Hemp Compounds Work Against Covid-19 Like Antibodies, Says New Study
Hemp compounds may help prevent Covid-19, a new study suggests. Hemp is derived from the cannabis (marijuana/pot) plant for industrial or medicinal use. It doesn't possess high-inducing qualities but is in line with how bamboo is used for various purposes.
Researchers from Oregon State University found that two extracts from hemp called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannbidiolic acid (CBDA) can bind to the spike protein of Covid-19 in the same way antibodies do. This effectively prevents the virus from entering cells in the body.
How does hemp fight Covid-19?
Led by Richard van Breemen, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Oregon State University, the research highlights how "small molecules [of hemp] binding to the spike protein of a coronavirus can help prevent it from infecting cells."
What does this mean, you wonder? Quite simply, if someone gets exposed to Covid-19, they can consume both these compounds - CBGA and CBDA orally to prevent an infection.
Current methods urge people exposed to the virus to stay home, isolate, and to monitor their well-being. This hemp-based principle is "the perfect intervention" - as Breemen put it.
Also read:?Cannabis Doubles Heart Attack Risk In Adults Below Age 45, Claims Study
They also believe that a third cannabis compound called tetrahydrocannabinolic acid or THCA could be effective in preventing infection, but they haven't tested it yet.
If consumed orally, these compounds would reach the bloodstream, the research says. More research is required to ascertain the right dosage but Breemen believes "it's theoretically achievable with products that exist," OregonLive reported.
Also read:?Smartphone Sensor Detects Marijuana Intoxication With 90% Accuracy, Claims Study
This may be among hundreds of magical properties of cannabis plants that work well for three purposes - medicine, industry, and recreation.
What do you think about this study that could help make hemp an effective way to prevent Covid-19 infection? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.
References
Oregonian/OregonLive, T. A. L. |. (2022, January 12). Hemp compounds could prevent COVID-19 from infecting cells, Oregon research finds. Oregonlive.?
