The acid form of CBG, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which serves as a precursor to the main cannabinoids, still remains relatively unknown. Although it was discovered late and difficult to isolate for study, CBGA shows promising attributes and potential for health impact. Lordofcbd.fr dissects for you what CBGA is, what we know about it and the still unexplored aspects in order to better understand its effects on the human body.
CBGA (cannabigerolic acid): a simple definition
Trichomes produce CBGA. CBGA is a cannabinoid produced in the trichomes of hemp flowers
CBGA is a cannabinoid, just like the widespread CBD and the controversial THC. However, it is much less present in the cannabis plant, mainly because it transforms more or less quickly into other cannabinoids.
Two aspects of the CBGA are particularly interesting:
CBGA is often referred to as the “mother cannabinoid.” In other words, it is the precursor of other cannabinoids and plays a direct role in their biosynthesis. Without CBGA, CBD, THC, CBC and of course CBG would not exist. CBGA has interesting intrinsic properties. In addition to its active role in the formation of other cannabinoids, it has its own effects which we will detail below.
Where does the CBGA come from and what is its role?
CBGA, like other cannabinoids, is produced by hemp trichomes. These are small sticky and almost transparent vesicles located at the level of the flowers, from which the CBD resin is extracted. The main role of CBGA is to protect the plant. It can in particular induce necrosis of certain cells in order to control the size of the leaves and concentrate the energy available at the flowers. CBGA is therefore a natural regulator which directly contributes to the proper development of a plant and the survival of its variety.
To go into a little more detail, it is useful to explain that cannabis, through a series of chemical reactions, can produce all kinds of molecules that will be useful for its development at different stages of its evolution.
Initially, the trichomes produce olivic acid as well as geranyl pyrophosphate. These molecules gradually transform into cannabigerolic acid (the CBGA which interests us here). On contact with the different enzymes present in the plant, CBGA is in turn transformed into THCA, CBDA and CBCA, the acid forms which will respectively give THC, CBD and CBC once decarboxylation has taken place (naturally or following an action human). More rarely, natural decarboxylation takes place a little earlier and CBGA directly becomes CBG . This phenomenon partly explains the lower presence of CBG in the different varieties of cannabis than of CBD or THC. Very good, but what is the difference between CBG and its acid form, CBGA?
CBGA Vs. CBG: differences and similarities
CBGA is just one step in the evolution of cannabis.
Discovery In 1996 by Japanese researchers In 1964 by Israeli researchers Effects on humans Yes, via the endocannabinoid system (ECS) Yes, via the ECS Psychotropic effects (“gets you high”) No No CBGA is the precursor to CBG. The latter is therefore a more advanced form of CBGA, a later stage. Besides this temporal difference, there is above all a molecular difference. Those who remember a few chemistry lessons may have noticed that the difference between the two molecules is one carbon atom (C) and two oxygen atoms (O), i.e. CO2 (carbon dioxide). carbon). This is what allows us to understand a little better the somewhat barbaric term decarboxylation.
This molecular difference has consequences on the role of CBGA in the cannabis plant, but also, and this is what particularly interests us, on its ability to interact with our body's receptors. In short, although close, CBGA and CBG do not necessarily have the same effects.
Effects of CBGA
CBGA could influence metabolism
The scientific literature on the effects of CBGA is still quite limited. On the one hand because cannabigerolic acid was discovered relatively late compared to the main cannabinoids, and on the other hand because it is extremely difficult to isolate. Indeed, it transforms quickly and, to study it, it is not only impossible to heat the plant, but it must also be at a relatively early stage (before flowering).
However, some interesting avenues are currently being explored, each of which should be treated cautiously and thoroughly before drawing definitive conclusions.
An action on metabolism A 2019 study showed that CBGA, like CBG and CBDA, can interact with PPAR receptors and has the ability to modulate lipid metabolism. When these receptors do not work properly, the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes or high triglyceride and cholesterol levels increases.
Colon Cancer According to another study, CBGA may play a role in fighting colon cancer. Not only does it appear to slow the growth of cancer cells, but it may also speed up their death.
Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases Direct consequence of the action of CBGA on metabolism , it could be useful against diabetes, in particular by preventing the production of the enzyme at the origin of oxidative stress and therefore by preventing the appearance of certain complications . Limiting oxidative stress also helps avoid certain cardiovascular problems, which also represent an area of research.
These first studies have so far only been carried out on models and/or in the laboratory (in vitro). It therefore remains to extend them, deepen them and, if justified, to carry out studies on humans.
