What Is Cannabigerol (CBG)? Other Names: 2-[(2E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-Dienyl]-5-Pentylbenzene-1,3-Diol, CBG

What is Cannabigerol (CBG)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the many cannabinoids that have been identified, and it is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Chemical Properties and Origin

CBG is derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is the precursor to other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. During the growth of the cannabis plant, CBGA is converted into these other cannabinoids, leaving only a small amount of CBG in the mature plant. This makes CBG a minor cannabinoid, typically found in lower concentrations compared to THC and CBD1.

Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. For instance, it has shown promise in reducing inflammation and fibrosis in liver diseases such as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)1. Additionally, CBG has been found to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, suggesting its potential use in preventing infections in surgical settings3.

Appetite Stimulation

CBG has also been identified as a novel appetite stimulant. In studies with pre-satiated rats, CBG increased food intake and meal frequency without adverse neuromotor effects, indicating its potential use in conditions like cachexia2.

Effects on Sleep and Quality of Life

Research into CBG’s effects on sleep and quality of life is ongoing. A study involving U.S. Veterans explored CBG’s impact on sleep quality and PTSD-related symptoms. While the study did not find a statistically significant difference between CBG and placebo groups, it highlighted CBG’s favorable safety profile, suggesting the need for further research4 5.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of CBG, particularly in oral fluid, have been studied in the context of cannabis consumption. CBG, along with other cannabinoids, shows different absorption and detection patterns depending on the method of cannabis administration, such as smoking, vaporizing, or oral consumption6.

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Adverse Effects of Cannabigerol (CBG)

Neuromotor Effects: In a study on rats, CBG did not produce any adverse neuromotor effects, even at high doses (up to 240 mg/kg)1.

Liver Health: In a study on mice with diet-induced liver disease, high doses of CBG increased inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting potential liver damage at elevated doses2.

General Safety: In a clinical trial involving veterans, CBG was associated with five mild, non-serious adverse events, indicating a generally favorable safety profile at the doses tested (up to 50 mg daily)3.

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How has Cannabigerol (CBG) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Sleep and Quality of Life

A study on Veterans with sleep issues found that both CBG and placebo groups showed improvements in sleep quality and quality of life, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. This suggests that while CBG may have a favorable safety profile, its efficacy in improving sleep remains inconclusive1.

The Veterans ECS21 study is designed to further explore CBG’s effects on sleep in a larger cohort of U.S. Veterans, using a decentralized approach to enhance participation and data collection3.

Inflammation and Liver Health

In a preclinical study on mice with diet-induced Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), low-dose CBG was found to reduce hepatic fibrosis and inflammation. However, high doses of CBG increased liver damage, indicating that dosage is critical in determining CBG’s therapeutic effects2.

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Cannabigerol (CBG) Mechanisms of Action

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: CBG has been shown to modulate inflammation by interacting with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. In a study on a NASH model, low doses of CBG reduced hepatic fibrosis and inflammation, potentially through decreased expression of these receptors and reduced mast cell activity, which in turn lowered transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression1. Additionally, CBG-coated meshes inhibited cytokine secretion from macrophages, further supporting its anti-inflammatory properties3.

Antibacterial Properties: CBG exhibits antibacterial effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro studies demonstrated that CBG-coated meshes significantly inhibited bacterial growth and biofilm formation, suggesting its potential use in preventing infections, especially in surgical settings3.

Appetite Stimulation: CBG has been identified as an appetite stimulant. In pre-satiated rats, CBG increased food intake and meal frequency without adverse neuromotor effects, indicating its potential utility in conditions like cachexia2.

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Common Complaints Associated with Cannabigerol (CBG)

Inflammation and Fibrosis at High Doses: In a study on Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), high doses of CBG were found to increase inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, suggesting that dosage is a critical factor in its safety profile2.

Mild Adverse Events: In a trial involving Veterans with sleep issues, CBG was associated with five mild, non-serious adverse events. The specific nature of these events was not detailed, but they were not severe enough to halt the study3.

Lack of Significant Efficacy in Sleep Improvement: Although CBG was tested for improving sleep quality, the results did not show a statistically significant difference compared to placebo, indicating that its efficacy in this area may be limited or require further investigation3.

Safety and Efficacy Considerations

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties: CBG has shown potential in reducing inflammation and bacterial growth, particularly in surgical applications, without significant toxicity to epithelial cells1.

Dose-Dependent Effects: The effects of CBG can vary significantly with dosage, as seen in its impact on liver inflammation and fibrosis, highlighting the importance of careful dose management2.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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