The Incredible Antiviral Capabilities of CBD

In the 1990’s ethnobotanist Terence McKenna proposed a theory of human development that he called the Uptake of Novelty theory. The premise was that human culture developed through the uptake of novelty; if some new idea or technique was useful it was adopted. Incredible results from new research on CBD’s potential as an antiviral treatment shows us how the cannabinoid combats RNA virus’. An exciting novel discovery that could change modern medicine’s response in protecting against viral infections.

Early in the pandemic, research from Toronto and Oregon universities looked at treating Covid (SARS-CoV2) with CBD and saw that it could help prevent infection and also fight the virus at a cellular level. Now new research conducted on the Wuhan strain and three other VOCs (Variants of Concern) gave positive results which were consistent across virus strains. Also, it appears that CBD’s antiviral action is capable of fighting other RNA viruses: influenza, Hepatitis C, common cold, measles, mumps and even ebola! (View Source)

The new peer-reviewed research (1) used pure CBD and conducted the study using CBD from four separate suppliers, all of which tested 97% to 100% pure. Human lung cells with ACE2 receptors were treated with CBD two hours before being infected with Covid. The CBD dosage was scaled for safety in humans, it entirely prevented infection.

The same study was conducted on mice, and had the same result, 100% protection result. In a related experiment, mice infected with Covid were given CBD twice daily and showed 40% less viral particles in their lungs than the untreated control group.

This breakthrough study has detailed the actions that CBD takes to protect cells from RNA viruses, here in brief summary:

CBD is a regulator of “host stress” helping the cell respond to infection by activating anti-viral inflammatory response.

Inhibits the release of cytokines which cause the “cytokine storm” of full-blown Covid infection.

CBD and its metabolite (its molecular descendant), 7-hydroxy-cannabidiol is also antiviral and continues to work for a longer period than the initial CBD dose.

CBD acts quickly on viral infection, aiding all the host cell processes: inhibiting viral RNA expression and reversing viral-induced changes in the cell.

The evidence is clear and we hope that more clinical trials will follow and CBD medication will become accepted as protection against, and treatment for, RNA virus infections.

Synergy Wellness acted on the early research and formulated Super Immune Capsules with Dr Moskowitz, using raw CBDa and CBGa, the latter also known to have immune boosting properties. The raw acid forms of the cannabinoids were used as they are more bioavailable than their processed versions.

As the pandemic eases into its endemic status there are plenty of new Covid cases and variants circulating in the world populations.

There is also the future of CBD in regard to the treatment of other RNA viruses, we believe these discoveries will revolutionize treatment for all of these infectious diseases.

Here in California our legislation means we don’t have to wait to use the natural medicine that science has shown to be incredibly effective.

Recommended products:

#241 Synergy Wellness Super Immune Capsules, 25 mg, 30 count.

#657, #658, #359 Synergy Wellness AC/DC CBD capsules 25mg, available in 30, 60, 90 counts.

Resources:

National Library of Medicine - cbda/cbga

Science Advances - new cbd

Is CBD Effective in Treating Fibromyalgia?

Yes! Research indicates that CBD can alleviate many of its symptoms

By Dan Reich

Fibromyalgia is a complex musculoskeletal disorder characterized by widespread pain that can present as sharp or achey with amplified pain sensations. It is estimated that 2% to 4% in the general population suffer from it and it’s much more common in women than men. 

Other fibromyalgia symptoms can include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive issues (such as “brain fog”) and mood irregularities. Fibromyalgia symptoms can mimic autoimmune disease symptoms, but it is not considered an autoimmune or inflammatory condition. 

It is, as of now, unclear what causes fibromyalgia, although most research has pointed to the central nervous system, in particular the regulation of pain sensations, as a possible cause. A novel theory has emerged, however, from Dr. Ethan Russo, a neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher who believes it may lie with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is the body’s natural system of endocannabinoids and receptors that regulates a wide variety of the body’s functions and helps the body maintain a state of balance referred to as homeostasis. It manages chronic pain, inflammation, mood, learning and memory, sleep and more. Problems with each of these are frequently helped by CBD, so this theory suggests that CBD could be effective in addressing fibromyalgia’s set of symptoms, as well as the underlying cause.

Dr. Russo has theorized that an overwhelmed endocannabinoid system could result in the array of symptoms reported by fibromyalgia sufferers. In his view, a cannabinoid such as CBD might turn out to be an effective way to reboot the ECS and treat the underlying cause of fibromyalgia instead of simply treating each of the systems, as is the case with conventional medicine.

Because there is such a diverse set of symptoms, most conventional treatments involve the use of various pharmaceuticals to treat each symptom, which often consists of pain relief medications (including opioids) antidepressants, nerve blockers and sleep aids. Some doctors also add such non-pharmaceutical approaches such as tai chi, acupuncture, massage and meditation in an effort to provide relief. Exercise is also generally recommended.

Several studies have explored whether CBD and THC can play a role in mitigating the effects of fibromyalgia. One of the first of these, a Canadian study in 2010, found that a synthetic form of THC improved sleep in the majority of fibromyalgia patients, but had little effect on other symptoms. A study in 2011 reported that 81% of participants’ sleep improved, leading to a better quality of life. A 2017 study built on these findings, with participants expressing the following on their experience:

• “It lets me live a more productive life and a more fulfilling one”

• “It gives me the ability to function throughout the day”

• “I am more active and able to do things I want”

• “Distracts me from the pain and dwelling on negative thoughts” 

•  “I can think more clearly”

A turning point in the research appears to be a fibro-cannabis study from Israel in 2018 that showed all of the participants found improvement in symptoms from cannabis use and more than half ceased taking other medications. This is significant because most were taking multiple medications for the various symptoms, and many of these were opioids, anticonvulsants or other relatively intense medications. 

More recent research seems to support Dr. Russo’s theory that an ECS deficiency is at the root of fibromyalgia. A review of clinical and preclinical research into cannabinoids, the ECS, and fibromyalgia in Pharmacology & Therapeutics (December 2022), agreed that “there is evidence for alterations in the endocannabinoid system in patients with fibromyalgia.” Furthermore, a review and analysis of eight studies investigating the benefits of cannabinoids for chronic pain in Pain and Therapy (December 2022) reported that “cannabinoids might improve pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.” Yet another review, also in Pain and Therapy (January 2023) on the efficacy, risks, and benefits of cannabinoids in the treatment of various pain subtypes concluded that “available data strongly support the use of cannabinoids in treating fibromyalgia pain” due to “overwhelmingly positive treatment results.”

This recent data suggests that cannabis, whether CBD or in combination with THC, is a single treatment methodology that can replace multiple medications that have up to now been used to treat the disparate symptoms of fibromyalgia. And more importantly, by working directly with the ECS, the cannabinoids of cannabis have great promise in treating the underlying cause of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia protocol:

Here at Synergy Wellness, we found CBD is best for inflammation and THC is best for pain. The initial protocol we recommend for fibromyalgia symptoms are our Indica blend CBD-rich tinctures #103/104/105 (alcohol/olive oil/ sesame oil infusion) in a 4:1 CBD:THC ratio, which generally provides significant relief. If pain symptoms don’t respond to the 4:1 CBD:THC ratio, then a recommendation of our next stronger tinctures Balance #154,155,156 (alcohol/olive oil/sesame oil infusion), a 1:1 CBD:THC for chronic pain. Start with 5-7 drops and titrate slowly up to 30 drops.