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Terpenes and Cannabidiol against Human Corona and Influenza Viruses – Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral in Vitro Evaluation

Authors

Lior Chatow, Adi Nudel, Nadav Eyal, Silvia Ramirez, Einat Zelinger, Iris Nesher, Richard Boxer


Published

January 17,  2024

Abstract

The activity of the terpenes and Cannabidiol (CBD) against human coronavirus (HCoV) strain OC43 and influenza A (H1N1) was evaluated in human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells). Also, we examined whether these ingredients inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The tested preparations exhibited both anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. The combination of terpenes was effective against both HCoV-OC43 and influenza A (H1N1) virus. The addition of CBD improved the antiviral activity in some, but not all cases. This variation in activity may suggest an antiviral mechanism. In addition, there was a strong correlation between the quantitative results from a cell-viability assay and the cytopathic effect after 72 h, as observed under a microscope. The anti-inflammatory properties of terpenes were demonstrated using a pro-inflammatory cytokine-inhibition assay, which revealed significant cytokine inhibition and enhanced by the addition of CBD.

Citations

Chatow, L., Nudel, A., Eyal, N., Ramirez, S., Zelinger, E., Nesher, I., & Boxer, R. (2024). Terpenes and Cannabidiol against Human Corona and Influenza Viruses-Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral in Vitro Evaluation. Biotechnology Reports, e00829.