A research team from the Università degli Studi di Milano has reported in a new study the discovery of a previously unknown cannabinoid, cannabizetol (CBGD), which “exhibits remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory activity”.
The compound was identified and isolated from Cannabis sativa extracts and represents only the third known member of the rare methylene-bridged dimeric cannabinoid class. Its existence was confirmed using a chemically synthesized standard, which matched the natural isolate exactly.
The study found that cannabizetol demonstrates remarkably strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in human skin cells, significantly outperforming the previously known dimeric cannabinoid cannabitwinol. In experiments with keratinocytes, cannabizetol showed concentration-dependent inhibition of inflammatory markers such as NF-κB activation and IL-8 release, reaching complete inhibition at relatively low doses. Researchers also reported that cannabizetol suppressed a broad range of pro-inflammatory genes linked to skin conditions, suggesting potential dermatological applications.
To expand availability for further study, the researchers developed optimized synthetic pathways, including continuous flow chemistry, which allowed them to cut reaction times substantially compared to traditional batch methods. While yields remain modest, the process provides a reliable source of the compound for ongoing research.
The team notes that the discovery of cannabizetol underscores how much of the “cannabinome” remains uncharted. With over 150 cannabinoids identified so far, many minor or rare compounds are still poorly characterized due to low concentrations in plant material and difficulties in isolation. This work not only adds a new cannabinoid to the scientific record but also highlights the potential for novel therapeutic applications hidden within lesser-known cannabis metabolites.
At under 0.1% of plant content, cannabizetol is scarce in natural cannabis material, but its promising anti-inflammatory activity may open new directions in skin health treatments and cannabinoid-based therapeutics.
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