U of L studies on cannabis strain’s impact on COVID advance to clinical study stage

High-CBD cannabis extracts are not psychoactive.

The Kovalchuks both have personal experience in battling the novel coronavirus.

Last November, the two doctors tested positive for COVID-19, along with members of their family. A release from the U of L states that Olga and her 73-year-old mother required supplemental oxygen but were not hospitalized.

“This is not a disease I would wish upon my worst enemy. It was brutal. We recovered, but it took quite some time. When the virus incubates, you don’t know you’re sick,” Olga stated.

“When I decided to get tested, I wasn’t feeling sick, but I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent. That’s why masks are important. I know it’s a serious disease and therefore, everything and anything that can be used to bring inflammation down is crucial. COVID rolls over you like a truck.”

The Kovalchuk’s studies have undergone the peer review process, which resulted in additional questions and suggestions, so some experiments were repeated, and additional studies were done.

The original cytokine storm studies used human 3D skin models and the later experiments used lung fibroblast cell cultures. Additional research was done using 3D lung tissues.

“Peer review is extremely important,” said Olga.

“We reproduced our original findings and also proved the impacts of the extracts in the lung tissues. These subsequent studies further substantiated our original results.”

The duo has also found a partner in United States-based Good Pharmaceutical Development Company to conduct clinical studies to test one of their C. sativa extracts in a mouthwash to see if it reduces the severity and duration of COVID-19.

“We are honoured to work with them and we’re excited that they are interested in our work,” Olga stated.

“The clinical study is ongoing, but nearing completion and we’re really hopeful.”

The Kovalchuks have continued to conduct additional experiments on the effects of high-CBD cannabis extracts on COVID. Several papers on their results are currently in progress.

The duo hopes to eventually get clinical trials going in Canada.

(Lethbridge News Now, with files from University of Lethbridge)

by Justin Goulet

U of L studies on cannabis strain’s impact on COVID advance to clinical study stage

What's Trending