AI Article Synopsis

  • - The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted research into new drugs and treatments that focus on modifying the immune response to control inflammation, particularly through the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids like Cannabidiol (CBD).
  • - High levels of inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, are linked to severe complications in COVID-19 patients, and cannabinoids may help reduce these cytokine storms by regulating immune cell activity.
  • - While CBD is considered safe and may benefit COVID-19 management, careful consideration of dosing, medication interactions, and side effects is necessary before use in clinical settings.

Article Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis affecting millions of people worldwide. Along with vaccine development, there is also a priority to discover new drugs and treatments. One approach involves modulating the immune system to manage inflammation and cytokine storms. Patients with a high severity of complications exhibit a high level of inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6, in the airways and other infected tissues. Several studies have reported the function of the endocannabinoid system in regulating inflammation and different immune responses. Cannabinoids are a class of natural chemicals found in the Cannabis plant. Recently, the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids and their mediatory immunosuppression mechanisms through the endocannabinoid system have engrossed scientists in the health field for infectious conditions. Research suggests that the immune system can regulate cytokine activation through cannabinoid receptors, particularly with Cannabidiol (CBD), the second most prevalent compound in cannabis. While CBD has been deemed safe by the World Health Organization and shows no signs of abuse potential, excessive CBD use may lead to respiratory depression. CBD shows promise in reducing immune cell recruitment and cytokine storms in organs affected by SARS-CoV2. However, before clinical use, it's crucial to evaluate cannabinoid-based medications' active ingredient concentrations and potential interactions with other drugs, along with associated side effects. Indication-based dosing, consistent formulations, and ensuring purity and potency are essential. This review highlights cannabinoids' effects on COVID-19 management and prognosis, drawing from preclinical and clinical studies.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11269557PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13337-024-00871-0DOI Listing

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