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About Endoca
Our Story
From humble beginnings to a global mission – we grow, harvest, and craft hemp with care for people and planet.
What Is CBD?
CBD is nature’s way to restore balance, calm, and overall well-being – naturally and without the high.
The Process
From seed to shelf, we grow organically, extract cleanly, and follow strict quality standards for purity.
Lab Testing
Every batch is third-party tested to ensure purity, safety, and the exact amount of CBD every time.
Our Values
Sustainability, transparency, and wellness guide every decision – for you and for the planet.
What is CBG?
What is Cannabigerol (CBG)?
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years due to its numerous potential applications. Only in recent times have scientists begun to give cannabinoids, and their derivatives, the attention they deserve. The mechanisms of these molecules remained a mystery until the discovery of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the first cannabinoid receptor, CB1, followed by endocannabinoids like anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). AEA, 2-AG, and CB receptors have since been reclassified by physiologists as part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS)
The ECS is a complex network of neurotransmitters and receptors working together to signal and transmit information throughout the body, modulating essential neurovegetative functions and helping maintain homeostasis. AEA typically acts as a tonic signaling agent in the ECS, regulating synaptic transmission, while 2-AG functions as a phasic signal activator in neuronal depolarization and as a mediator of synaptic plasticity.
Phytocannabinoids are terpene-phenolic compounds that naturally occur in cannabis plants. Among them are not only the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but also several non-psychoactive molecules like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol, cannabichromene (CBC), and many more. CBG-type molecules are the natural precursors to other cannabinoids, and independent studies have shown that they possess therapeutic properties, making them promising tools in the development of treatments for a wide range of conditions. We aim to inform the scientific community about the latest developments in research on the properties and therapeutic potential of cannabigerol.
Phytocannabinoids and Synthetic Alternatives
The isolation of CBG was first discovered in 1964 when Y. Gaoni reported the structure and parts of the synthesis for many cannabinoids, including CBG. Although CBG is present in most types of cannabis (albeit in relatively small amounts), researchers have primarily focused on the more prominent cannabinoids, THC and CBD. In contrast to naturally occurring cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoid-inspired compounds have been developed over the past few decades and have become leading pharmaceuticals on the market. Some of these chemically modified cannabinoids lack the psychoactive effects of THC but retain some therapeutic properties of known cannabinoids.
It’s important to note that synthetic medications often carry unwanted side effects due to solvent residues. Being relatively new compounds, the side effects of synthetic cannabinoids can be severe and, in extreme cases, life-threatening. In contrast, cannabinoids have been used recreationally and therapeutically for an incredibly long time, and no life-threatening cases have been reported.
Phytocannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and CBG offer many of THC’s therapeutic effects without being psychoactive. These cannabinoids have shown efficacy against a growing number of conditions and diseases. Despite promising results, public access to these treatments remains limited. Furthermore, while CBD is commonly used in scientific and medical studies, CBG is not widely used yet, as it is still undergoing research and testing.
The Biochemistry of CBG
As mentioned earlier, CBG was first isolated by Y. Gaoni in 1964, when he revealed the structure and synthesis of various cannabinoids, including CBG. CBG is a terpenophenolic compound and, like many other cannabinoids, can be broken down into three distinct parts. These parts not only possess different chemical and pharmacological properties but also influence the molecule’s absorption in different ways. The hydrophilic part is represented by a phenolic ring, which is thought to carry the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of cannabinoids. This ring connects with two lipophilic chains at opposite ends: one being the n-alkyl chain and the other a terpenoid function. The terpenoid end appears to be linked to many of CBG’s therapeutic properties.
Due to these two lipophilic parts, CBG, like other cannabinoids, has difficulty dissolving in water but is easily absorbed by cell membranes and tissues.
As you may know, CBG is the natural precursor to THC, CBD, and CBN. CBG’s phenolic parts are likely formed through a polyketide process, where a triketone acid may play a role. This acid’s cyclization leads to olivetolic acid, which becomes CBG through C-acylation with geranyl diphosphate, facilitated by CBGa synthase. The carboxylic acid form of this phytocannabinoid, cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), is essential for synthesizing other phytocannabinoids, and it is in this chemical form that phytocannabinoids are found in fresh cannabis plants. Subsequent cannabinoids are then activated through decarboxylation (heat) (Figure 1). The conversion from CBG acid to THC, CBD, and CBN acid is also catalyzed by specific enzymes known as THC, CBD, and CBN acid synthase.
CBG and Its Therapeutic Effects
Although relatively few in-depth studies on CBG have been conducted, evidence suggests pharmacological effects at various targets. CBG has demonstrated relatively weak agonistic effects at CB1 (Ki 440 nM) and CB2 (Ki 337 nM) receptors, which explains the molecule’s non-psychoactive properties. However, it influences the endocannabinoid tone by inhibiting the breakdown of AEA (anandamide), leading to higher levels of AEA. Older studies point to CBG as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) reuptake inhibitor, with affinities comparable to or even superior to THC and CBD, potentially explaining its anti-anxiety and muscle-relaxing properties.
In 1991, Evans and colleagues discovered that CBG has analgesic and anti-arrhythmic effects by blocking lipoxygenase activity, thereby reducing inflammation risk more effectively than conventional medications. CBG has also shown potential as an antidepressant and antihypertensive agent in rodents. Most of these effects are mediated by potent activity as α-2 adrenoreceptor agonists and moderate binding affinity for 5-HT1A receptors. Additionally, CBG inhibits keratinocyte proliferation, suggesting potential for psoriasis treatment, and, as a relatively potent TRPM8 antagonist, it could be useful in managing prostate cancer and bladder pain.
Recently, CBG has proven to be an effective cytotoxic molecule against human epithelial carcinoma and the second most effective phytocannabinoid, after CBD, against breast cancer. CBG has also demonstrated antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (including against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA) and shows moderate antifungal activity.
Numerous studies suggest that CBG’s effects are enhanced when combined with terpenoids. Terpenoids are highly potent and can influence the behavior of animals and humans even in small airborne concentrations. They exhibit unique therapeutic effects that contribute to the medical benefits of cannabis extracts.