Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two incurable diseases affecting millions of people. The disease affects mainly western and industrialised countries (the rise of these problems raises an interesting debate on diet – but that’s a conversation for another day!).
IBD is a blanket term for inflammation found in the digestive tracts, it includes Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease primarily. UC affects the large intestine while Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive system.
So Where Does CBG Come Into This?
Cannabigerol (CBG), one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and found within most whole extract blends, has been shown to have quite the impressive résumé. From showing signs of helping glaucoma, to cytotoxicity, to cancerous cells and even to appetite stimulation for sufferers of metabolism disorders, CBG seems to be every bit as dextrous in its action than it’s more known cousin CBD.
Reduced inflammation
Another interesting benefit was found through research in 2013 when scientists investigated the effect of CBG in mice suffering from colitis. CBG was shown to reduce the colon weight/length ratio, essentially meaning that the inflammation in the colon was being calmed down. Further assessment found that it reduced the overall autoimmune response markers and reactive oxygen species formation in the intestinal cells.
IBD conditions such as colitis are primarily autoimmune disorders, which means that its the body itself that damages the intestines, through mistakenly recognising intestinal cells as foreign invaders and creating antibodies against the bodies own intestine cells.
Immune-System regulation
This research would suggest that CBG could possess immune-system regulation effects similar to CBD and other cannabinoids. And due to its non-psychoactive nature, it could potentially be considered for future treatments for IBD patients.
Obviously the research is still in its infancy, we don’t always trust mouse models for concrete evidence, but the research is certainly exciting, and with the conversation around cannabinoids becoming more commonplace, expect more research to follow on from this in the near future!
We’re definitely keeping our hopes up!
If you’re suffering from IBD, or are simply interested in trying CBG or any other cannabinoid extract we always suggest that you first consult a physician with knowledge of cannabinoids to ensure there are no interactions with existing conditions.
References
Borrelli, F., Fasolino, I., Romano, B., Capasso, R., Maiello, F., Coppola, D., Orlando, P., Battista, G., Pagano, E., Di Marzo, V., & Izzo, A. A. (2013). Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical pharmacology, 85(9), 1306–1316.