A team of scientists at the University of Chicago are calling for a clinical trial involving the use of CBD to help suppress the COvid-19 virus. Following tests conducted on mice and human lung cells, there is enough evidence to suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties found in CBD can not only help people recover from symptoms, but even stop the virus from replicating in the body.
Testing shows CBD could help
The University of Chicago scientists originally set out to see how CBD would affect the immune system in terms of Covid-19 exposure. It was initially thought that the product’s anti-inflammatory properties would help people recover in the aftermath of a positive Covid-19 infection, but the results surprised even them.
They discovered that exposing human lung cells to CBD two hours before exposure greatly inhibited the virus’s ability to replicate for a period of up to 6 hours. Encouraged by the results, the scientist pre-treated laboratory mice with CBD a week before exposing them to Covid-19 and found that the infection was greatly suppressed in the lungs and nasal passage of the rodents.
It’s important to note that a high-purity form of CBD was used in the trials.
Chicago scientists want clinical trials
While acknowledging there are no guarantees of CBD suppressing Covid-19 in the real world, University of Chicago Professor Marsha Rosner said the result warranted further testing. She would like to see clinical trials implemented with humans. It was her view that if the testing proved to be effective, CBD could be used to reduce the chances of becoming ill if someone was exposed to Covid-19.
Another interesting study of 1200 epilepsy sufferers showed that those treating their condition with CBD were less likely to be infected with Covid-19, which is another encouraging sign for researchers.
Warnings from researchers
The results of testing have been overall positive, however researchers have cautioned people about trying to self-medicate themselves against Covid-19 using CBD products. Professor Rosner stated that CBD should not take the place of vaccinations and other approved methods of dealing with the virus. In addition, she pointed out that buying regular CBD products may not have the same effect, as her studies were conducted with medical-grade CBD that’s usually only available with a medical prescription.
Regardless, the research is incredibly positive, and further enhances the belief that CBD can have significant health benefits when used correctly.
