Israeli-based technology firm Eybna, who specialize in isolating and testing components from the cannabis plant, say that working in conjunction with Cannasoul – another leader in cannabis research and development — they have discovered a combination of terpenes and CBD with the potential to manage the symptoms of COVID-19, or even to prevent infection altogether.
It’s a bold claim, but the formulation, coded named NT-VRL was made possible by teaming Eybna’s large database of cannabis ingredients with advanced data-mining and formulation design methodologies, allowing the team to research and isolate terpenes with increased anti-inflammatory properties and then to optimize their ratios.
“[It] enabled us to develop and manufacture a patented data-driven terpene formulation that is effective, safe, and synergetic,” according to Nadav Eyal, Eybna’s CEO and co-founder.
NT-VRL consists of CBD (cannabidiol) from the cannabis plant, together with terpenes from sources such as eucalyptol, beta caryophyllene, and citral. Said Eyal: “With the lack of safe anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs, we decided to put our knowledge and formulation technology to the test — by demonstrating…efficacy [of this terpene / cannabinoid mix] versus dexamethasone, a steroid which has many unknown side effects. The results of this study exceeded our expectations.”
Eybna claims the composition to be safe and effective, with the 30-ingredient natural formulation avoiding the high concentration of single ingredients, found in most pharmaceuticals. “The data-driven formulation works via various mechanisms of action in our body, making it more effective,” Eyal said, adding that NT-VRL is being peer-reviewed in 11 studies currently.
Testing is starting with Human Coronavirus strain E229 (HCoV-E229), which has similar properties to COVID-19 but is regarded as safer to work within lab settings, but Eybna plans to work with a variety of COVID-19 strains in the near future.
The company is currently expanding by opening a new facility in the United States and developing new partnerships, and their research potential is expected to continue growing rapidly.
Sources: Cannabis Culture, MDPI