Researchers at Oregon State University discovered hemp chemicals that had the ability to prevent the COVID-19 virus from infecting human cells. A pair of cannabinoid acids bind to the COVID-19 spike protein, which prevents the virus from infected individuals.
In order to infect a person, disease or virus must follow a precise protocol. Any molecule crucial to that process that can be disturbed to stop infection or progression is referred to as a therapeutic target.
"Cannabinoid acids are plentiful in hemp and various hemp extracts," stated Richard van Breemen of Oregon State University's Global Hemp Innovation Center. "Unlike THC, the psychoactive element in marijuana, they are not restricted substances and have an excellent safety profile in humans."
According to Van Breemen, the hemp components were equally efficient against the alpha and beta COVID-19 versions.
"Our findings demonstrate that CBDA and CBGA are effective against the two variants we studied, and we expect this trend to continue with additional current and future variants," Van Breemen added. For van Breeman's study, OSU created a chemical screening approach.
According to the university, the research team tested a variety of botanicals used as dietary supplements, including red clover, wild yam, hops, and three types of licorice.
"Cell entry inhibitors, such as hemp acids, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells," Van Breemen said, adding that compounds that block virus-receptor interaction have been beneficial for patients with other viral infections.
One of the major issues right now, according to Breemen, is the expanding number of COVID-19 variants. CBGA and CBDA were shown to be equally efficient against alpha and beta versions, according to him. B.1.1.7, which was initially discovered in the United Kingdom, and variant B.1.351, which was discovered in South Africa, are two of these variants.
"We're hoping that tendency will continue with other current and future varieties," Breemen said.
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