Inhibition of sodium conductance by cannabigerol contributes to a reduction of dorsal root ganglion neuron excitability

Ghovanloo M-R, Estacion M, Higerd GP, Zhao P, Dib-Hajj S and Waxman SG.

British Journal of Pharmacology, 2022

Scientists use a multiplatform approach to demonstrate CBG as a potential therapeutic for pain

Previous research has shown that the non-psychotropic cannabinoid compound cannabigerol (CBG) may act as an analgesic by blocking voltage-gated sodium (Nav) currents in central nervous system neurons, but this mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, scientists used transfected HEK cells and primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to examine the effects of CBG on Nav channels.

Results from Axion’s noninvasive multielectrode array (MEA) platform showed that CBG reduced excitability in rat DRG neurons via Nav1.7 channels, while other findings demonstrated that CBG is a state-dependent Nav channel inhibitor. Overall, the study suggests that CBG may be a promising therapeutic approach for a variety of pain syndromes.