Oregon State University research identified 2 Hemp compounds that to prevents coronavirus virus from entering human cells.
The study was led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute. The study was published in the Journal of Natural Products.
Hemp prevents Covid
Hemp, known as Cannabis sativa, is a source of fiber, food and animal feed. Many hemp extracts and compounds are added to cosmetics, body lotions, dietary supplements and food (Example)
The scientists, including scientists at Oregon Health & Science University, found that a pair of cannabinoid acids attach to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This blocks a critical step in the process the virus used to infect people, proving that hemp prevent coronavirus.
The Two Cannabis Compounds
Cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, CBDA, are the two hemp compounds that stop the spike protein from infecting humans. This spike protein is the same drug target used in COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy. Hemp compounds target molecules that disrupt and stops infection from happening. (Read the OSU article).
“These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts,” van Breemen said. “They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans. And our research showed the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom, and variant B.1.351, first detected in South Africa.”
These compounds can be taken orally. They have a long history of safe use in humans. They have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2. CBDA and CBGA are different than CBD and CBG extracts.CBD and CBG are more known to the consumer public. CBDA and CBGA are made as precursors to CBD and CBG. However, they are not contained in hemp products.
Who helped
There were more scientists that contributed to this cannabinoid study They are Timothy Bates, Jules Weinstein, Hans Leier, Scotland Farley and Fikadu Tafesse of OHSU.
Oregon State conducted research on Hemp (Cannabis sativa). Check it out RIGHT HERE!