Effect of Non-psychotropic Plant-derived Cannabinoids on Bladder Contractility: Focus on Cannabigerol

Nat Prod Commun. 2015 Jun;10(6):1009-12.

Abstract

There are anecdotal reports that some Cannabis preparations may be useful for bladder dysfunctions. Here, we investigated the effect of a number of non- psychotropic phytocannabinoids, namely cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidivarin (CBDV), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabichromene (CBC) on mouse bladder contractility in vitro. CBG, THCV, CBD and CBDV, but not CBC, at concentration ranging from 10(-8) M to 10(-4) M, decreased (with similar potency), the contractions induced by acetylcholine without significantly modifying the contractions induced by electrical stimulation. The rank order of efficacy was CBG=THCV>CBD>CBDV. In depth studies on CBG showed that the effect of this phytocannabinoid on acetylcholine-induced contractions was not affected by CB1 or CB2 receptor antagonists. Additionally, CBG also reduced acetylcholine-induced contractions in the human bladder.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cannabinoids / chemistry
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology*
  • Cannabis / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Muscle Contraction / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Urinary Bladder / drug effects*
  • Urinary Bladder / physiopathology

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • cannabigerol