Compounds derived from marijuana may offer a new direction for addressing one of the most widespread chronic liver illnesses worldwide, according to recent findings from researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The study found that cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD) lowered fat buildup in the liver and improved several markers tied to metabolic function in laboratory models.
CBD is among the most extensively researched cannabis compounds that does not cause intoxication. CBG, by contrast, appears in smaller quantities in the plant and serves as a biochemical precursor during the formation of other cannabinoids, including CBD.
Unlike THC, neither CBD nor CBG produces psychoactive effects. Because of this, scientists consider them potential candidates for therapies that could be used over extended periods.
The research focused on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disorder, commonly abbreviated as MASLD. Health experts estimate that the disorder affects roughly one in three adults around the globe.
The illness is strongly tied to insulin resistance and obesity, with limited treatment options. Doctors typically recommend diet changes, weight loss, and increased physical activity, but long-term adherence can be difficult for many patients.
Lead researcher Joseph Tam, who heads the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research at the university, said the team uncovered a biological pathway that may explain the benefits seen in their experiments. According to Tam, the cannabinoids improved the liver’s ability to manage energy and maintain cellular recycling systems.
During the experiments, the compounds triggered what scientists described as metabolic remodeling. This process effectively created an energy reserve inside liver cells. Researchers observed a rise in phosphocreatine, a molecule that stores energy in tissues such as muscle. The extra supply functioned as a reserve power source, helping the liver continue functioning even under the strain of a high-fat diet.
The team also documented improvements in cellular recycling systems. Enzymes known as cathepsins, which operate within lysosomes responsible for degrading unwanted materials, regained activity after treatment with cannabinoids.
When those enzymes function properly, liver cells can more effectively remove harmful fats and debris. The liver cleared out greater amounts of lipids linked to metabolic disease, including ceramides and triglycerides, substances that can promote inflammation.
Both cannabinoids produced beneficial changes, though CBG showed stronger effects in certain measurements. It was associated with lower total body fat, reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improved response to insulin.
The researchers believe the results suggest a broader possibility for plant compounds in treating metabolic disorders. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, the strategy targets how cells produce energy and dispose of waste products.
Still, they note that clinical trials will be required to determine whether the same benefits appear in people and to establish safe treatment guidelines.
These research findings provide additional support for the views of cannabis firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) that believe the full therapeutic potential of marijuana and its compounds is yet to be fully documented by science.
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