It reduces swelling and scarring of the lungs, as well as normalizing the immune response. Cannabidiol CBD, an organic compound found in hemp plants, may be effective in treating the effects of coronavirus infections, according to a recent laboratory study.
The health-promoting effects of CBD, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Dental College of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia, are the result of the organic compound raising levels of an important protective protein in the body.
The findings of the American scientists were published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Recently, researchers also found that CBD reduces inflammation, improves oxygenation and reduces lung damage in animals with the equivalent of the disease found in humans - ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).
Recent studies indicate that CBD increases levels of a protein called apelin. The researchers found that the concentration of this protein drops sharply with both ARDS and COVID-19 infection.
This protein is produced in various organs and tissues, including the heart, lungs, brain, fat tissue and blood. It regulates blood pressure and inflammation, among other things. Apelin also interacts with ACE2 receptors, through which coronavirus enters cells.
Cannabis a cure for COVID-19?
This isn't the first scientific study to confirm that the CBD compound in the plant can support and even treat coronavirus infections. Canadian researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Calgary studied more than 400 cannabis varieties and found that at least a dozen of them may have the potential to prevent the body from contracting the coronavirus.
Preliminary experiments showed that strains of some cannabis managed to minimize COVID-19 viral receptors and, as a result, reduce the chance of contracting coronavirus. Israeli scientists are also looking to hemp as a cure for COVID-19 and are conducting ongoing research. We wrote about it and you can read more about it here.
Source: https://www.tvp.info
