A group of University of Lethbridge affiliated scientists have released outcomes of some groundbreaking research detailing how CBD is able to block the COVID-19 cells that enter an infected person’s body. While a large number of scientists, pharmaceutical companies, and governments around the globe continue to put efforts towards finding a vaccine for the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), a ray of hope has emerged from University of Lethbridge.
COVID-19 and Cannabis: About the Study
The study was published in Preprints, an academic peer journal. The scientists conducted the study in April and published the results earlier in May. The preclinical study is titled “In Search of Preventive Strategies: Novel Anti-Inflammatory High-CBD Cannabis Sativa Extracts Modulate ACE2 Expression in COVID-19 Gateway Tissues”. The pharmaceutical company Pathway RX was the first to make the information public.
1/n, Several people asked me about this headline, on a recent preprint claiming that #cannabis extracts high in #CBD have, "the potential of reducing [#coronavirus] infection by 70 to 80 percent.” Quite a claim. Let's briefly look at the study… pic.twitter.com/jcPMsAOwYE
— Nick Jikomes, PhD (@trikomes) May 23, 2020
The university, Swysh Inc. (a company that involved in development of oral health cannabis products), and Pathway Rx. Scientists in Alberta, Canada performed a study using artificial 3D models of intestinal, airway, and oral tissues. Subsequently, these were combined with a Cannabis (sativa extract) sample rich in CBD for modulating the ACE2 gene expression and ACE2 protein levels. The study suggests the hemp extracts rich in CBD aid blockage of proteins that facilitate the coronavirus in entering human cells.
The word 'cannabis' appears in The Coronavirus Relief Bill 68 times! #iwillovergrow #iwrotethevote2020 #PeterHamill #PHUCK2020 #trulieve
— Peter Hamill (@POTUSHAMILL) May 24, 2020
COVID-19 and Cannabis: The Future
Dr. Igor Kovalchuk is the CEO at Pathway Rx and licensed Cannabis Research based in Canada. He stated that the scientific community believes ACE 2 (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) to be a receptor that SARRS-CoV2 uses to enter human cells. In addition, he stated that initial findings require more investigation. Nevertheless, a significant probability remains that cannabis products could assist in COVID-19 treatment. The study results have been made public. The scientists submitted the research paper to an academic journal for peer-review.