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Coronaviruses

Cannabidiol Shows Potential as Preventative Agent for COVID-19

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study on cannabidiol (CBD) suggests that it may inhibit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and act as a potential preventative agent for early-stage COVID-19 infection. This research, conducted by a team at the University of Chicago, highlights the importance of finding new treatments for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The study's findings indicate that CBD inhibits the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in lung epithelial cells and reverses many effects of the virus on host gene transcription.

Key Takeaways:

  • CBD, but not THC or other congeneric cannabinoids, potently blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells.
  • CBD inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by up-regulating the host IRE1 alpha ribonuclease endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and interferon signaling pathways.
  • In matched groups of human patients from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative, CBD (100 mg/ml oral solution per medical records) had a significant negative association with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests.
  • This study suggests that CBD may be a potential preventative agent for early-stage COVID-19 infection and merits future clinical trials.
  • The researchers caution against the current use of non-medical formulations as a preventative or treatment therapy for COVID-19.

Statistics:

  • The study used lung epithelial cells and mice to test the effects of CBD on SARS-CoV-2 replication.
  • CBD was found to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in part by up-regulating the host IRE1 alpha ribonuclease ER stress response and interferon signaling pathways.
  • In the National COVID Cohort Collaborative data, CBD had a significant negative association with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests in matched groups of human patients.
  • The study highlighted the importance of finding new treatments for the COVID-19 pandemic, with the researchers suggesting that CBD may be a potential preventative agent for early-stage COVID-19 infection.

Sources:

  • Cannabidiol Inhibits Sars-cov-2 Replication Through Induction of the Host Er Stress and Innate Immune Responses. Science Advances, 2022;8(8).
  • Amer Assoc Advancement Science, 1200 New York Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA.

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