Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) stem and root extracts manifest antiviral activity against influenza virus through multiple mechanisms in vitro

초록

Influenza viruses remain a major global health threat, causing seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although vaccination is the primary preventive measure, its effectiveness is often compromised by frequent antigenic drift and shift. In addition, the emergence of drug-resistant strains has diminished the efficacy of currently available antiviral drugs. These challenges highlight the urgent need to develop novel antiviral agents with broad-spectrum activity and alternative mechanisms of action. In this study, we investigated the antiviral properties of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) extracts and organic solvent fractions against influenza A virus in vitro. The hemp extracts and fractions exhibited potent virucidal activity at non-cytotoxic concentrations. In addition, the extracts and fractions inhibited biological functions of viral surface proteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Time-of-addition experiments revealed that the extracts and fractions maintained antiviral activity when administered before, during, or after viral infection. Notably, pre-treatment to cells with the extracts prior to viral infection also suppressed viral replication. Collectively, these findings indicate that hemp extracts and fractions possess both therapeutic and prophylactic potential against influenza A virus infection. Our results suggest that hemp represents a promising natural source for the development of novel antiviral agents targeting influenza A viruses.

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