Cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that naturally occurs in young cannabis plants that’s been popular for supporting a healthy inflammatory response and brain health.
Often called the "mother cannabinoid," CBGa is the precursor to the key cannabinoids CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) and THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which transform into CBD and THC through decarboxylation.
CBGa Benefits
We’re still waiting on more medical research to understand better the benefits CBGa may offer.
While some potential effects and benefits of CBG overlap with more well-researched cannabinoids like THC and CBD, CBGa offers distinct effects as well. Current CBGa research suggests that It may have anti-cancer properties, help the immune system, and support heart health among others.
Please keep in mind that we’re looking at what the research says about CBGa for educational purposes only, and we are not implying that CBGa products should be used in replacement for any treatment provided by a healthcare professional as it’s not an FDA-approved compound.
CBGa Benefits:
- Anti-Cancer Research
- Heart Health
- Brain Health
Anti-Cancer Research
While we need research conducted on human bodies to know the effects on humans, research on murine models has shown that CBGa can inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors [1].
By regulating cell proliferation and cell death, its been found to interrupt the cancer cell cycle. Murine models can be really exciting because they highlight the potential for positive effects in human bodies. This kind of research encourages more research on the clinical level.
Heart Health
A healthy heart is a pillar of our overall health, so preventative care for our heart is one of the best things we can do to support our health. Keeping your blood pressure at desirable levels is one of the best ways to support heart health.
In some animal trials, CBGa demonstrated an ability to support lowering blood pressure and slow the progression of atherosclerosis [2].
Anti-inflammatory Properties
A study published in 2023 examined the anti-inflammatory effect of CBGa in an in vitro LPS-induced model of inflammation [3]. This study demonstrated a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines tested [3]. The researchers of this study encourage further studies on CBGa’s potential effect on inflammatory skin conditions.
Cannabinoids and their potential anti-inflammatory effects have long been of interest to researchers and the medical community. Hopefully, as more research is conducted, we will start to understand the full scope of CBGa's potential uses for anti-inflammatory purposes.
Do All CBG Products Have CBGa Effects?
CBG and CBGa do not have the same exact benefits, so not all CBG products have the effects of CBGa. Since CBGa undergoes decarboxylation to become CBG, its chemical structure and potential effects are altered.
However, CBGa could be listed on a lab report of a CBG product as a minor cannabinoid. Checking the lab reports of your products can be a great way to determine all of the minor cannabinoids included in your chosen product.
We’re Hoping to See more Research on CBGa Benefits
CBGa may support systems in the body that may contribute to overall wellness, as seen in early studies.
While there is currently minimal research on its medical potential in human bodies, research on animal models is encouraging. It will likely pave the way for more research soon, especially with growing interest in hemp plants' potential health benefits.
References:
- Nallathambi, R., Mazuz, M., Namdar, D., Shik, M., Namintzer, D., Vinayaka, A. C., ... & Koltai, H. (2018). Identification of synergistic interaction between cannabis-derived compounds for cytotoxic activity in colorectal cancer cell lines and colon polyps that induces apoptosis-related cell death and distinct gene expression. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 120-135.
- Smeriglio, A., Giofrè, S. V., Galati, E. M., Monforte, M. T., Cicero, N., D'Angelo, V., ... & Circosta, C. (2018). Inhibition of aldose reductase activity by Cannabis sativa chemotypes extracts with high content of cannabidiol or cannabigerol. Fitoterapia, 127, 101-108.
- Tortolani, D., Di Meo, C., Standoli, S., Ciaramellano, F., Kadhim, S., Hsu, E., ... & Maccarrone, M. (2023). Rare phytocannabinoids exert anti-inflammatory effects on human keratinocytes via the endocannabinoid system and MAPK signaling pathway. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(3), 2721.
