Cannabigerol
Encyclopedia
Cannabigerol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the Cannabis
genus of plants. Cannabigerol is found in higher concentrations in hemp
rather than in varieties of Cannabis with high THC
content (the kind used as a drug
).
Cannabigerol has been found to act as a high affinity α2-adrenergic receptor agonist
, moderate affinity 5-HT1A receptor
antagonist
, and low affinity CB1 receptor antagonist
. It also binds to the CB2 receptor, but whether it acts as an agonist or antagonist at this site is unknown.
Cannabigerol has been shown to relieve intraoccular pressure, which may be of benefit in the treatment of glaucoma
.
Cannabis
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three putative species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These three taxa are indigenous to Central Asia, and South Asia. Cannabis has long been used for fibre , for seed and seed oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a...
genus of plants. Cannabigerol is found in higher concentrations in hemp
Hemp
Hemp is mostly used as a name for low tetrahydrocannabinol strains of the plant Cannabis sativa, of fiber and/or oilseed varieties. In modern times, hemp has been used for industrial purposes including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food and fuel with modest...
rather than in varieties of Cannabis with high THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Tetrahydrocannabinol , also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol , Δ1-THC , or dronabinol, is the main chemical psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. It was first isolated in 1964. In pure form, it is a glassy solid when cold, and becomes viscous and sticky if warmed...
content (the kind used as a drug
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
).
Cannabigerol has been found to act as a high affinity α2-adrenergic receptor agonist
Agonist
An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor of a cell and triggers a response by that cell. Agonists often mimic the action of a naturally occurring substance...
, moderate affinity 5-HT1A receptor
5-HT1A receptor
The 5-HT1A receptor is a subtype of 5-HT receptor that binds the endogenous neurotransmitter serotonin . It is a G protein-coupled receptor that is coupled to Gi/Go and mediates inhibitory neurotransmission...
antagonist
Receptor antagonist
A receptor antagonist is a type of receptor ligand or drug that does not provoke a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor, but blocks or dampens agonist-mediated responses...
, and low affinity CB1 receptor antagonist
Receptor antagonist
A receptor antagonist is a type of receptor ligand or drug that does not provoke a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor, but blocks or dampens agonist-mediated responses...
. It also binds to the CB2 receptor, but whether it acts as an agonist or antagonist at this site is unknown.
Cannabigerol has been shown to relieve intraoccular pressure, which may be of benefit in the treatment of glaucoma
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently damaging vision in the affected eye and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye...
.