Study Summary: THCV for Obesity & Diabetes

In 2020, a study was published entitled "THCV: A Commentary on Potential Therapeutic Benefit for the Management of Obesity and Diabetes" in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

The study revealed some potential medicinal efficacies of the varin isomer (analog) to delta-9 THC. While delta-9 THC is known for appetite stimulation (something colloquially called the munchies), THCV exhibits the relatively rare characteristic of decreasing one's appetite. This biochemical mechanism is of potential value to a variety of disease states and conditions, including diabetes and obesity.

"THCV is a cannabis-derived compound with unique properties that set it apart from the more common cannabinoids, such as Δ9-THC"

"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)," reported the study.

The THCV molecule

Added the scientists, "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 study concluded that THCV demonstrates "uniquely diverse properties" that include neuroprotection, appetite suppression, and reduced side effects, 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," concluded the study's authors.

Visit the original study.

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