Study: Topical Use of Cannabigerol (CBG) Shown to Reduce Rosacea Symptoms

Researchers from The Catholic University of Korea used a mouse model induced with LL-37 to mimic rosacea-like skin inflammation. Mice treated with CBG showed significant improvements in both clinical and histological markers, including reduced skin redness (erythema), epidermal thickening, and mast cell infiltration. Molecular analysis revealed that CBG lowered the expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Il1b, Il6, Il13, and Il31, along with genes related to abnormal blood vessel formation like Vegfa and Mmp9. The treatment also suppressed activation of the JAK/STAT pathway and inhibited YAP/TAZ signaling—two key pathways involved in immune and vascular responses.

“These findings suggest that topical CBG alleviates rosacea-like skin inflammation by targeting inflammatory and vascular pathways, including JAK/STAT and YAP/TAZ signaling”, states the study’s researchers.

Researchers conclude by stating:

In conclusion, our study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of CBG in an LL-37-induced mouse model of rosacea. Topical CBG treatment significantly reduced clinical erythema, epidermal hyperplasia, and mast cell infiltration, and suppressed key inflammatory and vascular mediators at both the mRNA and protein levels. Mechanistically, CBG inhibited the expression of cytokines, Vegfa, and Tlr2, as well as the activation of YAP/TAZ and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, which are known to be involved in rosacea pathogenesis (Figure 5). These findings highlight CBG as a promising non-psychoactive cannabinoid with therapeutic relevance for the treatment of rosacea.

The full study can be found here.