Four lesser-known cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, THCV, CBGA) each modulated the endocannabinoid system differently in human skin cells, but all increased cannabinoid receptor binding and TRPV1 channel activity.
Researchers interested in cannabinoid dermatology and rare phytocannabinoids.
All 4 rare cannabinoids increased CB1/CB2 binding and TRPV1 activity
What the researchers found
CBG, CBC, THCV, and CBGA each produced distinct patterns of gene and protein expression changes in ECS components of human keratinocytes. Despite their differences, all four increased CB1/CB2 receptor binding, TRPV1 channel stimulation, and FAAH/MAGL enzyme activity.
Why it matters
Most cannabis research focuses on THC and CBD. Understanding how rare cannabinoids affect the endocannabinoid system in skin cells could inform topical cannabis therapies for skin conditions.
The numbers in context
Four rare cannabinoids tested: CBG, CBC, THCV, and CBGA. All four increased CB1/CB2 binding, TRPV1 stimulation, and FAAH/MAGL activity in keratinocytes.
How the study worked
In vitro study using human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Measured gene expression (qRT-PCR), protein expression (Western blot), receptor binding (radioligand assays), enzyme activity, and endocannabinoid content (UHPLC-MS/MS) for each cannabinoid.
What this study cannot tell us
In vitro study using a single cell line. Skin in living organisms has multiple cell types and immune interactions not captured here. Concentrations tested may not reflect topical application levels.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive in vitro study with multiple measurement techniques, but limited to one cell type and no in vivo confirmation.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
These findings suggest that different cannabinoids in cannabis extracts may have synergistic or competing effects on the skin's endocannabinoid system, which matters for developing targeted dermatological treatments.
Questions still open
- Could rare cannabinoid combinations be optimized for specific skin conditions? Do these effects occur at concentrations achievable through topical application?
Common questions
What are "rare" cannabinoids?
Why study cannabinoids in skin cells?
Read the original research
Effects of Rare Phytocannabinoids on the Endocannabinoid System of Human Keratinocytes.
International journal of molecular sciences, 23(10)
Citation
Di Meo, Camilla; Tortolani, Daniel; Standoli, Sara; Angelucci, Clotilde Beatrice; Fanti, Federico; Leuti, Alessandro; Sergi, Manuel; Kadhim, Salam; Hsu, Eric; Rapino, Cinzia; Maccarrone, Mauro. (2022). Effects of Rare Phytocannabinoids on the Endocannabinoid System of Human Keratinocytes.. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23105430
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