CBD reduces lung damage caused by COVID-19
Introduction
We know “Long haulers” suffer a myriad of symptoms after contracting Covid-19 to include hair loss, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches and cognitive issues after supposedly being free of COVID. Cannabidiol can help not only with pain and inflammation but by preventing lung damage as well.
Sales, et al., November 2020, state “among all cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of pathological conditions”. Their assumption led to their research to determine if CBD could reduce the cytokine storm and treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). They found CBD increases the levels of a natural peptide called apelin which reduces inflammation, blood pressure, and lung damage. When CBD was administered, apelin levels increased 20 times. The researchers state their “findings may be particularly relevant to the management of COVID‐19” as it reduced the cytokine storm’ which damages the lungs and kills many Covid-19 patients.
New info shows those supposedly free of COVID can die within 140 days of being discharged from the hospital. Of 47,780 people discharged from hospitals in Britain, 29.4 percent were readmitted within 140 days and 12.3 percent of those ended up dying. Respiratory disease was diagnosed in 14,140 of the Covid-19 cases (29.6%) following discharge. 6,085 of those diagnosed with respiratory problems had no previous history of respiratory conditions. These deaths are due to complications from the disease such as the cytokine storm’ which damages the lungs.
Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response
This 2021 research study highlights CBD, and its active metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, as potential preventative agents and therapeutic treatments for SARS-CoV-2 at early stages of infection. CBD (cannabidiol) potently blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells with those human patients previously taking CBD having significantly lower SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Some definitions of importance
ARDS is a serious inflammatory lung condition responsible for the highest rate of medical complications and mortality among critically ill patients. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6308186/; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27028393/ )
Apelin is a peptide, a molecule formed by combining a small number of amino acids. In other words it is a fragment of a protein. While this may be a complex topic for many of us, if you use an anti-aging cream, youth serums or gels, or glutathione, you are using products containing peptides. Apelin is one of those peptides. Apelin is produced in the heart, liver, and kidney, and especially in lung tissue and is closely related to the development of respiratory diseases. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32128601/) In their report of August 2020, Saravi & Beer, surmised apelin or its receptor agonists (compounds which result in a beneficial response) are of great potential treatment for COVID-19.
You can learn more about Apelin and how it influences many of the functions of your body at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apelin. This is an excellent review of how Apelin influences your blood pressure, the neurons of your brain, bone formation, aging and many other body functions.
“A cytokine storm, also called hypercytokinemia, is a physiological reaction in humans and other animals in which the innate immune system causes an uncontrolled and excessive release of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules called cytokines. Normally, cytokines are part of the body’s immune response to infection, but their sudden release in large quantities can cause multisystem organ failure and death.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytokine_storm) A cytokine storm progresses rapidly, and the mortality is high. Evidence shows that, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, severe deterioration of some patients has been closely related to the cytokine storm in their bodies.
Patients with COVID-19 who require ICU admission might have the cytokine storm. It is a state of out-of-control release of a variety of inflammatory cytokines. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7260598/) Research shows CBD regulates the production of cytokines by its anti-inflammatory properties, thus it makes sense CBD should be considered when looking for therapeutic avenues to manage lung damage due to COVID19.
CBD reduces lung damage
The research by Salles, et al., mentioned at the beginning of this post, as well as the other research reported in this article reveals CBD can be effective in improving lung function with its potent anti‐inflammatory effect. Mesa Lavender Farms CBD tinctures are an option you should consider whether you are avoiding or managing COVID-19. CBD also has a positive impact on anxiety, stress, and depression, all of which are common during this pandemic.