Cannabis sativa L. has been an honoured drug for centuries in the treatment of various ailments and, particularly, for gastrointestinal complaints.
More recently, it has been suspected it may have properties useful for the management of inflammatory bowel disease.
Of the cannabinoids, CBG is a very interesting one; even more so when used as a high-CBG hemp extract.
A recent paper has contributed new insight into the profound effects that high-CBG hemp extract has on colitis—one of the prevalent IBD forms—and its related impact on the gut’s microbiome based on one article in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
A New Horizon in the Use of Cannabis for Gastrointestinal Health.
Traditionally, it has been pharmaceuticals that dominate the therapeutic landscape for IBD, which have a long list of side effects.
As patients look for something more natural, cannabis moves center stage with its non-psychedelic components like CBG.
In this landmark study by Anderson et al., the potential of high CBG hemp extract was assessed in a murine model of colitis.
This work advances both the understanding of improving the medicinal properties of cannabis and is, much more importantly, giving hope to millions who suffer from perpetual gastrointestinal conditions.
The dextran sodium sulfate colitis model was employed in the study, which is among one of the very well-established methods for evoking human IBD-like symptoms in mice.
In seven days, mice were treated with either a high CBG hemp extract or a control vehicle.
Such a view was astounding, with studies returning reduced disease severity as evidenced by decreased colonic activity index scores, increased colon lengths, and reduced tissue damage at the end of treatments.
The study further demonstrated that such changes were accompanied by dramatic alterations in the gut microbiota and modulations within metabolic profiles of the treated mice, an indication of a multifaceted approach towards disease modulation.
Breaking down the Mechanisms. How CBG Hemp Extract Works
High CBG hemp extract exerts its effects on colitis through histological and microbial changes.
From a histological point of view, the mice treated with the extract showed prominent improvements.
The treated mice showed a clear reduction in the disease activity index, a composite score for weight loss, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding.
Another important indicator of inflammation is colon length, which was significantly greater in the treated group.
At the microbial level, high CBG hemp extract dramatically altered the gut microbiota. According to rRNA gene sequencing, this research showed an increase in beneficial bacteria with a precipitous drop in harmful bacterial populations.
That microbial shift becomes very important because gut microbiota participates in a variety of ways in the maintenance of intestinal health and modulation of immune responses.
So, the normalization of the gut environment may indicate that CBG not only has a target for inflammation but also promotes a balanced microbiome essential for long term gastrointestinal health.
Metabolomic Insights. Normalization of Inflammatory Pathways
The metabolomic changes that resulted from the high CBG hemp extract were also investigated in the study, in addition to examining histological and microbial changes.
Metabolomic analysis of the fecal pellets indicated the regularization of many metabolic pathways that were disrupted by colitis.
Modulation in inflammatory-related pathways was observed.
This clearly indicates that the extract might reconstitute metabolic balance and hence further diminish the basic inflammatory burden in colitis.
Metabolomics does exactly this: it represents the global study of metabolites in a given biological system.
As such, investigation into metabolic effects is a more fundamental probe for treatment effects on body biochemistry.
In the context of colitis, this research may suggest that high CBG hemp extract itself is acting to normalize inflammatory pathways—a root cause that drives the disease—thereby successfully modulating key underlying metabolic dysfunctions at work.
This holistic approach touches not only symptoms but also the very roots, hence setting up a way for more effective and sustainable treatments.
A Paradigm Change in the Treatment of IBD
The results of the study are very interesting, showing a shift in paradigm concerning therapy of IBD.
Classic treatments for these diseases until now usually include immunosuppressive drugs and anti-inflammatory medicines, often with very serious side effects which cannot be administered for long periods of time.
On the other hand, high CBG hemp extract is of natural origin, having multifarious action and thus being very promising as an alternative.
Unlike its more famous cousin THC, cannabigerol does not produce euphoric effects, making it an attractive option for medical application.
This places the phytocannabinoid—capable of modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and restoring microbial balance—at the position of a new therapeutic agent in IBD.
The safety profile combined with efficacy places CBG in a position to gain further acceptance and incorporation into mainstream practice.
The Future of Cannabis in Medicine. A Budding Field
The study by Anderson et al. speaks volumes about the potential of cannabis in medicine.
Every year adds to the discovery of the therapeutic aspects of this herbal plant that do not convey the ‘high’ feeling, particularly CBG. Such a shame that the stigma is still strong in so many countries.
This work is an important signpost for patients suffering from IBD and has new treatment opportunities which would be both effective and of good safety profile.
Further studies will likely be targeted toward dosage optimization of CBG and its long-term effects on other inflammatory conditions.
As ignorance and fear gradually dissipate, replaced by growing awareness and understanding, the once-maligned cannabis plant is now recognized for its transformative potential in treating a myriad of chronic ailments. This shift in perception is bolstered by an ever-expanding mountain of scientific evidence, demonstrating the therapeutic benefits and diverse applications of cannabis in modern medicine.
A Bright Future for IBD with Cannabis
The high CBG hemp extract offers a novel, multifaceted approach to treating colitis and potentially other forms of IBD.
By reducing inflammation, modulating the gut microbiota, and normalizing metabolic pathways, CBG presents a comprehensive solution that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of the disease.
This fascinating research marks a significant step forward in the quest for natural, effective treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, without doubt heralding a new era in cannabis medicine.
