Compounds in cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), may offer new treatment options for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, a common chronic liver condition affecting many adults worldwide.
Research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggests that compounds found in cannabis could pave the way for innovative treatments for the world’s most prevalent chronic liver disorder. The study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, highlights the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) in reducing liver fat and enhancing metabolic health in experimental models.
CBD is the more extensively researched non-intoxicating cannabinoid, while CBG serves as a precursor cannabinoid from which CBD is derived. Unlike THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, both CBD and CBG do not induce a “high,” making them promising candidates for long-term medical applications.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) currently impacts approximately one-third of the global adult population, as indicated by health data. This condition is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, yet there are few approved pharmaceutical treatments available. Consequently, patients often rely on challenging lifestyle changes to manage their condition.
Lead study author Joseph Tam, director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research at Hebrew University, stated, “Our findings identify a new mechanism by which CBD and CBG enhance hepatic energy and lysosomal function.”
The research emphasizes a process known as “metabolic remodeling,” where the cannabis compounds create a “backup battery” for the liver by increasing levels of phosphocreatine, a high-energy molecule stored in muscle cells. This energy reserve enables the liver to function more effectively under the stress of a high-fat diet, an unexpected finding noted by the research team.
Additionally, the study revealed that CBD and CBG restored the activity of “cellular cleaning crews,” known as cathepsins. These enzymes operate within the cell’s recycling centers to break down harmful fats and waste. As a result, the liver became more adept at clearing dangerous lipids, including triglycerides and ceramides, which are known to cause inflammation.
While both CBD and CBG demonstrated effectiveness, CBG yielded more pronounced results in specific areas, such as reducing total body fat mass, lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol, and improving insulin sensitivity. The researchers believe this study opens new avenues for utilizing plant-based compounds to treat metabolic diseases by focusing on cellular energy management and waste disposal.
Despite these promising findings, the research team cautioned that the study was conducted in a controlled experimental setting. Further clinical trials are essential to ascertain the appropriate application of these compounds for human patients.
Recent studies have also raised concerns regarding the use of cannabis as a medical treatment. A major analysis published in JAMA examined over 2,500 scientific papers from the past 15 years, including reviews, clinical trials, and guidelines related to medical marijuana. This review underscored significant discrepancies between public perception and scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of cannabis for various medical conditions.
The researchers concluded that only a limited number of conditions have clear, well-established benefits from cannabinoid therapies supported by high-quality clinical data. “Whenever a substance is widely used, there is likely to be a very wide set of outcomes,” noted Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He emphasized that this study illustrates the reality that cannabis is not a universal remedy.
The strongest evidence currently supports FDA-approved cannabinoid medications for treating specific conditions, including appetite loss related to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and certain severe pediatric seizure disorders.
Individuals interested in exploring marijuana for medical purposes are encouraged to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss potential risks and benefits, ensuring informed decision-making regarding their health.
According to Fox News, the implications of this research could significantly impact the future treatment landscape for liver diseases.