We want to start by saying that by no means are we scientist, doctors or researchers. All of our information and knowledge are based on research, data, common sense and a long term personal relationship with the Hemp plant, or also know as the Cannabis Sativa L.
Sharing information about this plant is like walking on egg shells. Be careful, do it with caution. Always, I mean absolutely always utilize trustful and accurate resources, do your homework and research before sharing anything and if you are not sure about something, ask the experts. We have plenty of trustful resources that can give you the correct information you are looking for. Our bibles are the National Center for Biotechnology Information - National Center for Biotechnology Information (nih.gov), as well as Data Europa EU - Cosmetic ingredient database (Cosing) - List of substances prohibited in cosmetic products - Data Europa EU. Those are resources packed with research studies, data and information to help you find the answers you might be looking for.
Cannabis Sativa L. has been under the scientist's microscope for years now. Even though, some of us do not want to admit it, cannabis has been in the spot light for the Health and Wellness Industries for decades. Known as one of the oldest sources for textile, food, paper, fuel, medicine the Cannabis plant doesn't stop to amaze us.
The newest from researches is about the two elephants in the room - CBD and Covid - 19. Finally, we finally have the science talking and it is hard to argue what it has to tell us.
A new study completed by researchers affiliated with Oregon State University, "Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants," was published on Monday by the Journal of Natural Products. According to the study compounds in cannabis can prevent infection from the virus that causes Covid-19 by blocking its entry into cells.
The researchers found that two cannabinoid acids found in Hemp(Cannabis Sativa L.) cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, also known as CBDA, can attach to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. By attaching to the spike protein, the compounds can prevent the virus from entering cells and causing infection, potentially offering new avenues to prevent and treat the virus.
The study was led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center in the College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute, in collaboration with scientists at the Oregon Health & Science University. Van Breeman shared that the cannabinoids studied are common and already available for people. “These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts,” van Breemen said, as shared by local media. “They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans." In the same research, scientist state that “Orally bioavailable and with a long history of safe human use, these cannabinoids, isolated or in hemp extracts, have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.” Another note added by Breeman is that the “our research showed the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom, and variant B.1.351, first detected in South Africa.”
Even though a 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,” 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.”
Van Breeman also states that the research showed the cannabinoids were effective against new variants of the virus, which he said are “one of the primary concerns” in the pandemic for health officials and clinicians.
“These variants are well known for evading antibodies against early lineage SARS-CoV-2, which is obviously concerning given that current vaccination strategies rely on the early lineage spike protein as an antigen,” said van Breemen. “Our data show CBDA and CBGA are effective against the two variants we looked at, and we hope that trend will extend to other existing and future variants.”
The researcher added that “resistant variants could still arise amid widespread use of cannabinoids but that the combination of vaccination and CBDA/CBGA treatment should make for a much more challenging environment for SARS-CoV-2.” Surprised yet?
As Deming says: "In God We trust, all others must bring data." By no means we say that Hemp is the cure, but we sure do trust science and data. So, use your common sense and knowledge to think for yourselves and make the best decisions for your health. Your health is your priority. You are free to choose what you put in your body and what you believe in. Don't ever loose hope. And always remember - there is a solution to every problem. To you, with Love and Powered by Plants.
Make it a great day, XO
Resources:
Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants - PubMed (nih.gov)
Compounds in hemp block COVID-19 from entering human cells, study says | WRGT (dayton247now.com)
Study Finds Cannabis Compounds Prevent Infection By Covid-19 Virus (forbes.com)