Compounds found in hemp may prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells, according to a new study published in the Journal of Natural Products.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that a pair of cannabinoid acids bind to the spike protein in SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This blocks the spike protein from binding with angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors. The spike protein hooks onto the ACE 2 receptors that are located in the lining of the lungs and other organs, which is how the virus infects people, health experts explained to Fox News.
“That means cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells,” said Richard Van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute in the Oregon State University release.
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