The Minor Cannabinoids: Understanding CBG
The Minor Cannabinoids: Understanding CBG
There are approximately 113 different cannabinoids that have been isolated from cannabis, and those that have been studied exhibit a variety of effects 1. In the marketplace, we have access to about six:
As technology improves and companies mature, new products featuring additional cannabinoids are beginning to become available, including products with delta-8 THC, THCv, and CBC. This blog will focus on CBG.
There is little research exploring the effects of CBG—research is currently limited to in vitro (tests are done in test tubes, culture dishes, or anywhere outside of a living organism) and in rodent models—there exists no clinical research in humans. One reason that so little research exists is that CBG is not typically found in high concentrations in dried or cured cannabis plants, except in industrial hemp varieties 2.
The data that is available suggests that CBG might be effective at treating the following conditions:
Inflammation
A study published in 20133 stated that CBG has anti-inflammatory properties and that it could be considered as a treatment for patients suffering from intestinal bowel disease.
Glaucoma
A 2009 study4 demonstrated that CBG might have therapeutic potential for the treatment of glaucoma as it might increase fluid drainage and decrease pressure in the eye.
Neurological Disorders
In a study completed in early 20155 CBG demonstrated neuroprotective effects in mice with Huntington’s disease (it protects and preserves the nerves of the brain from injury, disease, and degeneration). There is currently no effective treatment for Huntington’s disease. CBG might also provide neuroprotection in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke patients.
Cancer
A study from 20146 demonstrated that CBG inhibited the progression of colon cancer in mice7 and another study8 suggested that CBG might also help protect from prostate cancer. A very old study9 done on mice suggested that CBG might be effective at treating skin melanoma cells.
Bladder dysfunction
A study10 done in vitro suggested that CBG was the most effective cannabinoid for treating bladder dysfunctions because it decreased bladder contractions.
Appetite Issues
CBG has been shown to increase appetite in two rat-based studies conducted by researchers at the University of Reading (UK) in 201611 and 201712.
Anxiety
Dr. Bonni Goldstein has suggested that CBG can decrease anxiety and muscle tension, and appears to have antidepressant and some modest antifungal properties.
Erectile dysfunction
CBG might be a treatment for sexual dysfunction in men. Of course, reasons for sexual dysfunction are complex, and the current research is very limited.
Additionally, Radicle Health patients have reported success when using CBG to help treat anxiety, migraines, mild pain, and hot flashes.
Overall, CBG is very safe. It has no impairing effects, no toxic dose, no withdrawal effects, and no risk of addiction. CBG can be a safe option for use in pediatric and geriatric populations and in patients with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26836472
- https://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/03/cannabigerol-cbg-is-a-minor-cannabinoid-with-major-impact/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295213000543
- https://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jop.1990.6.259
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25252936
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25269802
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570006/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570006/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02976895
- https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/26197538
- https://Radiclehealthcare.com
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