Treating Covid -19 with CBDa:CBGa

By Billee Sharp

A few weeks ago I went down with my second Covid-19 infection.

Mercifully the symptoms, the sneezes, aching joints, loss of appetite and fatigue were not as severe as they were during my first infection with the Omicron variant a year ago.

The dominant variant in the U.S. currently is EG.5, a descendant of the Omicron variant. Omicron is no longer circulating and neither is the original Covid strain or the dangerous Alpha or Delta variants.

Nevertheless, EG.5 is a “variant of concern” according to the World Health Organisation. This is because EG.5 has a mutation which makes it significantly more contagious and potentially severe for vulnerable people.

I started taking Synergy’s Super Immune capsules after I had tested negative for the virus but while I was still experiencing symptoms, particularly fatigue and loss of appetite. I have been taking 50g daily and both my fatigue, which presented physically and cognitively and my lack of appetite began to recover immediately. I found that I could do more physically, even the massive basket of laundry! I also found my ability to concentrate on writing projects improved and my spirits lifted.

I’ve been doing a little research on the booster immunizations that are currently available as I have already had five doses of the vaccination since 2021 which seems like a lot!

So the current booster shot was developed to protect against the XBB.1.5 which is a closely related predecessor of EG.5. This indicates a good degree of protection as of the similar genetic coding of the sub variants of Omicron.

I’ve decided that I will continue to take the Super Immune capsules to prevent reinfection. The research shows the CBDa and CBGa block the spike protein of Covid virus’ and offer cellular protection from other RNA viruses like the common cold and influenza.

I’m very aware that my health relies on my immune system functioning and my ECS operating at full capacity. Taking CBDa and CBGa in full spectrum form has proved to be a huge support for my overall health.

Synergy Wellness has an ongoing sale on it’s Super Immune full spectrum capsules containing CBDa and CBGa, #241. Normally $75, these capsules are $60. We are extending the sale another month, till November 30th.

Full Disclosure on Full Spectrum Terpenes

Full Spectrum extraction is the most complete rendition of a plant's constituents, nothing is lost and nothing is added. Understandably this has many benefits for therapeutic use. Full spectrum cannabis extract contains all available cannabinoids and terpenes and both of these valuable compounds work with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote healthy functionality through the body.

Understanding the role of terpenes in cannabis and the ways that they interact in the human body has been a topic of interest to medical researchers seeking to unravel the pathways of the ECS. We now know that terpenes can activate CB1 receptors just like cannabinoids, and that they are present in many other plants.

So terpenes are the hydrocarbon compounds responsible for aroma and flavor in a plant, for example pinene, is the dominant terpene present in pine trees and gives that distinctive pine smell and resin. Cannabis can contain many terpenes simultaneously but often there is one terpene that dominates.

Beta-Caryophyllene is a terpene that has been much researched in recent years. Taking a closer look at the studies on this terpene demonstrates the potential of terpenes to support health.

Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is one of the most frequently found terpenes in cannabis plants. It is characterized by its spicy and peppery flavor and is also present in a variety of other plants: black pepper, basil, oregano, cinnamon, hops, rosemary, cloves, citrus and leafy greens. Researchers have designated BCP as a “dietary cannabinoid” because it occurs in so many edible plants. Not surprisingly BCP is approved by the FDA for use as flavoring and fragrance.

Recent medical research studying BCP has found that the compound has value in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic pain and substance abuse. BCP is known to be a weak agonist at CB1 receptor sites and a strong agonist at the CB2 receptor site; ( “agonist” in this context means a substance that has a physiological impact at a receptor site.) The CB2 receptor plays an important role in immune function and inflammation. Research shows that BCP also interacts with PPARS

(peroxisome proliferator activated receptors) found on the surface of a cell's nucleus. CBD also activates PPARs which are regulators of energy levels and metabolism.

Researchers in Turin, Italy published their study on the effects of BCP on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the International Journal of Molecular Science in March, 2023. The research found that diseased liver cells improved and that this was achieved through the activation of CB2 receptors and two types of PPARs receptors.

A 2014 Chinese study from the Chongqing Medical School investigated neurological effects of BCP by studying a mouse model trial for Alzheimers. They found that CB2 activation and PPAR pathways as mediators of BCP prevented cognitive impairment. Further research into the neuroprotective properties of terpenes may lead to viable treatment for neurodegenerative conditions in humans.

A new Iranian study published in 2022 focussed on the anti-oxidant and immune modulating effects of BCP. The study showed the terpene reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Again CB2 and PPAR receptors were observed to be the main mechanisms of action.

Lastly, a Brazilian study in 2022 looked at BCP’s effect on animal models of addiction to cocaine, nicotine and methamphetamines. They found BCP prevented or reversed cellular behavioral changes resulting from drug exposure, again CB2 and PPAR receptors were the mechanism of action.

The new discoveries about terpenes increase our understanding of the ECS and show clearly the benefits of the entourage effects of full spectrum extractions. The more we learn about terpenes the more we realize that the natural world has much to offer us for our physical wellbeing.

Further Reading:

Younossi, Zobair M et al. “The global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a systematic review.” Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) vol. 77,4 (2023): 1335-1347. doi:10.1097/HEP.0000000000000004

Cheng, Yujie et al. “β-Caryophyllene ameliorates the Alzheimer-like phenotype in APP/PS1 Mice through CB2 receptor activation and the PPARγ pathway.” Pharmacology vol. 94,1-2 (2014): 1-12. doi:10.1159/000362689

Asth, Laila et al. “Effects of β -caryophyllene, A Dietary Cannabinoid, in Animal Models of Drug Addiction.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 21,2 (2023): 213-218. doi:10.2174/1570159X20666220927115811

New Cannabinoids Just Keep On Coming

What you should know about THCV

By Dan Reich

The Cannabis plant is a treasure trove of cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds that play a part in its healing magic. More than a hundred cannabinoids have been identified so far, and THCV is one that is attracting attention for its unique qualities.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin, also known as THCV, is similar to THC on a molecular level but has distinct actions of its own on the human ECS. THCV produces a faster-acting, more-focused and stimulating sense of well being

Although THCV is not found in high concentrations in most strains, Sativas from Africa (especially landrace strains such as Durban Poison) are those which produce the most THCV. Breeders have created new strains such as Black Beauty, Doug’s Varin, Power Plant, Willie Nelson, Red Congolese and Jack the Ripper that boast high THCV content. Here at Synergy Wellness we are lucky to have Black Beauty, a Marin County bred flower that meets and exceeds most others flowers THCV content at 4%.

Diet Weed?

THCV can act as a potent appetite suppressant when combined with CBD. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as “diet weed” or “weederol.” Alternatively, when choosing between high THC, low CBD products, one’s accompanied by high THCV, such as Black Beauty do not create the dramatic “munchie affect” usually associated with THC. Because THCV does not bind to the body’s C1 receptors and may also block THC from doing so appetite stimulation can be averted. Whether to avoid appetite stimulation or to repress appetite, products containing THCV can be a useful tools that represent a whole different action and usage in Cannabis medicine. Interestingly, the effects are most enhanced when taken in low to medium doses that are not necessarily psychoactive and can therefore be used by folks who do not consider themselves THC friendly.

Diabetes

THCV has been seen to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin levels. Ongoing research into possible treatment for diabetes may reveal useful treatements for the disease.

A Robust Neuroprotector

Because it activates CB2 receptors but blocks CB1 receptors, researchers have determined that its antioxidant and neuroprotective abilities could help those suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s by reducing tremors and brain lesions and slowing the progression of the disease. There have been a number of animal based studies that have demonstrated its effectiveness. It is also showing promise in addressing severe anxiety and panic attacks in PTSD patients. Studies are forthcoming on THCV effects on epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and bacterial inflammation.

THCV is rapidly emerging as one of the most potentially useful cannabinoids in the cannabis realm.

If you are curious as to what THCV can do for you, try our Black Beauty tincture, with a 3:1 blend of THC to THCV. We recommend it for PTSD, Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Parkinson’s, tremors, pain and anxiety. Psychoactive at about 12% THC, but at smaller doses only mildly so, while enabling relief without appetite stimulation.