Study: Cannabigerol Effective At Stimulating Appetite
The cannabis compound cannabigerol (CBG) is effective at stimulating appetite without any negative side effects, according to a new
study published by the journal Psychopharmacology; it was epublished ahead of print by the U.S. National Institute of Health. The study was published shortly after a separate study (also published by Psychopharmacology) which found that two other cannabis compounds – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) – are also effective at stimulating appetite.
“The appetite-stimulating properties of cannabis are well documented and have been predominantly attributed to the hyperphagic activity of the psychoactive phytocannabinoid, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC)”, states the study’s abstract. “However, we have previously shown that a cannabis extract devoid of ∆9-THC still stimulates appetite, indicating that other phytocannabinoids also elicit hyperphagia. One possible candidate is the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG), which has affinity for several molecular targets with known involvement in the regulation of feeding behaviour.”
According to the study’s researchers, the objective of the study “was to assess the effects of CBG on food intake and feeding pattern microstructure” using rats administered with either CBG or a placebo, which were assessed in “open field, static beam and grip strength tests to determine a neuromotor tolerability profile for this cannabinoid.” Subsequently, “CBG (at 30-240 mg/kg, p.o.) or placebo was administered to a further group of pre-satiated rats, and hourly intake and meal pattern data were recorded over 2 h.”
Researchers found that CBG “produced no adverse effects on any parameter in the neuromotor tolerability test battery. In the feeding assay, 120-240 mg/kg CBG more than doubled total food intake and increased the number of meals consumed, and at 240 mg/kg reduced latency to feed.”
The study concludes; “Here, we demonstrate for the first time that CBG elicits hyperphagia [increased appetite], by reducing latency to feed and increasing meal frequency, without producing negative neuromotor side effects. Investigation of the therapeutic potential of CBG for conditions such as cachexia and other disorders of eating and body weight regulation is thus warranted.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Redding, can be found by clicking here.