Recently published study discovers CBDA and CBGA compounds in hemp can block virus causing COVID-19 from infecting cells
According to a recently published study, a team of researchers led by dr. Richard van Breeman at Oregon State University Global Hemp Innovation Center (OSU GHIC) discovered that two cannabinoid acids, CBDA and CBGA, found in hemp (Cannabis Sativa), “bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, blocking a critical step in the process the virus uses to infect people.”
The study published in Journal of Natural Products explains in detail how these Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants.
The researchers have concluded that these orally bioavailable cannabinoids, “who have a long history of safe human use and are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts”, have the potential to serve as an adjunctive therapy to “prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.”
Synergic potential of CBDA/CBGA Formulation
At a recent interview with Nutraceuticals World, Dr. Van Breemen discussed the synergic potential of CBDA/CBGA formulation.
“CBDA and CBGA can bind simultaneously to the spike protein and can work synergistically,” he said. “Whether they can function synergistically with antibodies against the spike protein is still unknown. Antibody therapy has been used to clinically treat COVID. Clinical studies of CBDA and CBGA are still needed to prove efficacy.”
“What we do know about the development of a potential therapeutic”, van Breemen said, “is that the two hemp compounds can be absorbed through ingestion and reach the bloodstream. While clinical data is limited so far, there is evidence that CBGA and CBDA doses bioequivalent to those used in vitro have been used by humans before.”
In the absence of an effective and highly bioavailable CBDA/CBGA formulation, there are suggestions to use CBD, one of the cannabinoids that has demonstrated “potent anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of pathological conditions”.
Dr. Van Breemen concluded: “I can see hemp extracts being used in helping people to stay healthy and prevent them from getting sick with COVID.”
To learn more about this research, listen to the interview with Dr. Van Breemen: