Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Inflammation Through MAPK and NF-kB Pathways in Lab and Animal Models | Research

The takeaway

CBG extracted from cannabis suppressed key inflammatory markers in cell cultures and reduced inflammatory gene expression in a mouse paw edema model, working through MAPK and NF-kB signaling pathways.

CBG researchers, cannabinoid pharmacologists, inflammation specialists

Suppressed COX-2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6

What the researchers found

CBG suppressed nitric oxide production and reduced mRNA/protein expression of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) through MAPK and NF-kB pathway downregulation in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model, oral CBG suppressed inflammatory gene expression, though paw edema reduction was not statistically significant.

Why it matters

CBG is gaining commercial attention as a "next cannabinoid" after CBD, but its mechanisms are less studied. This research maps specific anti-inflammatory pathways (MAPK, NF-kB) that CBG targets, building the mechanistic case for its anti-inflammatory potential.

The numbers in context

Suppressed COX-2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 expression in vitro; oral CBG suppressed same markers in vivo; paw edema reduction not statistically significant.

How the study worked

In vitro experiments using RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages stimulated with LPS. In vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema model in mice with oral CBG administration. CBG extracted from the cannabis cultivar "Pink Pepper."

What this study cannot tell us

Preclinical study with no human data. Paw edema (the primary in vivo endpoint) was not significantly reduced despite molecular changes. Single mouse model. Dose-response relationships not fully characterized.

How to read the evidence

Preclinical study with in vitro and in vivo components, but primary physical outcome not significant and no human data.

When this study was published

2025 publication

The bigger picture

The anti-inflammatory pathway data helps explain why some users report CBG benefits for inflammatory conditions. However, the gap between robust in vitro effects and modest in vivo results is a common challenge in cannabinoid research.

Questions still open

Why did CBG suppress inflammatory genes in vivo but not significantly reduce physical swelling?
At what doses would CBG produce clinically meaningful anti-inflammatory effects in humans?

Common questions

Is CBG anti-inflammatory?

In lab studies, CBG suppressed multiple inflammatory markers (COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) through MAPK and NF-kB pathways. Oral CBG also reduced inflammatory gene expression in mice, though physical swelling was not significantly reduced.

How does CBG compare to CBD for inflammation?

Both CBG and CBD show anti-inflammatory effects through partially overlapping pathways. This study specifically showed CBG works through MAPK and NF-kB suppression, but direct head-to-head comparisons are limited.

Read the original research

Cannabigerol Exerts In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects via Inhibition of the MAPK and NF-κB Pathways.

Journal of microbiology and biotechnology, 35, e2509034

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Kim, Jong-Hui; Hong, Min; Han, Joon-Hee; Ryu, Byeong Ryeol; Lim, Jung Dae; Kim, Keun-Cheol; Kim, Chang-Hyeug; Lee, Soo-Ung; Kwon, Tae-Hyung. (2025). Cannabigerol Exerts In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects via Inhibition of the MAPK and NF-κB Pathways.. Journal of microbiology and biotechnology, 35, e2509034. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.2509.09034