CBG has therapeutic effect for inflammatory diseases

With the advancement of Science in the studies of medicinal cannabis, researchers seek to understand more and more the benefits of different substances extracted from the plant. For neurologist Flávio Rezende, master and doctor in Neurology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), cannabigerol (CBG) represents a new frontier among existing phytocannabinoids. "Several preclinical studies point to CBG as a potential substance in the treatment of unmet symptoms in various medical conditions - such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease," reveals Dr. Flávio Rezende. One of the benefits is the absence of psychotropic effects, as it does not alter the patient's mood or psychological state.

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Cannabigerol was first described in 1964 by researcher Raphael Mechoulam, the "father of modern cannabis," but its mechanism of action has only recently begun to be discovered. Preclinical studies using cells and animal models demonstrate its therapeutic potential for various indications. "Preclinical research models in vivo have shown that CBG has a very potent immunomodulatory effect. This opens the doors for human research, especially when inflammation and neurodegeneration coexist," explains Dr. Flávio Rezende, who is also the Research and Development Director at Health Meds.

Studies show that CBG has shown an important neuroprotective action in Parkinson's disease, reducing levels of inflammatory markers and reactions. In multiple sclerosis, CBG derivatives have shown improvement in motor activity, reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, and decreased activity of inflammatory cells in the brain.

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The neurologist reveals that soon, the first human study with cannabigerol will be conducted worldwide. "We are filing a phase II clinical study in Brazil to analyze the use of formulations with cannabigerol in patients with Parkinson's disease. Our focus is also directed towards the investigation of diseases that present with chronic pain, insomnia, depression, and apathy, such as multiple sclerosis," says Dr. Flávio Rezende.

Mechanism of action

Cannabigerol is a precursor molecule of phytocannabinoids and is present in only 1% of the cannabis plant, but with an extremely potent effect on CB2 receptors that are related to the functioning of the immune system and peripheral nerves. 

CBG is also a potent agonist of PPARs, transition factors that signal inflammation within the cell nucleus. These factors function as messengers in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes in the body. When PPARs are activated, they stimulate the body to reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant effect. 

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Properties of cannabigerol under study:

• Analgesic and anti-inflammatory action

There is a growing body of evidence showing that cannabinoids reduce pain sensitivity by the potential action associated with inflammation. The substance has been studied in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis. Initial studies show that cannabigerol is 80 times more potent than the anti-inflammatory power of acetylsalicylic acid.

• Antibacterial property

Cannabigerol has activity against bacteria, mycobacteria, and even fungi, being more potent than other phytocannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and cannabichromene. 

• Potential antitumor activity

In addition to reducing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, the use of cannabinoids has shown potential in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. In preclinical studies, CBG was able to reduce the proliferation of human breast cancer cells, prostate, colorectal carcinoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma.

• Potential intraocular pressure-reducing activity

Preclinical studies demonstrate that CBG promotes a reduction in intraocular pressure by increasing the drainage of ocular fluids, being promising for the treatment of glaucoma.

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Understanding Medicinal Cannabis

Medicinal cannabis has over 480 chemical substances, with 150 of these compounds, called phytocannabinoids, being the most studied, including THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol), and CBG (Cannabigerol). They are capable of activating cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in various tissues of the peripheral nerves, Central Nervous System (CNS), and immune system. This complex functioning is responsible for a series of physiological functions, including memory, mood, motor control, feeding behavior, sleep, immunity, and pain.

Based on various phase II, phase III, or observational studies, the main indications for the use of cannabis products are anxiety, agitation-related dementia, sleep disorders secondary to neurological disease, Parkinson's disease (non-motor symptoms), chronic pain, epilepsy (Dravet and Lenox Gastaut), multiple sclerosis (urinary symptoms, pain, spasticity), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and Tourette syndrome.

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