Cannabigerol—CBG—is the unsung hero of your endocannabinoid system. That’s because many cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, begin as CBG. Like CBD, CBG is nonpsychoactive, meaning it will not make you feel “high.”
CBGA’s Role in Cannabinoid Production
In the 1970’s, researchers isolated cannabigeral acid, the acid version of CBG. The cannabis plant’s natural enzymes break down CBGA into THCA, CBDA and CBCA. Then, when the plant is heated, the acids are converted to into the forms we are more familiar with: THC, CBD & CBC.
CBG & Your Endocannabinoid System
Within your body is a complex endocannabinoid system that regulates homeostasis. Although your body produces cannabinoids, your endocannabinoid system can become damaged, leading to health problems like depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and migraines. Other illnesses related to endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome include diabetes, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Your endocannabinoid system contains two cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CBG acts on both of your cannabinoid receptors. Cannabigerol also increases the anandamide levels in your body. Anandamide occurs naturally in your body, but it can become depleted (along with other naturally-occurring cannabinoids), leading to endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome.
Possible Health Benefits of CBG
Just like CBD oil, CBG may also have health benefits, including:
- CBG has been shown to block serotonin receptors, so it may also have a positive effect on depression.
- GBG may help heal bone fractures by promoting new bone growth.
- CBG, along with CBD and CBC, were reported to slow tumor and cancer cell growth.
- CBG may possibly be effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), an anti-biotic resistant strain of bacteria.
- Like CBD, CBG may help relieve pain, including pain associated with cancer, neuropathic pain and central pain states (such as multiple sclerosis).
- CBG may reduce inflammation by targeting the molecules responsible for inflammation. This includes chronic pain, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
- CBG may be a therapeutic option for cachexia by stimulating the appetite.
- A 2015 study showed that CBG protects neurons in mice with Huntington’s disease, a condition that causes nerve cell degeneration in the brain.
References
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http://www.leafscience.com/2017/03/17/the-endocannabinoid-system-a-beginners-guide/ - Luciano De Petrocellis; Alessia Ligresti; Aniello Schiano Moriello; Marco Allara; Tiziana Bisogno; Stefania Petrosino; Colin G Stott; and Vincenzo Di Marzo.
“Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes.” British Journal of Pharmacology. 2011 Aug; 163(7): 1479–1494.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165957/ - Scutt A. & Williamson EM. “Cannabinoids stimulate fibroblastic colony formation by bone marrow cells indirectly via CB2 receptors.” Calcified Tissue International. Springer. Jan. 2007; 80(1):50-9.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17205329 - Russo, Ethan B. “Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain.” Therapuetics and Clinical Risk Management. Dove Press. Feb. 2008; 4(1): 245–259.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/ - Borrelli F; Fasolino I; Romano B; Capasso R; Maiello F; Coppola D; Orlando P; Battista G; Pagano E; Di Marzo V; Izzo AA. “Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease.” Biochemical Pharmacology. Elsevier. May 1, 2013.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23415610