Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects of CBDV and CBG
CBDV (Cannabidivarin) and CBG (Cannabigerol) are lesser-known compounds found in cannabis that may offer significant anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly when combined with other natural components of the plant. This conclusion is based on a study published in the *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*, conducted by researchers from the University of Chemistry and Technology and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.
Analyzing Non-Psychotropic Phytocannabinoids
The study focused on ten major non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa L., a plant that has long been utilized in traditional Asian and European medicine for treating pain and inflammation. The researchers aimed to evaluate both the individual anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of these compounds, as well as whether their effects are enhanced when combined with non-cannabinoid plant components.
They examined how phytocannabinoids interact with various plant fractions, including polar, non-polar, and terpenoid fractions.
Effects of CBDV on Inflammatory Markers
To assess inflammatory responses, the researchers used THP-1 cells that were differentiated into macrophages. They monitored the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the NF-κB pathway, a crucial regulator of immune responses.
All the phytocannabinoids analyzed exhibited some degree of anti-inflammatory activity. Notably, Cannabidivarin (CBDV) significantly reduced levels of the cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α while inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB pathway.
Antioxidant Activity of Phytocannabinoids
The study also investigated the antioxidant properties of individual compounds. Several phytocannabinoids, especially in their acidic forms, demonstrated a high oxygen radical scavenging capacity (ORAC). However, none of the tested compounds showed significant antioxidant activity in a cellular model (CAA). The authors suggest that the absence of antioxidant activity in cells may be due to the limited bioavailability of these substances in the research model used.
Synergistic Effects with Plant Matrices
A key aspect of the study involved analyzing the synergy between phytocannabinoids and other components derived from hemp. Combinations of these compounds with plant matrices produced stronger anti-inflammatory effects than the phytocannabinoids alone. The most notable synergistic effects were observed in blends containing CBG and CBN (Cannabinol).
Researchers' Conclusions
The authors concluded, “All phytocannabinoids tested exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, with Cannabidivarin (CBDV) being particularly effective in reducing IL-6 and TNF-α production and inhibiting NF-κB activation. Several phytocannabinoids, especially their acidic forms, demonstrated high oxygen radical scavenging capacity (ORAC), but none showed significant cellular antioxidant activity (CAA), likely due to limited bioavailability. Importantly, combinations of phytocannabinoids with plant matrices exhibited synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, particularly those containing CBG or CBN.”
In summary, these findings highlight the potential of lesser-known cannabis phytocannabinoids, especially when combined with specific components of the *Cannabis sativa L.* matrix, to modulate inflammatory pathways. These results may support the development of these compounds as functional ingredients for treating chronic gut-related inflammatory conditions.
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Liz Filmer
