Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid CBG Reduced Bladder Contractions in Mice and Humans | Research

The takeaway

Cannabigerol (CBG) was the most effective non-psychoactive cannabinoid at reducing bladder muscle contractions in mice, and also reduced contractions in human bladder tissue, suggesting potential for overactive bladder treatment.

Read this if you are interested in CBG or looking for information on cannabinoids and bladder function.

CBG reduced human bladder contractions independent of CB1/CB2 receptors

What the researchers found

Researchers tested five non-psychoactive cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBDV, THCV, and CBC) on mouse bladder muscle contractions. Four of the five reduced contractions triggered by acetylcholine, with the rank order of effectiveness being CBG = THCV > CBD > CBDV. CBC had no effect.

None of the effective compounds affected contractions triggered by electrical stimulation, suggesting they work by blocking the chemical signal (acetylcholine) rather than the nerve-muscle connection directly.

CBG's effect was not blocked by CB1 or CB2 receptor antagonists, indicating it works through a different mechanism than the traditional cannabinoid receptor pathway. Critically, CBG also reduced acetylcholine-induced contractions in human bladder tissue.

Why it matters

Overactive bladder affects millions of people, and current treatments have significant side effects. A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that reduces bladder contractions through a novel mechanism could offer a new treatment avenue without the cognitive effects of THC.

The numbers in context

Five cannabinoids tested: CBD, CBG, CBDV, THCV, CBC; efficacy rank: CBG=THCV>CBD>CBDV; CBC had no effect; CBG effect not blocked by CB1 or CB2 antagonists; CBG active in human bladder tissue

How the study worked

In vitro study testing five phytocannabinoids at concentrations from 10^-8 to 10^-4 M on mouse bladder contractility. CBG was further tested with CB1 and CB2 antagonists and on human bladder tissue.

What this study cannot tell us

In vitro tissue study does not account for whole-body pharmacokinetics. Mouse and human tissue responses may differ in vivo. The mechanism of CBG action was not fully identified. Clinical trials in patients with bladder conditions were not conducted.

How to read the evidence

In vitro study with human tissue validation, but no in vivo or clinical data. Important proof of concept requiring further development.

When this study was published

Published in 2015. CBG products have become more available, but clinical bladder studies remain limited.

The bigger picture

CBG is gaining attention as a potentially therapeutic cannabinoid distinct from both THC and CBD. This bladder study adds to a growing list of potential CBG applications and demonstrates activity in human tissue, an important translational step.

Questions still open

What is CBG's mechanism if not through CB1 or CB2 receptors? Would oral CBG reach the bladder in sufficient concentrations to produce clinical effects? How does CBG compare to existing anticholinergic bladder medications?

Common questions

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because other cannabinoids are synthesized from it in the plant. It does not produce a high.

Could CBG help with overactive bladder?

This study showed CBG reduced bladder contractions in both mouse and human tissue. However, this was a laboratory study, and clinical trials would be needed to determine whether CBG supplements or medications could help people with bladder conditions.

Read the original research

Effect of Non-psychotropic Plant-derived Cannabinoids on Bladder Contractility: Focus on Cannabigerol.

Natural product communications, 10(6), 1009-12

View on PubMed ↗

Citation

Pagano, Ester; Montanaro, Vittorino; Di Girolamo, Antonio; Pistone, Antonio; Altieri, Vincenzo; Zjawiony, Jordan K; Izzo, Angelo A; Capasso, Raffaele. (2015). Effect of Non-psychotropic Plant-derived Cannabinoids on Bladder Contractility: Focus on Cannabigerol.. Natural product communications, 10(6), 1009-12.