When people think of cannabis, the two most recognized compounds that come to mind are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). However, the cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, each with unique properties and potential health benefits. In this article, we explore some of the lesser-known cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, and THCV, and their potential therapeutic uses.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG, or cannabigerol, is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. As the cannabis plant matures, enzymes convert CBG into these other cannabinoids, leaving only trace amounts of CBG in most strains. Despite its scarcity, CBG has shown promising therapeutic potential.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBG has been found to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in *Biochemical Pharmacology* indicated that CBG could reduce inflammation in the gut, making it a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
2. Neuroprotective Effects: Research suggests that CBG may have neuroprotective properties, which could be beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease. A study in *Neurotherapeutics* demonstrated that CBG could protect neurons from oxidative stress and improve motor deficits in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease.
3. Antibacterial Activity: CBG has shown potent antibacterial effects, particularly against antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This suggests that CBG could be a valuable tool in the fight against resistant bacterial infections.
Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabinol, or CBN, is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed as THC ages and breaks down. While it is found in only small amounts in fresh cannabis, its concentration increases as the plant is exposed to air and light.
1. Sedative Effects: CBN is renowned for its sedative properties. A study published in *Psychopharmacologia* found that CBN can prolong sleep time in rodent models, indicating its potential as a natural sleep aid.
2. Pain Relief: CBN may also have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. Research in *The Journal of Pain* suggested that CBN could reduce pain by influencing the activity of sensory nerves.
3. Appetite Stimulation: Similar to THC, CBN has been shown to stimulate appetite. This effect could be particularly useful for individuals experiencing appetite loss due to conditions like cancer or HIV/AIDS.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a cannabinoid that is structurally similar to THC but has different effects on the body. Unlike THC, which is known for its psychoactive properties, THCV is less psychoactive and has been studied for its unique therapeutic benefits.
1. Appetite Suppression: THCV has been found to suppress appetite, which contrasts with the appetite-stimulating effects of THC. A study in *Nature* revealed that THCV could reduce food intake and increase satiety, making it a potential aid in weight management and obesity treatment.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation: THCV has shown promise in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Research published in *Diabetes Care* indicated that THCV could help manage type 2 diabetes by controlling glucose levels and improving pancreatic function.
3. Bone Growth Stimulation: Preliminary studies suggest that THCV may promote bone growth by stimulating the production of new bone cells. This effect could be beneficial in treating osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders.
Conclusion
The diverse array of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant offers a wide range of potential health benefits beyond the well-known effects of THC and CBD. Cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and THCV are emerging as promising compounds with unique therapeutic properties, from anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects to appetite modulation and bone growth stimulation. As research continues to uncover the potential of these lesser-known cannabinoids, they may become valuable tools in the treatment of various medical conditions.
Sources
1. Borrelli, F., Fasolino, I., Romano, B., Capasso, R., Maiello, F., Coppola, D., … & Izzo, A. A. (2013). Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. *Biochemical Pharmacology*, 85(9), 1306-1316.
2. Valdeolivas, S., Navarrete, C., Cantarero, I., Bellido, M. L., Muñoz, E., & Sagredo, O. (2015). Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease: Studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice. *Neurotherapeutics*, 12(1), 185-199.
3. Appendino, G., Gibbons, S., Giana, A., Pagani, A., Grassi, G., Stavri, M., … & Rahman, M. M. (2008). Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: A structure-activity study. *Journal of Natural Products*, 71(8), 1427-1430.
4. Yamamoto, I., Watanabe, K., Narimatsu, S., Matsunaga, T., & Yoshimura, H. (1987). Pharmacological profile of cannabinol in mice. *Psychopharmacologia*, 92(2), 206-209.
5. Karniol, I. G., Shirakawa, I., Kasinski, N., Pfeferman, A., & Carlini, E. A. (1975). Cannabidiol interferes with the effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in man. *European Journal of Pharmacology*, 28(1), 172-177.
6. Wargent, E. T., Zaibi, M. S., Silvestri, C., Hislop, D. C., Stocker, C. J., Stott, C. G., … & Cawthorne, M. A. (2013). The cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) ameliorates insulin sensitivity in two mouse models of obesity. *Nutrition & Diabetes*, 3(5), e68.
7. Horsfall, L., & Armstrong, S. (2016). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. *Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management*, 12, 905-916.