Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes

Summary & key facts

This commentary reviews research on Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a compound from cannabis that is not psychoactive like THC. In animal studies, THCV reduced appetite, increased feelings of fullness, and raised energy use. Early human data in people with type 2 diabetes reported lower fasting plasma glucose versus placebo. The authors say THCV may have effects on appetite, blood sugar, lipids, and brain protection, but they describe it as an experimental candidate that needs more clinical testing before it can be called a proven treatment.

Key facts:

• THCV is a cannabis-derived compound that the authors say lacks the psychoactive (mind-altering) effects typical of THC.
• In rodent studies summarized in the commentary, THCV decreased food intake, increased satiety, and up-regulated energy metabolism.
• The commentary reports that, in people with type 2 diabetes, THCV treatment was associated with reduced fasting plasma glucose compared with placebo in at least one study.
• The authors contrast THCV with THC: THC is associated with increased appetite and is used in conditions like cachexia, while THCV has been studied for appetite suppression.
• The paper presents THCV as a potential candidate for therapies targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes, but it emphasizes that evidence is still limited and more clinical trials are needed.

Abstract

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabis-derived compound with unique properties that set it apart from the more common cannabinoids, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The main advantage of THCV over THC is the lack of psychoactive effects. In rodent studies, THCV decreases appetite, increases satiety, and up-regulates energy metabolism, making it a clinically useful remedy for weight loss and management of obesity and type 2 diabetic patients. The distinctions between THCV and THC in terms of glycemic control, glucose metabolism, and energy regulation have been demonstrated in previous studies. Also, the effect of THCV on dyslipidemia and glycemic control in type 2 diabetics showed reduced fasting plasma glucose concentration when compared to a placebo group. In contrast, THC is indicated in individuals with cachexia. However, the uniquely diverse properties of THCV provide neuroprotection, appetite suppression, glycemic control, and reduced side effects, etc.; therefore, making it a potential priority candidate for the development of clinically useful therapies in the future. Hopefully, THCV could provide an optional platform for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.

Topics

Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Diet, Metabolism, and Disease Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Pharmacology

Tags

Agonist Appetite Bioinformatics Biology Cannabinoid Cannabinoid receptor Diabetes mellitus Dronabinol Dyslipidemia Endocrinology Glycemic Internal medicine Management of obesity Medicine Neuroprotection Obesity Pharmacology Receptor Rimonabant Type 2 diabetes Weight loss Weight management

Substances

Cannabis

Conditions & symptoms

Poor appetite or overeating