New Study Suggests Terpenes and CBD May Help Block COVID-19 and Flu Viruses

Key Takeaways:

• Terpenes may form a protective layer that prevents viruses like COVID-19 and influenza from entering human cells.

• CBD and terpenes can reduce inflammation, especially in the lungs, which is crucial during viral infections.

• Lab tests showed strong antiviral effects, but more research is needed before clinical use.

• These natural compounds may support vaccines and treatments, especially when access to medical care is limited.

• The study, which was published in a peer-reviewed journal, was conducted by a UCLA Health professor in collaboration with Israeli scientists.

Natural Compounds with Powerful Effects

In a new study from UCLA Health and researchers in Israel, scientists explored how two naturally occurring compounds—terpenes and CBD (cannabidiol)—might offer protection against some of the world’s most dangerous viruses.

Terpenes, found in many plants including cannabis, are aromatic oils responsible for the way plants smell. Think of the sharp citrus smell in lemon or the calming aroma of lavender—those are terpenes at work. CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, meaning it won’t get you high, but it has a growing reputation for its therapeutic properties.

How They Work: Blocking Viruses and Calming the Body

In controlled lab experiments, researchers discovered that specific terpenes could coat human lung cells and prevent viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and influenza A from entering the cells. That’s a big deal—if a virus can’t enter a cell, it can’t reproduce and cause illness.

But the benefits didn’t stop there.

Viral infections can trigger what’s known as a “cytokine storm”, where the body’s immune system goes into overdrive, causing harmful inflammation. This overreaction can be just as dangerous as the virus itself. The study found that terpenes help regulate the body’s inflammatory response by reducing these cytokines. Even more, when CBD was added to the mix, the anti-inflammatory effects were significantly stronger.

Science-Backed, But Not a Cure (Yet)

While the study shows promise, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. These findings are based on preclinical research done in the lab. Scientists still need to conduct clinical trials on humans to verify these compounds’ effectiveness in real-world conditions.

The research was led by Dr. Richard Boxer, a clinical professor at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, in partnership with an Israeli biotech company. Their work was published in the peer-reviewed journal Biotechnology Reports, lending credibility to the scientific community.

What This Could Mean for the Future

As viruses continue to evolve and vaccine access remains uneven across the globe, natural alternatives or supplements like CBD and terpenes could provide additional protection, especially in vulnerable populations. They aren’t replacements for vaccines or medical treatment, but they may become part of a broader toolkit for staying healthy during viral outbreaks.

For now, consumers interested in trying terpene or CBD products should always consult with healthcare providers and ensure they are using high-quality, lab-tested products from reputable sources.

Final Thoughts

Nature has always provided healing tools—from herbs and roots to modern-day plant compounds like CBD. With research like this paving the way, we’re starting to understand just how powerful these natural elements can be, not just for wellness, but potentially for viral defense, too.