Cannabis Compounds Show Promise for Treating Liver Disease Affecting One-Third of Adults
Key Insights
Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG (search)) significantly reduced liver fat and improved metabolic health in experimental models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (search) (MASLD (search)).
The compounds work through "metabolic remodeling" by creating a "backup battery" for the liver and restoring cellular cleaning mechanisms that clear dangerous lipids.
MASLD (search) affects approximately one-third of the global adult population and has few approved pharmaceutical treatments, making this research particularly significant.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified a potential new therapeutic approach for the world's most common chronic liver disorder using compounds found in cannabis. The study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, demonstrates that cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG (search)) significantly reduced liver fat and improved metabolic health in experimental models.
The research focuses on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (search) (MASLD (search)), a condition that currently affects approximately one-third of the global adult population. MASLD is closely linked to obesity (search) and insulin resistance (search) and presents a significant treatment challenge, as patients have few approved pharmaceutical options and must rely largely on lifestyle changes that can be difficult to maintain.
Novel Mechanism of Action
"Our findings identify a new mechanism by which CBD and CBG (search) enhance hepatic energy and lysosomal function," said lead study author Joseph Tam, director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research (search) at Hebrew University.
The study reveals a process called "metabolic remodeling," in which the cannabis compounds create a "backup battery" for the liver by increasing levels of phosphocreatine, a high-energy molecule stored in muscle cells. This energy reserve helps the organ function under the stress of a high-fat diet, which was an unexpected discovery for the research team.
The researchers also found that CBD and CBG (search) restored the activity of "cellular cleaning crews" known as cathepsins (search), enzymes that work within the cell's recycling centers to break down harmful fats and waste. Through this process, the liver was better able to clear out dangerous lipids, including triglycerides and ceramides, which are known to trigger inflammation.
Comparative Effectiveness
While both compounds demonstrated effectiveness, CBG (search) showed more robust results in certain areas, including reducing total body fat mass, lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol, and improving insulin sensitivity. Unlike THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, CBD and CBG do not produce a "high," making them viable candidates for long-term medical treatment.
CBD is the more widely studied non-intoxicating cannabinoid, while CBG (search) is a less common "precursor" cannabinoid from which CBD is formed. The research opens a new path for using plant-based compounds to treat metabolic diseases by focusing on how cells manage energy and waste.
Clinical Translation Challenges
Despite the promising results, the research team cautioned that the study was conducted in a controlled experimental environment. Further clinical trials are necessary to determine the proper application for human patients.
The findings come amid broader scrutiny of cannabis-based medical treatments. A major analysis published in JAMA examined more than 2,500 scientific papers from the last 15 years, highlighting significant gaps between public perception and scientific evidence regarding cannabis' effectiveness for most medical conditions. The researchers concluded that there are very few conditions for which cannabinoid therapies have clear, well-established benefits backed by high-quality clinical data.
"Whenever a substance is widely used, there is likely to be a very wide set of outcomes," noted Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. "This study points to the reality that this widely used substance is not a panacea."
The strongest evidence currently supports FDA-approved cannabinoid medications for treating specific conditions, including HIV/AIDS-related appetite loss, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and certain severe pediatric seizure disorders. Healthcare providers recommend that anyone interested in using marijuana for medical purposes should discuss potential risks and benefits with their physician.