Cannabis Extracts Found Effective in Protecting Against COVID-19

A team of scientists from the University of Lethbridge and Pathway Rx Inc., as reported by News-medical.net, have discovered that extracts from Cannabis sativa may reduce the levels of a host cell receptor used by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to enter human tissues.

Hundreds of new C. sativa strains were developed, and 23 extracts were tested on artificial 3D models of human oral, airway, and intestinal tissues. The results showed that 13 of these extracts suppressed the expression of the ACE2 receptor, which is the entry point for the coronavirus into human cells.

The ACE2 receptor is expressed in various tissues, including the lungs, nasal mucosa, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Recent research has shown high levels of ACE2 expression in the epithelial tissues of the oral cavity. Numerous tests have also indicated elevated ACE2 expression in the lower airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group at increased risk for coronavirus infection.

Reducing ACE2 levels may decrease susceptibility to the virus. Strains of C. sativa that are especially rich in cannabidiol (CBD) have previously been shown to alter gene expression and possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The effect of C. sativa on ACE2 expression was identified using 3D models of inflamed tissues.

By using artificial 3D models of human oral, airway, and intestinal tissues, researchers identified 13 C. sativa extracts with high CBD content that significantly reduced ACE2 expression. Additionally, the models allowed scientists to assess the effectiveness of individual extracts depending on tissue type and the presence or absence of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFNγ.