Cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, may offer a new treatment pathway for liver fibrosis by addressing both fat accumulation and inflammation, according to the results of a new study from researchers in South Korea.
The study, published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy and conducted by scientists at Ewha Womans University and The Catholic University of Korea, examined the effects of CBG on human liver cells exposed to fatty acids linked to liver damage.
The compound reduced lipid build-up by inhibiting fat production and promoting lipophagy, a process that helps break down fat droplets in cells. CBG also sharply lowered levels of inflammatory molecules such as IL6, IL1B, and TNFA, which are known to worsen liver injury.
Mechanistic testing showed that these benefits stem from CBG’s direct activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of energy and fat metabolism. When researchers blocked AMPK, CBG’s lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects disappeared, confirming its central role.
CBG additionally prevented the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which drive scar tissue formation in the liver.
The findings suggest that CBG’s dual action on metabolism and inflammation could make it a promising therapeutic candidate for metabolic-associated steatohepatitis and other fibrotic liver diseases.
The full text of the study can be found by clicking here.
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