Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Cannabinoids in COVID-19 Patients

The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus began in early 2020 and is still present. The respiratory symptoms caused by COVID-19 are well established. However, neurological manifestations that may result from direct or indirect neurological damage after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported frequently. The main proposed pathophysiological processes leading to neurological damage in COVID-19 are cerebrovascular disease and indirect inflammatory/autoimmune origin mechanisms. A growing number of studies confirm that neuroprotective measures should be maintained in COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, cannabinoids have been the subject of various studies that propose them as potentially promising drugs in chronic neurodegenerative diseases due to their powerful neuroprotective potential. In this review, we addresses the possible mechanism of action of cannabinoids as a neuroprotective treatment in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. The endocannabinoid system is found in multiple systems within the body, including the immune system. Its activation can lead to beneficial results, such as a decrease in viral entry, a reduction of viral replication, and a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha, or IFN-c through CB2R expression induced during inflammation by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the central nervous system.

Automated summary

This review discusses the neurological manifestations that may result from SARS-CoV-2 infection and explores the potential use of cannabinoids as a neuroprotective treatment. The activation of the endocannabinoid system has shown promising results in reducing viral replication and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system.