Early preclinical findings suggest that cannabigerol (CBG), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, may offer a novel approach in modulating inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers at the Rambam Health Care Campus in Israel have released findings from a study examining CBG’s potential in this area, as reported by Marijuana Moment.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition associated with inflammation and joint damage. While many conventional RA therapies target specific proteins called cytokines, this research explored CBG’s capacity to directly regulate white blood cells, known as neutrophils, which can release these inflammatory cytokines.
Understanding Cannabigerol’s Anti-Inflammatory Potential
The preclinical study, published in the journal *Pharmaceuticals*, involved introducing CBG to isolated neutrophils extracted from human blood cells, as well as administering the cannabinoid to lab mice. Researchers determined that CBG exhibits anti-inflammatory capacity and therapeutic potential in regulating neutrophil-mediated immunity in RA.
According to the study authors, there is currently no treatment that specifically targets neutrophils in RA. However, their findings indicate that CBG may reduce the inflammatory output of human neutrophils by suppressing the production of certain cytokines, specifically TNF-α and IL-6. This suggests that cannabigerol could act as an effective preclinical modulator candidate for affecting neutrophil-mediated immune responses and attenuating inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
- In the analysis of isolated human cells, CBG was associated with a reduction in IL-6 by 98 percent and IL-1β by 60 percent.
- In the joints of treated mice, CBG was associated with a reduction in MCP-1 by 22 percent and IL-1β by 38 percent.
- Researchers also observed that CBG made it less likely for neutrophils to target an inflammatory signal, a key factor in arthritis-related joint damage.
Preclinical Findings and Future Directions
In the mouse portion of the study, subjects treated with cannabigerol showed improved arthritic scores and were less likely to experience weight loss compared to the untreated group. While the disease still manifested, its severity appeared reduced. Researchers noted that these findings demonstrate CBG’s regulatory effect by limiting inflammatory immune cell recruitment to inflamed joints in RA-diseased mice.
It is important to acknowledge that human RA is a complex and chronic condition. The study authors emphasised that further long-term clinical studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of cannabigerol in human RA therapy. It was also noted that Raphael Pharmaceutical Inc., the supplier of the CBG used in the study, provided partial funding for the research.
Cannabinoids and Rheumatic Conditions: Broader Context
These findings build upon existing research into cannabinoids and rheumatic conditions. As previously reported by Hemp Gazette, a 2024 study indicated that more than 6 in 10 patients with rheumatic conditions, including arthritis, who used medicinal cannabis reported substituting it for other medications, such as NSAIDs, opioids, sleep aids, and muscle relaxants. Many of these patients also reported reducing or discontinuing their use of these conventional medications entirely.
Additionally, a 2018 study published in the journal *Frontiers* indicated that another non-intoxicating cannabinoid, CBD, may help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. These collective studies underscore the ongoing scientific interest in the therapeutic potential of various cannabinoids for managing inflammatory and pain-related conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid-derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
