CBG or Cannabigerol - Benefits and Health Effects | An Alternative to Anti-Inflammatories?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. It is considered a "minor" cannabinoid because it is generally present in small amounts in the cannabis plant, but it is gaining increasing interest due to its potential therapeutic properties.

CBG is produced from a precursor cannabinoid called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is then converted into other cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBC as the cannabis plant matures.

CBG has unique pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. It can also act as a CB1 receptor antagonist, meaning it can reduce the psychoactive effects of THC.

How does CBG work on your body?

Cannabigerol (CBG) works by interacting with the human body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex biological system present in all mammals and is involved in the regulation of many physiological functions, such as pain, mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response.

CBG binds to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, specifically CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and peripheral tissues.

When CBG binds to cannabinoid receptors, it activates a cascade of signals that alter the activity of cells and tissues. For example, CBG binding to CB1 receptors can reduce the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which can help reduce anxiety and pain.

Additionally, CBG also acts on other ECS receptors, such as the vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) and the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, which are involved in the modulation of pain and mood.

What are the effects of CBG?

Anti-inflammatory effect:

CBG has anti-inflammatory properties, as shown by a study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. This study found that CBG was able to reduce inflammation in mice with inflammatory colitis. Another study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research showed that CBG was able to reduce skin inflammation in mice, which may be beneficial for people with inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Link to study 1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23415610
Link to study 2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28861487

Analgesic effect:

CBG may also help reduce pain. A study published in the Journal of Natural Products showed that CBG had analgesic effects in mice with chronic pain. The study also found that CBG could reduce inflammation associated with pain.

Link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26244655

Neuroprotective effect:

CBG may have a neuroprotective effect, according to a study published in the journal Neurotherapeutics. The study found that CBG could help protect nerve cells in mice with Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive and motor function.

Link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30607838

Antibacterial effect:

CBG may also have antibacterial properties. A study published in the Journal of Natural Products showed that CBG had antibacterial effects against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28466602

In conclusion, CBG may offer several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, and antibacterial properties. Although research on CBG is still limited, these findings suggest that it may be a valuable addition to treatments for several diseases. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the health effects of CBG.