CBDa CBGa and the Battle of COVID
Could CBDa or CBGa assist in the fight against COVID?
Recent research may have discovered that CBDa and CBGa may have the potential to prevent the COVID virus from entering human cells. However, it’s important to note that grabbing any bottle of CBD oil isn’t going to be a magic cure or prevention method for contracting or fighting COVID.
In the following article, we’ll take a closer look at the research and studies behind this latest discovery and what the future may hold for minor cannabinoids such as CBGa and CBDa.
What Are CBDa and CBGa?
When you purchase any CBD or CBG products, there is literally zero CBGa or CBDa remaining in the finished product. This is because during the extraction and processing stage, the product is heated, and the natural decarboxylation process converts CBGa and CBDa into CBG and CBD when heated.
- CBDa – CBDa stands for Cannabidiolic Acid. It’s the precursor molecule for CBD (cannabidiol). CBD has one less carbon atom than CBDa.
- CBGa – CBGa stands for Cannabigerolic Acid. It’s the precursor to CBG. Interestingly, CBGa is the precursor for every cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, which is another reason why there is very little present in the cannabinoid products you purchase.
Does CBDa or CBGa Prevent COVID?
CBDa and CBGa are natural compounds that are derived from the cannabis plant. Recent research has discovered that they effectively neutralize SARS-COV-2 virus cells.
A study which was led by Oregon State University researcher Richard Van Breemen was published in January in the Journal of Natural Products that concluded that CBDa and CBGa could bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, potentially blocking the COVID virus’s ability to infect humans.
Both CBDa and CBGa are precursors to CBD and CBG and are typically only found in unprocessed cannabis and hemp plants rather than processed oils and tinctures. They aren’t typically going to be found in many ordinary CBD or CBG products because the manufacturing process eliminates them, converting them to CBD or CBG.
This means that if you are searching for CBGa or CBDa, you really need to look for products that specifically contain these precursor compounds rather than grabbing any CBD or CBG products.
Equally important, the research also indicated that hemp compounds were similarly effective against different variants of SRS-CoV-2, which includes variant B.1.1.7, which first appeared in the United Kingdom, and B.1.351, which was first seen in South Africa. Both variants quickly spread around the world.
“These variants are well known for evading antibodies against early lineage SARS-CoV-2, which is obviously concerning given that current vaccination strategies rely on the early lineage spike protein as an antigen,” said van Breemen. “Our data show CBDA and CBGA are effective against the two variants we looked at, and we hope that trend will extend to other existing and future variants.”
“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 Van Breemen in the Oregon State University release.
CBGa and CBDa are just two of over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified so far in the cannabis and hemp plant. While both compounds may not be as famous as the two primary cannabinoids, CBD and THC, it doesn’t make them any less significant, and only time and research will truly discover everything that these precursor cannabinoids have to offer.
It’s important to note two things about CBGa and CBDa. First, these are initial studies only and shouldn’t be used as medical advice. More clinical trials are needed before we can make any definitive medical claims about either CBGa or CBDa.
In almost all CBD or CBG products, there is little to no CBDa or CBGa present due to the natural decarboxylation process, which occurs when the raw materials are heated during processing. Therefore, if you are searching for either CBGa or CBGa, then you should try to source products that specifically contain these cannabinoids rather than CBD or CBG.
CBDa CBGa and the Battle of COVID – Conclusion
Now you should have a clear idea of the potential of CBDa and CBGa to assist in the battle against COVID. As the battle against COVID continues, finding natural ways to combat the virus is as essential as it was in the beginning.
It’s important to mention that all data and studies are only in their preliminary stages. More clinical trials are required before we can make any definitive medical claims about CBDa and CBGa and their ability to fight COVID. Read also greening Out from Edibles Causes and Remedies
If you have any questions about CBGa or CBDa or would like to learn more, then please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly. Our friendly and professional team will only be too happy to assist you.