Coronavirus: Cannabis compounds prevent virus infection

Cannabis chemicals have blocked the virus that causes it Covid-19 to penetrate healthy human cells, according to a new laboratory study published in the Journal of Nature Products.

The two compounds commonly found in cannabis are called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiol, or CBDA, and were found during a chemical test to fight the coronavirus, according to researchers at the University of Oregon. The study reveals that these compounds linked to the virus protein and prevented one of the steps the pathogen uses to infect humans.

The researchers examined the effect of compounds with the Alpha and Beta variants in a laboratory. The study, however, did not include the administration of supplements to humans or the comparison of infection rates in those using the compounds with those who did not.

Hemp is a source of fiber, a food and feed ingredient and its extracts are added to cosmetics, body creams, dietary supplements and foods.

"These compounds can be taken orally and have a long history of safe human use," said Richard van Breemen, a researcher at the World Cannabis Innovation Center in Oregon. "They have the potential to prevent as well as cure SARS-CoV-2 infection," he added.

Information: bloomberg.com