Cannabis compounds may prevent COVID-19 virus from entering human cells, study finds

Scientists in the US have discovered that cannabis compounds can protect human cells from infection by the virus Covid-19, according to a laboratory study published in the Journal of Nature Products.

Using a chemical screening technique, a team from Oregon State University identified the compounds in hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa.

Richard van Breemen, a researcher at varsity, said hemp is a source of fiber, food, and animal feed, and several hemp extracts and compounds are added to cosmetics, body lotions, and dietary supplements.

An investigation found that cannabinoids bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, creating a barrier that prevents the virus from infecting people. The findings were published in the Journal of Natural Products.
Those compounds are cannabigerolic acid, CBGA, cannabidiolic acid, CBDA, and the spike protein encodes the same receptor used in vaccines and antibody treatments against Covid-19. Any molecule that is critical to a disease’s progression is a drug target. Disrupting it can halt infection or disease progression.

“These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts,” Van Breemen said. “They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans. And our research showed the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7 (Alpha), which was first detected in the UK, and variant B.1.351 (Beta), first detected in South Africa.”

Studies have shown that cannabitgerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid inhibit the entry of coronavirus spike proteins into human epithelial cells and protect against the infection of SARS-CoV-2.

“These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe use in humans,” van Breemen said. “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.”