Title:The Potential of Cannabidiol for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in
COVID-19
Volume: 29
Issue: 29
Author(s): Saeid Azimi, Fatemeh Saghafi, Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi, Mohammad Hossein Moghimi, Seyed Ali Akhavan, Masoud Khataminia, Maria Shirvani, Seyed Mojtaba Sohrevardi, Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Adeleh Sahebnasagh*Amirhossein Sahebkar*
Affiliation:
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd,
Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
Keywords:
COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cytokine, survival rate, immunosuppressant, cannabidiol.
Abstract: COVID-19 disease manifests itself in a wide range of signs and symptoms, beginning with mild
symptoms, such as fever, cough, and dyspnea, progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and
death in some cases. The cytokine storm, or an excess of cytokines released locally, is assumed to be the primary
cause of ARDS and mortality in COVID-19 patients. To enhance the survival rate of COVID-19 patients,
early management of the cytokine storm with immunomodulators is crucial. Although the effectiveness
of some immunosuppressants, such as corticosteroids and tocilizumab, has been studied in clinical trials, the
administration of these drugs should be exercised cautiously. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid
from Cannabis sativa extracts with anti-inflammatory properties. This review is intended to discuss
the possible utility of CBD for the management of COVID-19 patients, particularly those with ARDS.
