Cannabis Compounds Treat Fatty Liver Disease

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, led by Professor Joseph Tam, have identified two non-psychoactive cannabis compounds, Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG), that show promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease. The research, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, indicates that these compounds reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health by enhancing the liver's energy reserves and restoring cellular waste breakdown processes. Specifically, they increase phosphocreatine levels, acting as a backup energy supply, and reactivate cathepsins, enzymes crucial for clearing harmful fats and waste. While both compounds are effective, Cannabigerol demonstrated stronger improvements in reducing body fat, increasing insulin sensitivity, and lowering cholesterol. The intellectual property has been licensed through Hebrew University of Jerusalem to Carmen s Biopharma for further development towards clinical use, with plans for human trials.