Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabigerol In Vitro and In Vivo Are Mediated Through the JAK/STAT/NFκB Signaling Pathway

Cells. 2025 Jan 9;14(2):83. doi: 10.3390/cells14020083.

Abstract

Cannabinoid compounds have potential as treatments for a variety of conditions, with cannabigerol (CBG) being known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of CBG in a cellular model of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). In the cellular model, we confirmed the cytotoxicity of CBG and downregulated the expression of inflammatory markers CCL26, IL1B, IL6, and TNF (p < 0.001). In the mouse model, clinical, histological, and immunological changes were analyzed. The results showed that CBG improved dermatitis severity score, epidermal thickness, and mast cell count and reduced inflammatory cytokines (Tslp, Il1b, Il4, Il6, Il13, Il17, Il18, Il22, and Il33) by qRT-PCR (p < 0.001). Western blot results showed modulated changes in JAK1, JAK2, TYK2, STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, p-STAT3, STAT6, and p-STAT6 (p < 0.05). Subsequently, p-IκBα, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB signaling factors were also reduced (p < 0.05), with corresponding changes in skin barrier factors. The results of this study indicate that CBG effectively alleviates AD-like symptoms and suggest the potential of CBG as a therapeutic agent.

Keywords: Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription; atopic dermatitis; cannabigerol.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / chemically induced
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / metabolism
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinases* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • NF-kappa B* / metabolism
  • STAT Transcription Factors* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • cannabigerol
  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • Janus Kinases
  • Cytokines
  • Cannabinoids