CBD and CBG mechanisms can treat post-influenza superinfection

Influenza left the chat in 2020. Meanwhile, Covid-19 has stolen the limelight – especially in the statistics. Scientists urged that strains of coronavirus were atypical for the flu. Harder to ignore, however, is how mechanisms related to CBD and CBG treat Covid-19 and Superinfections after influenza.

Influenza can weaken the immune system and cause serious infections. Such an infection affects other mechanisms in the body compared to Covid-19. But both diseases dramatically disrupt endocannabinoid synthesis.

PPARS and ECS share a common command

PPA (peroxisome proliferator-activated) receptors are signal substances that sneak into the endocannabinoid system indirectly. Their role is to regulate many systems in the body, from fatty acid metabolism to genetics. To sum it up with an example, an increase (proliferation) of oxidative stress in cells (peroxisome) occurs when members of the ECS break down in the body.

ECS metabolites therefore activate PPARs. And the activation of the regulator, in turn, maintains the breakdown of endocannabinoids and other lipids. However, excessive activation of the messenger substance can suppress the immune system.

The endocannabinoid system acts as an on-demand control board during Covid and post-influenza superinfections. And the ECS deploys PPARs as three major generals to command a complex army of lipids and immune agents. PPARs turn off cytokines and inflammatory agents that inflame and kill human tissues, but in excess they allow superinfection.

Phytos and Endos against influenza

In January 2020, we proposed the analysis of CBGa as a treatment for coronavirus due to its role as a PPAR agonist. More than a year later, CBGa made headlines for its ability to block Sars-Cov2 in a test tube. Earlier this year, independent research identified endocannabinoid-like metabolites that regulate key components of deadly Covid-19 infections. And research from Philadelphia published this month discovered a balancing act that occurs after influenza. Interestingly, CBD and CBG could fit separate targets to control the balance in case of superinfection.

Activating PPARs helps resolve inflammation and return the body to homeostasis. And resolving inflammation helps prevent tissue damage. Research from Philadelphia highlighted the role of the endocannabinoidome in suppressing inflammation, but neglected phytocannabinoids.

Not too much CBG and just a pinch of CBD

CYP inhibition is a commonly discussed effect of CBD. CYP (cytochrome P450) enzymes in the liver break down drugs, toxins, and other molecules that CBD blocks. But endocannabinoid-like molecules activate PPARs after CYP450 enzymes break them down. Because of this, excessive CYP inhibition exacerbates infections.

Philadelphia researchers omitted phytocannabinoids from their study, but their conclusion supports CBD’s dual role. CBD prevents the breakdown of a PPAR agonist known as PEA, a lipid related to anandamide. While CBG directly activates PPARs and CBD helps clear post-flu superinfection.

Sources showing how CBD and CBG mechanisms can treat influenza

  1. Lucarelli R, Gorrochotegui-Escalante N, Taddeo J, Buttaro B, Beld J, Tam V. Eicosanoid-activated pparα inhibits nfκb-dependent bacterial clearance during post-influenza superinfection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022;0.

Post a comment:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *