- Cannabinoids block SARS-CoV-2 penetration into cells - new study
- Work on the amendment to dt. facilitating the domestic production of hemp raw material
New research by scientists shows that the compounds in cannabis extracts have the potential to treat and prevent COVID-19 infection.
Cannabinoids block SARS-CoV-2 penetration into cells - new study
The study was published in the Journal of Nature Products.
Scientists have shown that two cannabinoid acids that are commonly found in cannabis, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), can bind to the coronavirus spike protein.
Tests showed that both acids prevented SARS-CoV-2 and its variants from infecting human epithelial cells, with the exception of the Delta and Omikron variants, which were not tested in these analyzes. Cannabinoid acids are found in cannabis, but they are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, so their safety profile in humans is good.
The results of the conducted research have met with the skepticism of some scientists who believe that the obtained results may not always be translated into reality. However, the authors of the study say that both acids were equally effective against the Alpha and Beta variants, so they have the potential to prevent as well as treat infections associated with coronavirus infection.
Scientists indicate that further analyzes are needed, but they believe that the results of the research may be used in the development of effective drugs to prevent or treat COVID.
Work on the amendment to dt. facilitating the domestic production of hemp raw material
Hemp is already used in the production of, among others, food, dietary supplements and cosmetics. Recently, draft amendments to the cannabis legislation have been submitted to the parliament, of which only one of the proposals has been submitted for further proceedings. It's about issues of dt. facilitating the domestic production of hemp raw material.
Poradnik Zdrowie contacted Konrad Gładkowski, the president of the Center of Cannabis Medicine, who emphasized that "medical marijuana is a relatively new drug, especially in Poland". In his opinion, "the possibility of growing cannabis in our home market would be a big change, improving the quality of life for thousands of patients."
The expert points out that "each subsequent debate and proposal is a step indirection to raise awareness about it and you can see that it is paying off ”. - I believe that, following the example of the Czech Republic and M alta, the law in Poland will adapt even more to the needs of patients and the production of drugs based on medical marijuana will also be available in our country, emphasizes Gładkowski.
Scientific research conducted by the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Pharmacognosy indicates that the use of cannaboids in the treatment and prevention of COVID may prove to be part of the fight against the pandemic, but according to the president of the Center for Cannabis Medicine vaccines remain. - I think it will remain this way for a long time - he adds.
Konrad Gładkowski believes that "the studies conducted by Professor Van Breemen of the University of Oregon on the effects of CBDA and CBGA in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 are promising."
- The evidence presented shows that these antiviral properties of CBDA and CBGA could indeed contribute to the prevention as well as shortening the duration of coronavirus infection. It should be emphasized that the published results refer to in vitro research, although they are very promising, they must undergo further stages of research. Therefore, let's wait with the final verdict - he explains.
- Currently, vaccines remain the most important and the only proven form of protection against SARS-Cov-2, concludes Konrad Gładkowski, president of the Center for Cannabis Medicine.