Interest in CBD, or cannabidiol, has grown exponentially in recent years, as scientists and medical experts have embraced its healing potential. Interest in other cannabinoid supplements is also on the rise – particularly regarding the “mother of all cannabinoids”, cannabigerol, also known as CBG.
What are Cannabinoids?
Arguably the most well-known cannabinoid is THC, famous for its psychoactive effect when Cannabis is consumed. However, most cannabinoids, like CBD and CBG, do not produce a “high”.
Cannabinoids are a biological compound that bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, abundant in the brain and immune system and located all over the body. They are found in high concentrations in hemp and Cannabis plants, but are also known to be present in other plants and herbs including kava, black truffles, and even basil and oregano.
Instead, many cannabinoids have a gentle grounding and calming effect by enhancing the action in the brain’s natural endocannabinoid system.
Humans and Cannabinoids: A Natural Pair
Before the discovery of cannabinoid receptors in the 1980s, it was thought that cannabinoids produced their effect by disrupting the nervous system and other non-specific cells.
We now know that this could not be further from the case – not only does the human body receive input from cannabinoids via its own specialised cannabinoid receptors, but these are more prominent in the brain than any other G-protein coupled receptor.
There are two main types of cannabinoid receptor. The first, CB1, is found in abundance in the brain. It is most common in brain areas associated with movement, emotion, memory, and reward. It can also be found in the eye and in male and female reproductive systems.
The second type of cannabinoid receptor, CB2, is expressed in the immune system, the gastrointestinal system, the brain, and the peripheral nervous system.
Both of these receptors form a significant portion of the endocannabinoid system. This is the natural system by which the body produces and uses its own cannabinoids – known in this case as endocannabinoids – to regulate a vast range of bodily functions.
One of these endocannabinoids is called anandamide – also known as the “bliss molecule”. Anandamide stokes feelings of relief, comfort, and calm; it can help to balance mood, and has even been shown in animal studies to skew interpretations of neutral stimuli more positively.
The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in cognitive, mental, and emotional health, and emerging research points to its role in supporting and regulating the immune system.
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The Function of CBG
Cannabinoid supplements like CBG can therefore support this natural endocannabinoid system.
Scientists have been able to prove that CBG binds to both CB1 and CB2, and some studies have suggested it has a particularly strong affinity for CB2 receptors.
At the endocannabinoid receptors, CBG inhibits the breakdown of anandamide. This strengthens anandamide’s action within cells, thereby improving its natural ability to balance and restore feelings of peace and contentment.
The Unique Mechanisms of CBG
CBG is thought to be unique as a cannabinoid that binds not only to CB1 and CB2, but also to the adrenergic receptor α2 and serotonin receptor 5-HT1a.
As an agonist at the α2 receptor, CBG effectively reduces the release of norepinephrine. Decreased levels of norepinephrine results in relaxation, decreased blood pressure, and improved concentration.
At the serotonergic 5-HT1a receptor, CBG acts as an antagonist. This prompts the cells to release additional serotonin, which can have mood-stabilising effects and support learning and memory.
CBG’s Healing Influence on the Mind and Body
The potential benefits of CBG range from potentially boosting cognitive, mental, and emotional health, to widespread physiological benefits and specific positive effects on various systems.
Balancing Mood and Enhancing Cognition
Small studies have found that people use CBG to balance mood, induce feelings of relief, and stimulate appetite. A double-blind study published this year found that CBG enhanced relaxation, improved the ability to cope with stress, and even supported verbal memory compared with a placebo.
It’s thought that this is thanks to CBG’s influence on anandamide, particularly on the CB1 receptors within the brain.
Relieving Intraocular Pressure
Numerous animal studies on CBG’s effect on the eye found that it was able to reduce eye pressure by encouraging the normal drainage of fluid, supporting normal intraocular pressure. Other cannabinoids tested induced negative side effects, but none were found with CBG.
Human eyes have the same endocannabinoid receptors, leading scientists to believe that CBG may have the same benefits in humans through the same mechanisms.
Supporting Healthy Bladder Function
High concentrations of endocannabinoid receptors have also been located in the bladder, suggesting the endocannabinoid system also plays a role in bladder function.
Animal studies confirmed that CBG can help to maintain a healthy bladder; researchers found that CBG was the most effective cannabinoid at reducing involuntary bladder contractions, supporting bladder control.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that this effect may extend to humans, but scientists continue to investigate this following promising animal studies.
Neuroprotection and Brain Health
Some studies support the idea that CBG has neuroprotective effects, mediated in part through the gene transcription factor PPAR-γ.
Particularly, animal and in-vitro studies have shown that CBG protected against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neural cells. These studies were able to demonstrate that CBG strengthens brain cells and restores balance in the brain’s immune function.
A study in 2021 further found that CBG protected against ischemic injury in blood-brain barrier cells, which suggests that CBG may support good neurocardiac health.
The PPAR-γ transcription factor mediating CBG’s neuroprotective effects is also implicated in controlling abnormal cell growth, regulating metabolism, and supporting the immune system.
Promoting Normal Cell Development
The PPAR-γ transcription factor is also implicated in regulating metabolism and supporting normal cell growth.
CBG has been found to support this role of PPAR-γ, helping to encourage normal cell development and moderate the control of abnormal cells.
Studies have found that CBG also uses other mechanisms to slow proliferation and potentially enhance cell death in abnormal cell tissue, including direct effects on apoptosis pathways.
Regulating Immune Function
PPAR-γ is also used by the immune system in immune cell differentiation and development. Research has found that by enhancing its transcriptional activity, CBG may also support a healthy immune system.
CB2 receptors are also abundant in the immune system, where CBG binds and strengthens the action of natural endocannabinoids like anandamide. This produces a soothing and relieving effect.
The Future of CBG
As scientists continue to investigate the effects of CBG on the immune system, there is considerable excitement about the potential benefits of CBG for therapeutic use.
The many potential positive impacts of CBG cannot be overstated – though CBG research is young, it is extremely promising.
Public perceptions are shifting, and thanks to a growing acceptance of the natural benefits of cannabinoids, research for CBG continues to expand and yield exciting results.
Cannabinoids, particularly CBG, are at the forefront of innovation in supplement development. Discover the powerful benefits of CBG for yourself; try regular dietary supplementation and experience a new degree of wellness.
