CBD for COVID-19 Prevention: New Research Shows Promise

What’s In a Name? For Spike Proteins, Everything.

If you keep up with COVID-19 news, you’ve likely recognized one of the virus’s key biological buzzwords: spike proteins. Spike, which brings to mind imagery of sharp-toothed spheres of disease, is actually very close to the scientific definition and microscopic appearance. A spike protein, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is a “glycoprotein that protrudes from the envelope of some viruses and facilitates entry of virion into a host cell.”

To effectively neutralize a COVID-19 spike protein the body needs antibodies, which form either by vaccination or previous infection. However, emerging research shows there may be a new, equally effective method of spike protein neutralization, and it’s rooted in natural wellness. In a new paper published in the American Chemical Society and American Society of Pharmacognosy, CBD showed the potential to both treat and prevent COVID-19 infection.¹ 

A Viral Affinity

Just as antibodies bind to the virus’s outer spikes to neutralize them, thus preventing the virus from infiltrating healthy host cells, cannabinoids found in CBD also demonstrated a “micromolar affinity,” or natural inclination, to bind to the spike protein.¹ In trials, cannabigerolic and cannabidiolic acids effectively bound to a COVID-19 pseudovirus and prevented entry into cells¹ — a massive finding in the ongoing COVID-19 battle.

Long-COVID Still Looms

Although the CBD study brings promising news to those actively avoiding COVID’s newest variants, research on the long-term effects of the virus in those previously infected proves startling. One paper in preprint at scientific publisher Cell reported when the COVID-19 virus binds to blood vessel-lining endothelial cells, the resulting damage has the potential to disrupt the central nervous system.²

Endothelial cells not only control enzymes responsible for blood clotting and immune functioning but also form the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the semipermeable border that separates toxins circulating in the blood from the fluid of the central nervous system.³ While blood clotting and significantly decreased immune functioning have become staples of the proinflammatory cytokine storms of severe COVID-19 infections, long-term neuroinflammation via toxic BBB infiltration may be an even more troubling side effect to dissect.

An Anti-Inflammatory Solution

Luckily, there are methods to prevent or greatly reduce neuroinflammatory brain fog and fatigue associated with long-COVID. Increasing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds is the most naturally effective way to target oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. What are a few of the best, most easily accessible sources of these compounds? Fruits, vegetables and, yes, CBD. The Cell paper particularly emphasized increased consumption of the antioxidant luteolin.² You can find the plant foods richest in luteolin here.

Healing with Plants

The conclusion of the latest COVID-19 research: Plants like CBD may have the potential to aid antibodies in virus prevention and reduce some of the worst symptoms of COVID-19 in those already infected. And for those suffering from long-COVID, an increase in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and an emphasis on anti-inflammatory supplements like CBD can go a long way in easing symptoms, helping to bring the world back to a more optimistic, balanced state of mind and body.

That’s research worth celebrating with a dose of CBD.