A new study published in The Journal of Leukocyte Biology 2013 has found exciting preliminary research which indicates that THC, one of the main compounds in marijuana, may have HIV fighting capabilities.
This study validates past research which also found marijuana’s compounds to be helpful in treating those with HIV and AIDS.
The research team which conducted the study is from the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Researchers infected macrophages (a type of white blood cell which fights certain infections) with the HIV-1 virus, before then exposing cell cultures to a synthesized THC that specifically target the CB2 receptor.
After a week, these cell cultures, were compared against a control group and tests revealed a clear decrease in the rate of HIV-1 infection. Essentially, the macrophages had become stronger at keeping the HIV-1 virus out.
Marijuana and AIDS
Dr. Sunil Kumar Aggarwal explains how medical cannabis has been a benefit to patients dealing with AIDS.
> New Study Finds THC May Be Helpful in Combating HIV | The Joint Blog
