Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Often called the "mother of all cannabinoids", CBG serves as the precursor from which other major cannabinoids like THC and CBD are synthesized. As the cannabis plant matures, most CBG is converted into these other compounds, which is why mature plants typically contain low concentrations of it. This relative scarcity, combined with its distinct therapeutic properties, has earned CBG the nickname "Rolls-Royce of cannabinoids". Because it is non-psychoactive, CBG offers potential therapeutic benefits without causing the "high" associated with THC.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and Appetite
To understand how CBG might influence hunger, it is important to first grasp the function of the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including appetite, mood, and sleep. It consists of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the body), cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids.
The activation of CB1 receptors is closely linked to appetite stimulation. THC, for instance, is a partial agonist of the CB1 receptor, and its binding is primarily responsible for the famous "munchies". The mechanism by which CBG influences appetite, however, is distinct and does not directly activate the CB1 receptor in the same way as THC.
Preclinical Evidence: CBG's Effect on Appetite
One of the most significant pieces of research on CBG's effect on appetite was published in 2016 by researchers at the University of Reading. In a study involving rats, researchers demonstrated for the first time that CBG is an effective appetite stimulant. The study, titled "Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats," revealed several key findings:
- Increased Food Intake: Rats administered CBG significantly increased their total food intake compared to the placebo group.
- Altered Feeding Pattern: The effect was primarily driven by an increase in meal frequency, not an increase in the size or duration of individual meals.
- Reduced Feeding Latency: At certain administration levels, CBG reduced the time it took for the animals to begin feeding, indicating a direct effect on the motivation to eat.
- No Negative Side Effects: Crucially, the study noted that CBG elicited hyperphagia (an increase in food intake) without producing any negative neuromotor side effects at the levels tested.
This evidence is promising for the potential therapeutic application of CBG as an appetite stimulant, especially for conditions where suppressed appetite is a major concern, such as cachexia (wasting syndrome) associated with cancer or HIV/AIDS.
How CBG May Stimulate Appetite
Unlike THC, which is a potent psychoactive compound, CBG is non-intoxicating and does not produce a "high". This suggests its appetite-stimulating effect is mediated through different pathways. While the exact mechanism is still being investigated, researchers have several hypotheses:
- Indirect ECS Regulation: CBG may indirectly upregulate the activity of the endocannabinoid system without directly activating CB1 receptors. It is known to be one of the most effective cannabinoids at inhibiting the reuptake of the body's own endocannabinoid, anandamide, which plays a role in appetite.
- Alpha-2 Adrenoceptor Agonism: CBG has been found to be an agonist of the alpha-2 adrenoceptors, and stimulating these receptors in certain brain regions can increase food intake.
- Serotonin Interaction: CBG also acts as a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, another pathway involved in appetite regulation, though its role here is more complex and still under study.
These different mechanisms help explain why CBG's effects on feeding patterns differ from THC's, primarily affecting the motivation to eat more frequently rather than increasing the size of each meal.
CBG vs. THC: A Comparison for Appetite
To further clarify the difference in how these two cannabinoids influence appetite, the following table compares their key characteristics:
| Feature | CBG (Cannabigerol) | THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) |
|---|---|---|
| Appetite Effect | Stimulates appetite (hyperphagia) in preclinical models | Stimulates appetite (hyperphagia) |
| Psychoactivity | Non-intoxicating; does not cause a "high" | Intoxicating; causes a "high" |
| Mechanism | Indirect ECS regulation, possible alpha-2 adrenoceptor and serotonin receptor interaction | Direct partial agonist of CB1 receptors |
| Feeding Pattern | Increases meal frequency; less effect on meal size in preclinical models | Increases meal size and duration; associated with "munchies" |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated in studies at tested levels, with possible mild effects like dry mouth or drowsiness | Potential for sedation, anxiety, dizziness, and other adverse effects |
Therapeutic Potential and Need for Human Research
Based on the promising preclinical results, CBG could be a valuable therapeutic agent for conditions associated with appetite suppression and significant weight loss, such as cancer- or chemotherapy-induced cachexia. The fact that it is non-psychoactive makes it a particularly attractive option, as it avoids the intoxicating side effects that can limit the clinical utility of THC-based treatments.
However, it is crucial to recognize that the majority of research on CBG and appetite has been conducted on animal models. The findings from these studies, while encouraging, do not always translate directly to humans. More human studies are necessary to confirm CBG's efficacy and determine effective delivery methods for appetite stimulation in people. Clinical trials are being conducted to further investigate CBG's appetite-stimulating effects alone and in combination with THC.
Conclusion
Scientific evidence, primarily from preclinical animal studies, strongly suggests that CBG can function as an appetite stimulant by increasing meal frequency and reducing feeding latency. This effect occurs without the psychoactive "high" associated with THC, offering a potentially more tolerable option for individuals who need to increase their food intake. While the preclinical data is compelling, more research, particularly human clinical trials, is needed to confirm these effects and explore CBG's full therapeutic potential for conditions like cachexia. For now, CBG presents a promising, non-intoxicating avenue for future treatments aimed at appetite regulation.
Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats
