Could cannabis be a hidden ally in the fight against COVID-19? How are compounds like CBD and flavonoids changing the way we approach pandemic healthcare? Dive into our exploration of the latest scientific discoveries to uncover the potential therapeutic role of cannabis in combating COVID-19 and its lingering effects.
Understanding COVID-19 Challenges and Cannabis Solutions
In 2020, the world witnessed a significant medical challenge with the outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This global health crisis prompted an urgent need for effective treatments and therapies.
Amidst the search for viable solutions, the potential of cannabis, especially its compounds like CBD (cannabidiol) and various flavonoids, has come into the spotlight. Historically known for its medicinal properties, cannabis has been a subject of interest in various medical research areas.
Recent studies have begun to explore the potential of cannabis compounds in combating COVID-19.1-3 Investigations into CBD have focused on its anti-inflammatory properties, which could be crucial in managing the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 cases.1
Additionally, the role of cannabis flavonoids is being examined for their possible antiviral effects, particularly in how they interact with the virus’s entry pathways in the body.2
The implications of cannabis use extend beyond direct antiviral actions. Research is also exploring its potential for alleviating various symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as pain, headaches, and cognitive dysfunctions. These symptoms often persist in what is known as ‘Long COVID’, a condition where patients experience lingering effects long after recovering from the virus.3
As the scientific community continues to explore the role of cannabis in COVID-19 management, this article aims to provide an informative overview of current research findings. While the integration of cannabis-based treatments into mainstream medicine is still in its early stages, understanding its potential and limitations is crucial for developing effective COVID-19 management strategies.
The Mechanism Behind Cannabis’ Therapeutic Effects on COVID-19
As the scientific community delves deeper into the fight against COVID-19, the potential of cannabis to mitigate the virus’s impact has come to the forefront. This section examines the underlying mechanisms that position cannabis, particularly CBD and its flavonoids, as promising candidates in this battle.
CBD’s Role in Combating COVID-19
CBD, a prominent component of cannabis, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, drawing attention as a potential therapeutic agent for acute COVID-19 infections. Research led by Augusta University in Georgia, USA, has significantly contributed to understanding CBD’s role.1
Their study employed a mouse model of ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), a severe inflammatory lung condition often triggered by COVID-19. Typically, ARDS is characterized by:
- A cytokine storm1
- An overwhelming release of immune molecules1
- An increase in inflammatory leukocytes1
The findings revealed that CBD could reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNFα, and inhibit the migration of leukocytes, including neutrophils and macrophages (Fig. 1). This action suggests a decrease in inflammation.1
Moreover, CBD was observed to enhance the presence of lymphocytes in the bloodstream, bolstering the body’s immunological response against the virus (Fig. 2). These insights suggest that CBD could play a crucial role in dampening the inflammatory onslaught seen in severe COVID-19 cases.1
Exploring Cannabis Flavonoids in COVID-19 Prevention
The potential of cannabis flavonoids in fighting COVID-19 has also been a focus of research, particularly at Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts, USA. Their studies employed computational models to analyze how flavonoids, such as caflanone, Equivir, hesperetin, myricetin, and Linebacker, interact with the ACE2 receptor, a key entry point for the virus in the respiratory system.2
The study concluded that these flavonoids exhibited similar or greater affinity to bind to the ACE2 receptor than chloroquine, a medication previously used in COVID-19 treatment. Notably, the flavonoid caflanone showed the potential to inhibit various viral entry factors, including AXL-2, which plays a role in the virus’s transmission.2
These findings highlight the potential of cannabis flavonoids as effective agents in preventing the entry and spread of the virus, offering a promising avenue for therapeutic development.2
Current and Potential Applications of Cannabis for COVID-19 Treatment
Emerging research from the UK has been pivotal in exploring the role of CBMPs (cannabis-based medicinal products) in managing Long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms that continue after the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This segment provides insights into how CBMPs could potentially alleviate symptoms like pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, headaches, and cognitive dysfunctions commonly associated with COVID-19.3
Pain, Headaches, and Migraines Management with CBMPs
Meta-analyses indicate moderate evidence supporting CBMPs in reducing chronic pain. Real-world data from a UK registry reveals that cannabis prescriptions have consistently reduced pain symptomatology while improving the overall quality of life, mood, and sleep in chronic pain patients.3
Notably, there’s also a significant reduction in opioid usage among these patients. Systematic reviews further corroborate these findings, reporting a decrease in both the frequency and duration of migraine headaches following CBMP treatment.3
Alleviating Anxiety & Depression with Cannabis Compounds
CBD, a key component of CBMPs, has been suggested as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders, including those stemming from prolonged inflammation in COVID-19. Real-world evidence and observational studies highlight the effectiveness of CBMPs in reducing anxiety symptoms and enhancing patient well-being and sleep. However, more research is needed to determine the most effective CBMPs, along with appropriate dosing and treatment duration for anxiety relief.3
Regarding depression, the evidence for CBMPs is more limited compared to anxiety. Nevertheless, observational studies suggest that CBMPs can play a role in lessening depression symptoms, even in patients treated primarily for other conditions. Additionally, an observational study on patients with conditions like fibromyalgia reported notable reductions in fatigue with CBMP treatment.3
CBMPs and Cognitive Function Improvement
Studies have demonstrated cognitive improvements following treatment with high-CBD CBMPs. For instance, a small clinical trial using the CBMP nabiximols in ADHD patients indicated a trend towards improved cognitive performance and activity levels after six weeks.3
Another observational study reported enhanced cognitive functions and task performance after three months of CBMP treatment, with brain activation patterns showing similarities to healthy controls. Longitudinal studies further suggest that continuous CBMP usage may improve cognitive function over 12 months. This evidence points to the potential of CBMPs in addressing cognitive dysfunctions related to Long COVID.3
In a Nutshell
As we navigate the complexities of COVID-19 management, the role of cannabis and its derivatives emerges as a compelling area of study. From CBD’s remarkable anti-inflammatory effects to the intriguing role of cannabis flavonoids in blocking viral entry, the discoveries are both exciting and promising. The impact of CBMPs on easing the persistent and often debilitating symptoms of long-term COVID further underscores the significance of this research.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of this versatile plant, we eagerly invite your engagement and curiosity. Share your thoughts, experiences, or any questions in the comments below – let’s ignite a passionate and informative discussion together!
References
- Khodadadi H, Salles ÉL, Jarrahi A, Chibane F, Costigliola V, Yu JC, Vaibhav K, Hess DC, Dhandapani KM, Baban B. Cannabidiol modulates cytokine storm in acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by simulated viral infection using synthetic RNA. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. 2020 Sep 1;5(3):197-201.
- Ngwa W, Kumar R, Thompson D, Lyerly W, Moore R, Reid TE, Lowe H, Toyang N. Potential of flavonoid-inspired phytomedicines against COVID-19. Molecules. 2020 Jun 11;25(11):2707.
- Thurgur H, Schlag AK, Iveson E, Hosseini A, Lynskey M, Nutt DJ. Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for the treatment of Long COVID symptoms: Current and potential applications. Exploration of Medicine. 2023 Aug 31;4(4):487-503.
