Study shows potential benefits of CBG for skincare

In what is thought to be a first of its kind clinical study, cannabigerol (CBG) demonstrated potential anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.

Biotechnology company, Willow Biosciences has announced the results of its peer-reviewed study on the benefits of CBG for skincare

The study involved 20 healthy male and female participants who had sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced irritation (a substance used in studies to imitate the symptoms of contact dermatitis).

The groups were given either a 0.1 per cent CBG serum or a placebo to apply topically over two weeks.

The CBG serum revealed statistically significant improvements compared to the placebo group, especially for transepidermal water loss or redness.

Transepidermal water loss refers to water that passively evaporates through the skin and can be triggered by skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or rosacea. Although sometimes dry weather,  over-washing and exfoliating with harsh or perfumed soaps may cause it.

The study noted that bio-synthetically produced CBG may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin-repairing properties that would make it perfect for anti-ageing, slowing inflammation and boosting skin barrier functions.

Gene analysis of both CBG and CBD, when applied to a 3D human skin model, demonstrated that cannabigerol outperformed CBD by targeting collagen, elastin and hydration genes.

The researchers wrote:  “CBG’s broad range of in vitro and clinical skin health-promoting activities demonstrates its strong potential as a safe, effective ingredient for topical use and suggests there are areas where it may be more effective than CBD.”

In a statement, Willow’s CEO Trevor Peters said: “Willow’s FutureGrown CBG continues to exhibit great promise as an exciting new skincare ingredient. We are excited to share the results of our in vitro and clinical work with our stakeholders and proud to have it published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, the first of its kind for CBG.”

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is sometimes referred to as ‘the mother of all cannabinoids’ because it is the precursor to CBD. Other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG.

There is very little CBG in plants, often as low as one per cent so it makes CBG more expensive than CBD products. CBD is much more available in plants at 20 to 25 per cent. CBG tends to be made from younger plants which contain a higher percentage. THC and CBD both begin life as CBGA before maturing and THC goes on to become CBN in older plants.

It is thought to work the same as CBD in that it interacts with our endocannabinoid system via receptors that are found all over the body. In particular, it may bind to the CB1 receptors in our nervous system or CB2 receptors in our immune system.

It is thought to potentially strengthen the function of anandamide which is a neurotransmitter that affects our pleasure and motivation. It also regulates appetite, sleep and pain relief.

• The benefits of CBG
• What’s the difference between CBD and CBG?
• The ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ – what is CBG?
• Always Pure Organics: CBG in skincare
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