CBD, A Coronavirus Treatment?

HEMP-DERIVED CBD TO BE USED AS A CORONAVIRUS TREATMENT? LATEST RESEARCH GIVES SCIENTISTS HOPE

It’s important to note that CBD is not a cure for COVID-19, and CBD research is in the early stages — the virus itself has only been found in humans for seven months.

As researchers the world over race to develop curative vaccines, and doctors across the country struggle to find effective treatments for symptoms, others are studying a more natural source to combat the effects of the coronavirus: cannabidiol (CBD) from the hemp plant.

Scientists in the United States and Canada are unearthing growing evidence that cannabidiol — already a popular alternative for many facing maladies such as anxiety or chronic pain — may have a role to play in the treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, “the coronavirus.” There’s hope that CBD (likely in partnership with other naturally occurring compounds in hemp), could deny the coronavirus the entryway it uses to connect to cells, fight lung inflammation, or even prevent the potentially deadly “cytokine storm” in which a patient’s immune system goes haywire.

It’s important to note that CBD is not a cure for COVID-19, and CBD research is in the early stages — the virus itself has only been found in humans for seven months.

Also, everyone who contracts COVID-19 reacts differently it depending on factors like age and underlying conditions, so a treatment that may help one patient may not help another. But the enthusiasm for CBD as a potential treatment is real, and growing in momentum.

SHUTTING THE DOOR ON COVID?

A team of scientists at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada (1), believes certain cannabis plants high in CBD could help treat coronavirus infections by blocking the pathways called ACE2 receptors that the virus uses to infiltrate the body. As of late May 2020, the work had not been peer-reviewed, and clinical trials would be needed to determine any effectiveness as a treatment. "Imagine a cell being a large building," Igor Kovalchuck, one of the lead scientists on the Lethbridge team, told the Canadian television network CTV. “Cannabinoids decrease the number of doors in the building by, say, 70 percent, so it means the level of entry will be restricted. So therefore, you have more chance to fight it."

Meanwhile, a study at Mississippi State University (2) indicates CBD may play a role in the suppression of cytokine production — launch pad for the dreaded “cytokine storm” —though those studies as of yet have only been performed on cells. At Augusta University in Georgia (3) researchers are exploring CBD’s role in lessening the respiratory distress that can come from an overactive immune system response to COVID-19.

REAL RESEARCH, NOT MIRACLE CLAIMS

In June, a microbiology team at the University of Maryland at Baltimore (4) launched a lab study to explore whether CBD has any anti-viral effects that can be used against the coronavirus. “We will test the ability of isolated CBD and full-spectrum CBD to … protect against the excessive inflammatory responses to the virus associated with lung damage and death,” said Maryland’s Dr. Ciaran Skerry when the study was announced.

In a largely unregulated industry, it’s important to know the legitimate research into CBD’s role as a potential coronavirus therapy, as opposed to false claims of the extract being a miracle cure. In the same way, it’s important to discern reckless CBD vendors from responsible producers like Nature’s Highway, who ensures purity with 3rd party lab testing and by controlling every facet of the production process, beginning with the cultivation of their sun-grown hemp plants on their farm in South Carolina.

As more scientists begin to look into CBD, the industry hopes for further positive news about cannabidiol’s potential role in helping people manage the pandemic. Contact the company by phone at (833) 649-9223, by email at contact@natureshighwaycbd.com, or visit their website at Nature’sHighwayCBD.com.

Nature’s Highway, who ensures purity with 3rd party lab testing and by controlling every facet of the production process, beginning with the cultivation of their sun-grown hemp plants on their farm in South Carolina.

Reference Citations

  • In Search of Preventative Strategies: Novel Anti-Inflammatory High-CBD Cannabis Sativa Extracts Modulate ACE2 Expression in COVID-19 Gateway Tissues. Wang, B.; Kovalchuk, A.; Li, D.; Ilnytskyy, Y.; Kovalchuk, I.; Kovalchuk, O. Preprints 2020, 2020040315
  • Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. James M. Nichols and Barbara L.F. Kaplan. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research20205:1, 12-31
  • Cannabidiol Modulates Cytokine Storm in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Induced by Simulated Viral Infection Using Synthetic RNA. Hesam Khodadadi, Évila Lopes Salles, Abbas Jarrahi, Fairouz Chibane, Vincenzo Costigliola, Jack C. Yu, Kumar Vaibhav, David C. Hess, Krishnan M. Dhandapani, and Babak Baban. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research00:0
  • “Could CBD treat Covid-19? Maryland researchers want to find out.” By Morgan Eichensehr – Reporter, Baltimore Business Journal Jun 18, 2020, 3:07pm EDT

Please consult with a doctor prior to use.

In keeping with FDA regulations, Nature’s Highway does not make specific claims,​ but encourages customers to seek out more information about usage and benefits from trusted third-party sources.

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