Study: CBG-Dominant Cannabis Extract Reduces Fat Cell Formation and Boosts Fat Burning
- The study found that a cannabigerol (CBG)-dominant cannabis extract can reduce obesity-related processes by limiting fat cell development and enhancing fat breakdown.
- Researchers used 3T3-L1 cells to demonstrate that the extract decreases the formation of mature fat cells in a dose-dependent manner.
- The extract lowered the activity of genes and proteins promoting fat storage, while increasing markers related to fat breakdown and energy expenditure.
- These effects suggest the extract suppresses fat accumulation and promotes the browning of white fat, indicating potential therapeutic use against obesity, though further animal and human studies are needed.
A study published this month in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences reports that a cannabigerol (CBG)-dominant cannabis extract may help reduce processes linked to obesity by limiting fat cell development while increasing fat breakdown. The study was conducted by researchers from Wonkwang University, Jeonbuk National University and Kookmin University, who examined the anti-obesity effects of cannabis inflorescence extracts containing high levels of CBG. The extracts were produced using varying concentrations of ethanol and analyzed to determine their primary chemical components. Seven cannabinoids were identified, with CBG serving as the main compound.
To assess potential anti-obesity effects, researchers used 3T3-L1 cells, a commonly used model for studying fat cell formation. They found that the extracts reduced the differentiation of these cells into mature fat cells in a dose-dependent manner, meaning the effect became stronger as the concentration increased.
Further analysis showed that treatment with the CBG-dominant extract significantly lowered the activity of several genes and proteins known to drive fat cell formation and fat storage, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c and FAS. At the same time, the extract increased the expression of markers linked to fat breakdown and energy expenditure, such as HSL, ATGL, UCP1 and PGC-1α.
According to the researchers, these combined effects suggest the extract suppresses adipogenesis and lipogenesis while promoting lipolysis and the browning of white fat tissue, a process associated with higher calorie burning.
The findings indicate that CBG-dominant cannabis may have therapeutic potential in addressing obesity, although the results are based on laboratory cell models and would require further study in animals and humans to determine real-world applicability.