The recent pandemic caused by the highly infectious and contagious COVID-19 is causing unprecedented damage, affecting public health and the economy around the world. Several studies point to possible treatments for this disease using compounds produced by the Cannabis sativa plant, i.e. phytocannabinoids.
The authors of the study, recently published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, found that Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which is caused by a bacterial toxin known as staphylococcal enterotoxin, can be completely prevented by treatment with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is one of the cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is commonly observed in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and leads to respiratory and multiple organ failure.
Cannabinoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can be safely used in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, colitis, hepatitis, among others. The physiological effects of cannabinoids are mediated by the endocannabinoid system, which consists of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), the endocannabinoids and their metabolic enzymes. The endocannabinoid system is widely distributed in the human body and this property makes it an optimal candidate for the application of cannabinoid therapies.
Once again Cannabis demonstrates its medical value and health benefits.
AUTHOR: DINAFEM