Could CBD be helpful in the fight against COVID-19?

As researchers have been looking for potential ways to help fight the battle against COVID-19, and various symptoms related to the Novel Coronavirus, many scientists have begun looking for solutions in areas that may have not been considered before. One of the most interesting possibilities that they’re looking at is in the cannabis plant family. 

The long-vilified plant family of Cannabis has two very well-known siblings: marijuana and hemp. Hemp is the high-CBD sibling and that is the exact plant compound that multiple studies are looking into being an all-important key.


When the news began reporting the possibility of a connection between CBD and fighting COVID symptoms, it was from a study out of Canada where researchers suggested that the properties of CBD (Cannabidiol) could be preventative. As more research teams began to look into the possibilities, more information has been learned and released on the topic. 


A current peer-reviewed study from researchers at The University of Nebraska and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, published in Brain, Behavior & Immunity, suggests that it is CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties that could be the key to being able to be potentially helpful.  The study suggests that the acute infection that is associated with the phenomenon known as the Cytokine Superstorm (which contributes to the many symptoms of COVID-19) has had some difficulty when facing the popular plant cannabinoid (1).


What is a Cytokine Superstorm?

 

A Cytokine is a small protein that is released by different cells of the body including immune cells. When there is an issue, these leap into action and trigger inflammation as the immune system gets to work. In some people, however, this can go into hyperdrive, causing what they call a Cytokine Superstorm.


According to New Scientist, “Cytokine storms are a common complication not only of covid-19 and flu but of other respiratory diseases caused by coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS. They are also associated with non-infectious diseases such as multiple sclerosis and pancreatitis” (2).


One study out of Augusta University in Georgia suggests that CBD may positively impact the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) which has been found to be a dangerous symptom of Covid-19, which is a result of the Cytokine storm.


Therefore, it is believed by many that by keeping the inflammation under control, the resulting storm of symptoms can also be kept under control as well, thus leading to a way to prevent those infected from falling victim to the resulting issues.


As those who begin to research the Cannabis plant family soon learn, the plant has hundreds of active compounds beyond the major cannabinoid known as CBD. It is believed that the many major and minor cannabinoids and terpenes work together in a synergy known as the entourage effect. 

It is this thought process that has researchers in Israel also pouring through the possibilities and saying that it is not just CBD alone – but also minor cannabinoids and terpenes – that help facilitate the positive response. The study suggests that “a combination of CBD with terpenes was 3 times more effective at inhibiting cytokine activity than dexamethasone, a corticosteroid which a recent study found to be an effective treatment for Covid-19 cytokine storms” (4).


So, what does all of this mean?


While there is still so much more study work to do, the initial correlations that scientists are beginning to see with CBD are positive in nature and have writers, like those at Forbes, reporting regularly on what could be an impactful development for both hemp CBD and the fight against the inflammatory-related overdrive.


This doesn’t exactly mean that everyone should rush out and buy all of the CBD products on the market available. It’s always important to discuss any addition to your wellness routine with your physician to be able to avoid any prescription-related interactions. It is also a good idea to research and review brands and products that you're considering. 


At Kurativ, we keep all of our third-party testing readily available and easy to find so that you can be confident in the products that you're receiving. Our commitment to quality and consistency is a commitment to those who have chosen our American made hemp CBD products. Should you have any questions about CBD or Kurativ Premium CBD, contact us (HERE). 


No matter what you choose to enjoy, we are glad to be a part of your wellness journey.


References:


  1. Byrareddy SN, Mohan M. SARS-CoV2 induced respiratory distress: Can cannabinoids be added to anti-viral therapies to reduce lung inflammation? Brain Behav Immun. 2020;87:120-121. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2020.04.079
  2. https://www.newscientist.com/term/cytokine-storm/
  3. Nichols JM, and Kaplan BLF (2020) Immune responses regulated by cannabidiol, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 5:1, 12–31, DOI: 10.1089/can.2018.0073.
  4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilyearlenbaugh/2020/07/21/new-research-suggests-terpenes-and-cbd-work-3xs-better-for-covid-19-inflammation-than-corticosteroid/#475bf7534e95

Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of Kurativ CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Consult your physician prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing or using other medications. 

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