Cannabinoids are naturally found in the cannabis plant and there are over 100 different kinds that have been discovered. Each cannabinoid has its own unique properties, which is why cannabis is such a versatile plant. Even though people claim there are various benefits to different cannabinoids, there’s not much research done on each one. There’s still a stigma surrounding cannabis as a whole in the United State. Up until recently, most cannabinoids sat classified as illegal and almost never received approval for research. But that changed in 2018 thanks to the Farm Bill passed by the USDA. Hemp with less than 0.3 percent of Delta 9 in it became legal to researchers and the general public.
CBG: cannabigerol
One cannabinoid that did see some research in the past few decades has been CBG. CBG, also known as cannabigerol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid commonly found in the cannabis plant. CBG became the first compound isolated in a pure form from cannabis resin. Because of this, it seems further along in research than any other cannabinoid on the market. But still, there isn’t much available
CBG is reported to be an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective compound. This means any internal swelling, from common disorders like IBD (irritable bowel disease), is decreased. It eases any pain or discomfort a person may be feeling.
This also means that CBG can reduce brain swelling associated with neurodegenerative diseases, like MS and Huntington’s disease. Recent studies show positive results to this effect in mice.
Research with Mice
Mice are the preferred testing subjects for scientific research. Scientists can see changes in a relatively quick fashion, helping researchers study multiple subjects at once with varying degrees of intensity for certain diseases. One study wanted to see if CBG could help with brain function and neuron protection.
Mice in vitro became exposed to different neurodegenerative genes. They began showing symptoms shortly after birth. This included slowed motor function and weakened muscle structure. For treatment, mice received CBG to see if any improvements happened over an extended period of time. The mice that received CBG showed significant improvements in their motor function and muscle strength.
On the cellular level, scientists also saw something significant. One of the main causes of neurodegenerative diseases is oxidative stress and inflammation. These trigger one another and cause a snowball effect the longer time goes on. CBG protected neurons and their cell death reduced. It created a barrier between the oxidative stress and inflammation that triggers cell death (apoptosis) and progresses neurodegenerative diseases. Though CBG didn’t act as a cure, it slowed down the progress of diseases significantly. CBG extended the life of the mice test subjects.
Future Potential
Research has only just begun on what CBG can do. There’s the possibility it could greatly improve the lives of those who suffer from these neurodegenerative diseases.
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