Extraction Industry Blog

The Medicinal Potential of CBG and the Best Extraction Alternative

CBG, or cannabigerol, is one of over 100 known phytocannabinoids produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant through its acidic precursor CBGa. It is considered a parent cannabinoid since it is derived from cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBC, or CBN. Unlike THC, CBG has no psychotropic effects, however.

Only recently, studies of the compound have begun to uncover its full potential. One of the current difficulties in obtaining a sufficient quantity since only 1% is usually found in the plants, thus defined as a minor cannabinoid. For this reason, ways to produce plants with higher levels of CBG are currently being investigated. Breeders increase yields in cannabigerol compared to the rest of cannabinoids through cross-breeding, genetically manipulating the seeds, or changing the ways of cultivation and collection.

How is the CBG extracted?
Although CBG is present in low concentrations, it can still be extracted through ethanol or CO2 extraction. ENTEXS designs and builds efficient and scalable industrial ethanol extraction systems for a high-quality end product, including a CBG-focused extract. The CBG-rich biomass is soaked and washed via ethanol, pulling the cannabinoids and terpene tincture. The automated extraction system then moves to post-filtration and evaporation to remove the solvent for CBG crude. For further refinement into distillate, ENTEXS extraction systems include inline dual-pass distillation. If a THC-free CBG product is desired, ENTEXS additionally offers the RMD-T Series for a solventless remediation process.

ENTEXS offers solutions to reduce production costs with state-of-the-art technology to provide high efficiency and quality. Consult our offer of systems adapted to your needs.

Uses and Benefits of CBG
As with CBD and other cannabinoids, CBG has numerous therapeutic benefits and is used to create different commercial products, such as edibles, tinctures, gummies, and many other products.

Although the research on CBG is in its early stages, the studies look promising. Preclinical research has found that CBG is potentially useful in treating inflammatory bowel diseases, anxiety disorders, and motor function disorders such as Parkinson’s. (a)

Other therapeutic benefits include:
* Antibacterial and antifungal properties
* May inhibit cancer cell growth
* Pain relief
* Anti-inflammatory properties
* Promotes bone growth
* Helps sleep
* Useful in the treatment of anorexia
* Improves intestinal diseases
* Aid as an antidepressant

Additional research is pertinent for creating specific treatments and knowing cases of contraindications.

So long as its use is therapeutically and in the appropriate doses, it’s important to note that CBG is nontoxic. However, CBG products and their derivatives may not be suitable for everyone. Nor should it be used without the supervision of a specialized professional who can individualize each specific case and provide the appropriate treatment and the respective follow-up to the treatment.

As with most phytocannabinoid discoveries, there is still a long way to go for medical research before we can definitively conclude their efficacy. More research and data are needed to help scientists address concerns about CBG and drive its benefits to mass adoption.