Minor cannabinoids poised for the spotlight

CBD is the superstar, but most superstars need supporting accompaniment, and sometimes those supporting players become superstars as well through time, dedication and growing a fan base.

The same can be said for the minor phytocannabinoids. In 2019, a federal research project was announced that would span all minor cannabinoids. According to a notice from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “The mechanisms and processes underlying potential contribution of minor cannabinoids and terpenes to pain relief and functional restoration in patients with different pain conditions may be very broad. This initiative encourages interdisciplinary collaborations by experts from multiple fields—pharmacologists, chemists, physicists, physiologists, neuroscientists, psychologists, endocrinologists, immunologists, geneticists, behavioral scientists, clinicians and others in relevant fields of inquiry.”

CEO of Dr. Jacknin’s Skincare LLC, Jeanette Jacknin, M.D., shared, “Some of the phytocannabinoids identified for more in-depth research include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene (CBC).

She pointed to a study which investigated multiple cannabinoids—not just CBD—and their effects on the sebaceous glands.¹ CBC and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) were shown to suppress basal sebaceous lipid synthesis; while CBC, cannabidivarin (CBDV) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) all significantly reduced arachadonic-induced acne-like lipogenesis. The study also found CBG and cannabigerovarin (CBGV) increased lipid synthesis, which helps relieve dry skin.

“CBC, CBDV and especially THCV show promise to become highly efficient, novel anti-acne agents,” she commented, adding that CBG, CBGV and CBDV “demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions, important for all inflammatory conditions of the skin.”

THCV, which does not impart psychoactive effects as does THC, has been shown in some studies to help manage glycemic control, glucose metabolism and energy regulation.² Study authors mentioned, “Also, the effect of THCV on dyslipidemia and glycemic control in type 2 diabetics showed reduced fasting plasma glucose concentration when compared to a placebo group.”

Meanwhile, a 2021 review explored the viability of THCV to support against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with the authors concluding, “Based on the presented clinical studies, we demonstrated that the pharmacological effect of phytocannabinoids counteracting NAFLD exist.”³

And a 2021 study investigated pharmacokinetics and potential anticonvulsant efficacy of CBC and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), as well as cannabicrhomevarin (CBCV) and cannabichromevarinic acid (CBCVA) in murine models.⁴

These studies represent the increasingly varied compounds being scrutinized for potential health promotion and sustenance. Down the road, one may become the next CBD.

Editor’s Note: The digital magazine “CBD seeks red-hot status” is chock-full of related content, if you’re interested in more on hemp CBD.

Lisa Schofield is a veteran writer and editor who got her start interviewing rock stars for national music magazines. She now writes and edits content for B2B media and suppliers in the natural health product industry. She has served as editor for Vitamin Retailer and Nutrition Industry Executive, and prior to that as associate editor for Whole Foods.

References

1 Olah A et al. “Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes.” J Clin Invest. 2014;124(9):3713-3724.

2 Abioye A et al. “Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes.” J Cannabis Res. 2020;2(6).

3 Berk K et al. “Phytocannabinoids—A Green Approach toward Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Treatment.” J Clin Med. 2021;10(3):393.

4 Anderson LL et al. “Cannabichromene, Related Phytocannabinoids, and 5-Fluoro-cannabichromene Have Anticonvulsant Properties in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome ACS Chem.” Neurosci. 2021;12(2):330-339.