Israel

Study: CBD and CBG Show Potential in Treating Fatty Liver Disease

Is cannabis a breakthrough cure for fatty liver disease or are the claims premature without human trials?

MAR 6·Updated MAR 8

Study: CBD and CBG Show Potential in Treating Fatty Liver Disease

Story

Above: A close-up view of cannabis leaves was featured at the Asia International Hemp Expo 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand on Sept. 7, 2025. Image credit: Nathalie Jamois/SOPA Images/Getty Images

The Facts

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem conducted a study showing that cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), two non-psychoactive cannabis compounds, may help treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
The Times of Israel
SciTech Daily
MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide, affecting approximately one-third of adults and closely linked to obesity and insulin resistance.
Medicalxpress
The Jewish Chronicle
The peer-reviewed study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology on Friday, found that CBD and CBG work by increasing phosphocreatine levels in the liver, which acts as a backup energy reserve, and by restoring cathepsin enzyme activity.
Bioengineer.org
The Times of Israel
The research showed that both compounds significantly reduced harmful lipids such as triglycerides and ceramides, with CBG demonstrating stronger effects on reducing body fat mass, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering cholesterol levels.
SciTech Daily
The Times of Israel
According to a 2024 Knesset Health Committee report, nearly 60% of Israel's adult population is overweight or obese, and one in five children suffers from obesity, making MASLD a growing problem in the country.
The Jewish Chronicle
The Times of Israel
The Hebrew University lab has patented the use of the combination of CBD and CBG for metabolic disorders, and the intellectual property has been licensed to Carmen's Biopharma to advance the research toward potential clinical trials in humans.
The Times of Israel
SciTech Daily

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The Spin

Narrative A

Cannabis compounds CBD and CBG represent a breakthrough treatment for fatty liver disease affecting millions, with laboratory experiments showing these non-psychoactive extracts can reverse fat accumulation and prevent disease development. The medicinal plant has been unjustly stigmatized for decades despite its rich therapeutic qualities, and legal CBD supplements already provide consumers a real alternative for health without requiring full medical cannabis legalization. This research proves natural weight loss therapy from cannabis could become a billion-dollar industry addressing the obesity epidemic.

The Jewish Chronicle

The Times of Israel

Narrative B

While preclinical findings on cannabinoid compounds show interesting metabolic effects in laboratory models, clinicians currently lack the clinical trial data necessary to recommend these treatments for fatty liver disease patients. The research remains early-stage and requires substantial additional work, including human trials, toxicology assessments and regulatory approval before any therapeutic application becomes available. Even with promising results, more research is needed on this complex issue.

Mirage News

Dr. Ryan Shelton on Youtube