Can Cannabis sativa derivatives the potential to limit the severity and progression of COVID-19? A literature review

Abstract

The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a serious global health crisis. Thus, the hypothesis has been raised that use of Cannabis sativa L. derivatives has the potential to act as a complement in the treatment of COVID-19. In this context, the objective of this study was to identify the existing scientific evidence, to date, on the efficacy of using C. sativa derivatives in the treatment of COVID-19. The search for the articles was performed using the CENTRAL, Google Scholar, Lilacs, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus and Web of Science databases. In these searches, the descriptors Cannabis, marijuana, marijuana, cannabidiol, cannabidiol, COVID-19 and Sars-CoV-2 were used in combination or not. Of 62 articles found, there are only two original studies, one in molecular modelling and the other in three-dimensional cell culture, met the eligibility criteria. Two records were found on ClinicalTrial.gov Extracts of C. sativa with a high cannabidiol content showed anti-inflammatory properties, ability to deregulate the angiotensin-converting enzyme and transmembrane serine protease 2 and improved inspiratory lung functions. Thus, it is suggested that the derivatives of this plant could be a therapeutic option to be evaluated in new studies, as an adjunct treatment or to avoid worsening the symptoms of COVID-19, based on the existing literature and its relative safety and tolerability profile. in humans for certain medical conditions. Thus, it is necessary to carry out clinical trials so that it is possible to analyse the efficacy of the C. sativa derivatives in the treatment of COVID-19.