Scientists discover cannabis compounds can 'reverse' fatty liver disease

Groundbreaking research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology has revealed that two non-intoxicating compounds found in the cannabis plant may effectively reverse fatty liver disease.

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol) can reduce liver fat, improve blood sugar control, and lower lipid levels in obese mice.

These findings offer a potential breakthrough for Metabolically Dysregulated-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a condition currently impacting roughly a third of the global adult population for which no approved pharmacological treatments exist.

The study identified that both compounds work by enhancing the production of phosphocreatine, a form of creatine that helps the liver replenish energy and maintain cellular health.

Senior author and pharmacist Joseph Tam explained: “Our findings identify a new mechanism by which CBD and CBG enhance hepatic energy and lysosomal function.”

He further noted: “This dual metabolic remodelling contributes to improved liver lipid handling and highlights these compounds as promising therapeutic agents for MASLD.”

While both were effective, CBG—often dubbed the 'mother of all cannabinoids'—proved particularly superior in increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering 'bad' cholesterol.

Crucially, neither compound triggers a 'high', making them viable medical candidates. The authors stated: “This study is the first to demonstrate that phytocannabinoids can reprogram hepatic energy buffering.”

Although the results are promising, experts caution that human clinical trials are essential to determine if these effects can be replicated outside of laboratory models.