Marijuana Might Decrease Deadly COVID-19 Lung Inflammation: Researchers Explain Why

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, researchers have begun to try to find services in a not likely location – the cannabis plant. Cannabis’ active compounds have a number of residential or commercial properties that make it appealing as a possible adjunct treatment for infections from the novel coronavirus, and just recently scientists have actually started taking a look at its capacity for lowering susceptibility to the illness, and even discussed whether it might be used as an antiviral medication

This month, scientists from the University of Nebraska and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute are suggesting more research study into how cannabis-derived CBD may assist treat unsafe lung swelling from the unique coronavirus. The authors detailed the evidence for how marijuana’ anti-inflammatory powers may assist in a peer reviewed short article in this month’s problem of Brain, Habits, and Resistance.

In the article, researchers describe that “recent reports have recommended that intense infection is associated with a cytokine superstorm, which adds to the symptoms of fever, cough, muscle discomfort.” These extreme circumstances of swelling can cause severe pneumonia which block the lungs, make breathing hard or difficult. So, one of the important strategies that scientists are studying in the fight against COVID-19 is minimizing swelling.

In specific, researchers are looking at drugs which reduce IL-6 cytokine activity.

That’s where cannabis comes in. The authors describe that several cannabinoids in the marijuana plant have anti-inflammatory residential or commercial properties. In particular, they indicate CBD as the most likely prospect for dealing with COVID-19 associated swelling. CBD has revealed major anti-inflammatory residential or commercial properties in previous studies, it does not produce the disorienting psychotropic effects related to marijuana’ most typical chemical THC, and it has actually currently been authorized by the FDA as safe for children with intractable epilepsy. If effective at decreasing swelling for COVID-19 patients, it might be a much safer alternative to other anti-inflammatory options.

Why do researchers think CBD can help with COVID-19, particularly?

For one thing, the authors explain that previous research study has shown that CBD can decrease a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines consisting of IL-6, the one minimized by other drugs being studied for COVID-19 CBD was also shown to reduce interleukin (IL) -2, IL-1α and β, interferon gamma, inducible protein-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and growth necrosis factor-α – all of which are associated with the pathology of serious cases of COVID-19

Previous research study likewise supports the idea that CBD can specifically lower lung inflammation. In an animal research study on asthma, CBD was able to minimize production of proinflammatory cytokine production, in fact minimizing air passage inflammation.

The authors likewise keep in mind that CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid that shows promise as an anti-inflammatory medication. Research on CBD, on the other hand, reveals it to be safe and well-tolerated with dosing as high as 1500 mg a day, for a period of up to two weeks.

While negative adverse effects are minimal with CBD, the article’s authors mention that CBD might have a side advantage for patients with the disease – decreased stress and anxiety. “The many uncertainties connected with the COVID-19 pandemic such as status of the economy, work and loss of connection can fuel depression, worry and anxiety” they describe, mentioning that the increased inflammation in COVID-19 might likewise trigger increased levels of stress and anxiety. However CBD has revealed serious pledge for the management of stress and anxiety, and may help reduce these difficult levels of tension.

No peer evaluated research studies to date show that cannabis or it’s compounds can help with COVID-19 particularly, however the authors of this short article say the proof recommending that it may assist deserves further examination. They advise that scientists begin studies to investigate whether CBD can be utilized to lower inflammation and anxiety in COVID-19 cases, as an accessory to antiviral medications.

While this doesn’t recommend cannabis ought to be thought about a treatment or treatment of COVID-19 on it’s own, it does suggest that it may have possible to assist bring down inflammation and lower stress and anxiety in those suffering from the disease.