in COVID-19 caused by an overactive inflammatory response, “he reports. Forbes. “This is sometimes known as a ‘cytokine storm.'” The study authors explain that “currently, apart from supportive measures, there is no definitive cure for ARDS, illustrating the urgent need for creative and effective therapeutic modalities to treat this complex condition.”
“CBD can help treat this dangerous symptom of COVID-19,” the publication continues. “The researchers suggest that CBD may help by reducing proinflammatory cytokine production, fighting the storm. By reducing specific cytokines such as interleukin (IL) -6, IL-1b, and IL-17, we may be able to reduce inflammation and thus end respiratory distress and damage. And the results of these researchers’ experiments supported this theory. “
How cannabis calmed the inflammatory response
“When the infection begins, we need the immune system to clear the virus,” said Dr. Babak Baban, immunologist and interim associate dean for research at the Dental College of Georgia. “In the second part, we need to regulate it negatively, not stop it, but reduce the power of inflammatory responses.”
“The body is fighting infection within the lungs, but that response causes damage on its own, which then triggers a response that becomes ‘self-augmentation,'” said Dr. Jack Yu, chief of pediatric plastic surgery. and the Milford B. Professor Hatcher of Surgery at the University of Augusta said, according to the Augusta Chronicle. “Once started, it increases explosively and that is also the danger,” he said. “That’s why so many people die” from COVID-19.
Cannabis, they say, worked to regulate it. “Working on mice, UA researchers were able to recreate the severe lung condition and then gave them CBD to help block that response and improve lung function and block some dangerous clots, Baban said,” according to the Chronicle. “They also have ‘very solid data’ that directly blocks a factor that helps promote inflammation,” he said.
The Cannabis and COVID-19 connection
These are not the first researchers to explore the link between the virus and cannabis. “CBD has several characteristics that make it an attractive agent to explore for antiviral activity. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating with no potential for abuse. Other plant-derived compounds with a variety of chemical structures have shown activity antiviral, “says a study in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research June “In addition, CBD may induce apoptosis in mammalian cells, which is believed to be an essential component of host responses to viral infections. Three preclinical studies have examined a possible role for CBD as an antiviral agent.”
This June study also summarized how, while there are reasons for optimism, there is still a long way to go to demonstrate that cannabis works as an ointment for COVID-19. “CBD is a reasonable candidate to be studied in preclinical models of coronaviruses,” he reported. “We are a long way from the level of evidence required to consider the use of cannabinoids as pharmacotherapy for viral diseases, but the high level of perpetual interest in cannabinoids as medicine presents an important opportunity for clinicians. In these uncertain times, questions from Patients on how cannabis or CBD can help them, if answered sensibly and empathetically, may increase the likelihood that patients will receive evidence-based treatment that they would not otherwise receive. Therefore, physicians should have Curious about our patients’ experiences with cannabinoids and at least perceiving benefits derived from their use or their hopes about how cannabinoids can help a medical condition they are trying to manage. “
As for you: try not to get or spread the coronavirus in the first place. Be very careful when entering any interior space that is inhabited by people with whom you do not take refuge, wear your face mask, social distance, wash your hands frequently, control your health, avoid the crowds (and bars) and overcome this pandemic at your healthiest don’t miss these 37 places where you are most likely to get the coronavirus.
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