Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid CBG Reduced Bladder Contractions in Mice and Humans
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- CBG reduced human bladder contractions independent of CB1/CB2 receptors
- Evidence Grade:
- In vitro study with human tissue validation, but no in vivo or clinical data. Important proof of concept requiring further development.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2015. CBG products have become more available, but clinical bladder studies remain limited.
- Original Title:
- Effect of Non-psychotropic Plant-derived Cannabinoids on Bladder Contractility: Focus on Cannabigerol.
- Published In:
- Natural product communications, 10(6), 1009-12 (2015)
- Authors:
- Pagano, Ester(2), Montanaro, Vittorino, Di Girolamo, Antonio, Pistone, Antonio, Altieri, Vincenzo, Zjawiony, Jordan K, Izzo, Angelo A, Capasso, Raffaele
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01031
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01031APA
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.
MLA
Pagano, Ester, et al. "Effect of Non-psychotropic Plant-derived Cannabinoids on Bladder Contractility: Focus on Cannabigerol.." Natural product communications, 2015.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Effect of Non-psychotropic Plant-derived Cannabinoids on Bla..." RTHC-01031. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/pagano-2015-effect-of-nonpsychotropic-plantderived
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.