Understanding Cannabigerol or CBG

CBD is among the most popular health supplements used for many health conditions, fromreducing anxiety and pain to even seizures. However, for more than a century, it has beenovershadowed by THC as the medical community and policymakers failed to understandthat CBD, along with low amounts of THC, like in full-spectrum CBD products, is safe andgood for prolonged use.

However, now it appears that the popularity of CBD, the most abundant cannabinoid incannabis or hemp, is overshadowing the other minor cannabinoids. Many people do notrealize that the cannabis plant has more than 100 known cannabinoids and more than 400known phytocompounds.

These so-called minor cannabinoids, including cannabigerol (CBG), have some uniquehealth benefits. There are many ways in which adding CBG to CBD products can help. Itmay result in both a synergy and entourage effect.

What is interesting about cannabinoids is that they have many similar effects, but someeffects may be even opposite. For example, that is why THC is addictive, and doctors areconsidering CBD for managing addiction. Or some cannabinoids may increase appetite,while others suppress it.

Using CBD along with CBD may result in both synergy and entourage effects. Synergy iswhen two compounds increase the specific effect of each other. However, the entourageeffect is very different. It means that when you combine two compounds, it may result insome unique health benefits.‍

Why does understanding cannabigerol (CBG) matters?

Using CBD along with CBD may result in both synergy and entourage effects. Synergy iswhen two compounds increase the specific effect of each other. However, the entourageeffect is very different. It means that when you combine two compounds, it may result insome unique health benefits.

It is often seen that when we use isolated phytocompounds, they are not as effective as awhole plant extract. Researchers have long noticed this phenomenon, not only with CBD but also with other natural extracts.

Moreover, it is no secret that CBD works much better along with minor cannabinoids,terpenes, and flavonoids, due to the entourage effect. Hence, it is always a good idea toingest whole plant extract for maximum health benefits.

But, of course, we can fine-tune the plant extract by boosting the concentration of beneficialcompounds like CBD and CBG. As a result, the interest in CBG has risen, as it is quite goodand safe. In addition, it is not converted to myriad other cannabinoids in the body, whichresults in a more predictable effect.

Besides how it is metabolized, CBG also differs in how it acts on various body receptors.For example, it does not cause euphoria or a high like THC. Nonetheless, it shares manytraits with both CBD and THC. Thus, it is quite good for combining with CBD.

Moreover, what is interesting is that CBD has mild action on endocannabinoid receptors.However, it binds better with many other receptors, which may explain its unique healthbenefits and its ability to enhance the health benefits of CBD.

How does cannabigerol (CBG) work?

In recent years, doctors and researchers have been studying CBG to understand its unique qualities and how it works. In addition, many preclinical and clinical studies provide insight into its mode of action.

CBG and alpha-2-adrenoreceptors

Some studies show that CBG is a potent alpha-2-adrenoreceptors agonist. These receptors play a role in many body functions. For example, some important neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine exert their effect by modulating these receptors. 

Many sub-types of these receptors are present in various brain areas like thalamic nuclei, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and basal ganglia. Hence, CBG can influence different brain functions, and there is a need to further research into the subject.

Alpha-2A-adrenoreceptors are also widely present outside the brain, like in platelets, beta cells pancreas, blood vessels, and smooth muscles. 

Similarly, studies show that Alpha-2B-adrenoreceptors are present in organs like the lungs, liver, kidney, smooth muscles, and more. 

This understanding only highlights how CBG may work, influencing the working of various organs. For example, early studies show that these receptors may help control blood pressure, improve sleep, and reduce pain.

These alpha-2 receptors are also present in the brain areas like the prefrontal cortex; thus, alpha-2 agonists may help relieve ADHD, PTSD, tic disorders, and many more. Modulating these receptors may also help those living with more severe neurodegenerative conditions like dementia.

CBG and Serotonin receptors

Serotonin of 5-HT receptors are present throughout the body and plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis. Serotonin is among the most abundant neurotransmitters and signaling molecules, with many roles in the body.

Some of the most popular anti-depressants, like fluoxetine, work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. However, it is vital to understand that these drugs are not only used to treat depression but also chronic pain, sleep issues, neuropathies, neurodegenerative disorders, and other health issues. This underlines the broad role of serotonin in health.

Serotonin also plays an important role in gut health. Most of it is produced in the gut and plays a vital role in the gut-brain axis.

Studies report that CBG is a potent 5-HT1A antagonist. Hence, CBG may directly have many effects on brain health, or it may modulate the working of other psychoactive compounds. It is one of the ways in which it may influence the working of CBD.

CBG and PPAR family receptors

These receptors have three sub-types: PPARα, PPARβ, and PPARγ. These receptors play an important role in controlling gene expression and metabolic activities. 

PPAR receptors influence lipid and glucose metabolism and hepatic function and help regulate inflammation. In addition, these receptors play a vital role in adipocyte functioning. 

Currently, there has been a limited number of studies regarding the role of CBG in managing metabolic disorders. Nonetheless, keeping in mind that it can help regulate these receptors, it may have a role in managing conditions like diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health issues.

Some of the unique health benefits of CBG

Of course, like CBD, CBG will still exert its influence on the endocannabinoid system and may potentiate its effect. However, as already mentioned above, it also has many unique properties, which may explain why adding CBG to CBD products may potentiate its entourage effect, resulting in some impressive health benefits.

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Neuroprotection & neuromodulation

Neurodegenerative disorders are on the rise and are now the significant cause of disability and reduced lifespan. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in finding ways to reduce the risk of these health issues in recent years.

At least lab or preclinical studies suggest that CBD is quite good at neuroprotection. Thus, it is definitely necessary to explore its role in conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative disorders. 

Doctors believe its ability to modulate brain function, increase neuronal energy production, and prevent neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction is mainly due to its effect on PPARγ receptors.

It seems that CBG help not only by improving energy metabolism but also reducing inflammation and affecting local immune responses. Moreover, CBG is also good for vascular health.

Another way in which it may help in brain disorders is due to its influence on serotonin receptors. It is another way of exerting neuroprotective action.

Since it can affect the working of dopamine pathways, it can also affect mood, memory, and other brain functions.

Gastrointestinal health

It appears that CBG is quite good for reducing leaky gut syndrome. It promotes tissue regeneration in the intestine, especially the colon. Since it can boost local regenerative processes, influence immunity, and reduce inflammation, it may help with inflammatory bowel disease.

Another benefit of its influence on the working of the gastrointestinal tract is that it may normalize energy homeostasis. Thus, health experts believe it has a role in normalizing appetite and reducing the risk of obesity.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, a combination of high blood pressure, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity, affects millions globally, increasing the risk of chronic disorders significantly.

It seems that CBG intake may be a novel way to lower the risk of metabolic disorders. Recent studies have been really promising, considering its influence on alpha-2-adrenoreceptors and PPARγ. It can help normalize lipid and glucose metabolism, promote mobilization of fat tissues, reduce insulin resistance, and improve vascular health.

It is worth understanding that many popular drugs like metformin or rosiglitazone work by acting on PPARγ receptors. Thus, there is a reason to believe that CBG is quite good for those living with metabolic disorders.

Antibacterial agent

People generally are not interested in the antibacterial properties of cannabinoids. However, antibiotic resistance is increasing globally, and many infectious diseases are making a comeback. Thus, it is vital to realize that CBG may suppress some of the difficult-to-treat and antibiotic-resistant infections.

Studies show that CBG has potent antibacterial properties and is especially effective against gram-positive bacteria. Of course, one is not expected to use CBG instead of antibiotics, but it may be helpful in some chronic and difficult-to-treat infections.

To sum up

Everyone is using CBD, and they also know much about THC. However, it is time to explore the incredible health benefits of numerous minor cannabinoids in the hemp plant. One such cannabinoid is CBG. Studies show that it has many amazing health effects. It is good for the brain, gut, and metabolic health. When used along with CBD, it may help manage a range of health conditions.

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