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. 2020 Jan 31;2(1):6.
doi: 10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7.

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

Amos Abioye  1 , Oladapo Ayodele  2 , Aleksandra Marinkovic  2 , Risha Patidar  2 , Adeola Akinwekomi  2 , Adekunle Sanyaolu  3
Affiliations

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

Amos Abioye et al. J Cannabis Res. .

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.

Keywords: Cannabis sativa (marijuana); Diabetes; Obesity; Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Molecular Structures of THC (a), and THCV (b). Data sourced from Jager and colleagues in The Endocannabinoid System and Appetite: Relevance for Food Reward19
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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