According to three recently released studies, top researchers at the University of South Carolina reckon that THC, a chemical found in cannabis and causes an individual to get ‘high’, may be used to treat a fatal complication resulting from a coronavirus infection.
Co-published by Prakash Nagarkatti, USC Vice President for Research, the studies discovered that THC, a potent and mind-altering chemical, is capable of preventing a damaging immune response that leads to ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) that gives to the growth of healthy lung bacteria. The tests were done on mice.
The studies were published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, Frontiers in Pharmacology as well as the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The briefs’ stated that the mice were given a toxin which prompted the negative immune reaction that caused ARDS, then injected with THC.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome works by overriding the immune system of the body and starts damaging the body’s lungs as well as other organs. According to a study carried out by the National Institutes of Health this year, the average mortality rate of ARDS is 43%. Among survivors who were not fatally affected, it may result in long-term scarring of lung tissue.
Nagarkatti stated that in the three distinct studies and the dozens of experiments that were carried out, 100% of the rodents that were given THC pulled through. Nagarkatti noted that he was impressed with the efficacy of how potent THC was in helping treat ARDS, despite the fact that it had only been done in mice.
He also added that as of now, there was no drug approved by the FDA that could be used to treat Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. He recommended that given the effectiveness of the experiments, health officials should begin human trials using THC.
Nevertheless, this does not make it a good idea for individuals to smoke cannabis if they believe they have coronavirus. This is because THC represses the immune system’s response which may make the coronavirus infection more severe.
Nagarkatti added that it was important to note that their research should not be interpreted as “Cannabis is good for coronavirus.” His research also shows that THC could be used (if approved for human trials) for a patient who has developed severe ARDS but not for all coronavirus patients.
These studies were produced by both Mitzki Nagarkatti and Prakash Nagarkatti, USC’s top researchers. The Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology department is chaired by Mitzki.
This news that THC could help patients with COVID-19 is likely to be applauded by cannabis companies like Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) who believe the full benefits of marijuana are yet to be discovered.
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