There is a lot of research going on in the quest to find a cure for Covid-19. Having proved its ability to deal with many health and wellness issues, researchers are considering marijuana and its derivatives as a possible source of the solution. Research on CBD oil for Covid-19 regards its ability as an anti-inflammatory agent and its ability to fight against viruses. Let’s look at some of the reasons why researchers might consider CBD to be a serious contender for the Covid-19 cure.
The Endocannabinoid System
CBD oil pros and cons are felt in every part of the body due to the widespread nature of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is also found in the lungs, and through it, CBD can affect the lungs one way or the other.
The primary role of the endocannabinoid system is to restore homeostatic balance to different parts of the body. One of the main symptoms of Covid-19 is a fever – which is in itself a loss of homeostatic balance, and CBD can help reduce it.
One of the well-known CBD facts is that it inhibits neurotransmitters responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. In this way, it can reduce chest pains that a Covid-19 patient experiences due to Acute Respiratory Syndrome Disorder (ARSD) that comes with the disease.
CBD as an Antiviral Agent
Previous research on the effects of CBD on viruses showed that CBD didn’t kill the Hepatitis B and C viruses on which it was tested. It, however, inhibited the multiplication of the virus by 84.6%. This is encouraging because if CBD is found to have the same effect on the CoronaVirus, it can significantly reduce the multiplication of the virus in patients. Such a reduction would allow antiviral drugs an easier time dealing with the lower viral load. More clinical research, however, needs to be done in this area.
Research so Far
Answering the question of whether to use CBD for the treatment of Covid-19 is not as easy as finding the pros and cons of taking CBD to sleep. CoronaVirus is itself new, it has no cure at the moment, and it has been disruptive enough to close down the world; thus, the stakes are very high. Researchers are working feverishly to come up with a solution to this problem.
A study conducted by Augusta University in Georgia, United States, shows that CBD may reduce the ‘Cytokine Storm’ that usually accompanies advanced cases of Covid-19. The cytokine storm is a term used to refer to severe inflammation of the lungs in people who have ARDS. ARDS is the deadliest symptom of Covid-19 that lowers the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen.
The Augusta study was conducted on mice that showed the use of CBD helped to reduce the production of cytokines that facilitate inflammation in the lungs. CBD does this by targeting IL-6, IL-1b, and IL-17, all of which are pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Through targeting these cytokines, CBD reversed ARDS in participating mice, either entirely or partially. The CBD also helped the mice increase their lymphocyte levels. Lymphocytes are essential in the body because they help the body reduce infections, and their increase improves the body’s ability to retaliate against Coronavirus and other diseases.
Findings from this research aren’t enough for regulatory authorities to recommend even the best CBD as a treatment for Covid-19. Clinical studies and other studies are required to establish the effects CBD would have on humans. However, the information outlined above is quite encouraging for CBD enthusiasts, researchers, and the whole world where matters to do with Covid-19 are concerned.
