Understanding The Importance Of An Antibacterial
An antibacterial is an agent that interferes with the growth and reproduction of bacteria. Both antibiotics and antibacterial agents attack bacteria. However, the terms have evolved over the years to mean different things. Antibacterial agents are most commonly described in commercial products made to eliminate bacteria. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are most recognized for their clinical role in healthcare studies, though both work the same.
There are two main types of antibacterial agents. Those that act rapidly to destroy bacteria, not quickly disappearing and leaving no active residue, such as alcohol, peroxide, and chlorine. Then there are antibacterial agents that consist of compounds that leave long-acting residue on a surface and have a prolonged antibacterial effect. These include triclosan and triclocarban, two ingredients that are very common for household use. In fact, our homes are filled with antibacterial products we use on a daily basis. Until two decades ago, antibacterial products were strictly for use in healthcare settings. Currently, soaps, lotions, and many cleaning agents have triclocarban, and products like plastic kitchen tools, cutting boards, kid’s toys, and fabrics are being infused with triclosan. This poses a potential problem, as both of these agents are not widely studied for their effects on human health. According to the FDA, short-term animal studies found exposure to triclosan is associated with decreased levels of thyroid hormones. There have also been studies done linking triclosan to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become a serious problem in recent years, and it is prominent more research is being done to find therapeutic options to help fight harmful bacteria, without causing any health risks. Research has found cannabinoids may be a great option for use as an antibacterial agent for a wide range of product applications, without inducing any harm to those who consume them. Let’s take a look at the antibacterial effects of CBG and CBGA.
CBGA and CBG Explained
CBGA and CBG are cannabinoids that can be found in the hemp and cannabis plant, though they are most predominantly sourced from the hemp plant. They are closely related, though they are not the same. CBGA serves as the precursor to CBG. This means when CBGA is decarboxylated, a process where cannabinoids are exposed to heat it converts to CBG. CBGA also is the foundational acidic cannabinoid crucial to not only the formation of CBG, but to all other cannabinoids, including THCA and CBDA.
Both CBGA and CBG have demonstrated a wide range of therapeutic benefits through research, such as their ability to help patients with various metabolic disorders. They also have powerful antibacterial properties that can be harnessed through a wide range of product applications, including body wash, toothpaste, and edibles. CBGA and CBG are non-psychoactive, meaning they will not induce any euphoria. Many customers prefer CBG and CBGA, as they deliver benefits without clouding their minds or thoughts.
Research
Research has found CBG and CBGA act as potent antibacterial agents against a wide range of bacteria. A recent study in 2020, found CBGA and CBG were more effective at reducing the bacteria colony count in dental plaque than well-known oral care products, including Oral B and Colgate. Dental plaque is a common biofilm that gets formed on the teeth and acts as a reservoir for microbes. It is the root cause of many dental concerns, such as tooth loss, bad breath, and bleeding gums. CBGA and CBG are effective antibacterial agents against dental plaque and provide a natural alternative to traditional antibacterial agents used for oral health. (1)
Additionally, it was found CBG acts as an antibacterial agent against s. mutans, a gram-positive bacteria associated with tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth with prolonged periods of low PH, resulting in a net mineral loss from the teeth. CBG prevented the drop in PH caused by bacteria, thus eliminating the prolonged periods of low PH that leads to tooth decay. (2)
Another study examined CBG’s antibacterial activity when exposed to s. aureus or MRSA. MRSA is associated with major bone and joint infections and is listed by the World Health Organization as one of twelve bacteria that pose a threat to global health. This is because MRSA has developed a resistance to traditional antibacterial agents over the years, leaving few treatment options for those affected. Within the study, CBG exhibited antibacterial activity, inhibited the ability to form biofilms, and eradicated preformed biofilm and stationary phase cells resistant to antibiotics when introduced to a murine systematic infection caused by MRSA. This suggests CBG could potentially help with a wide range of bacterial infections that are resistant to other treatments. (3)
Both CBG and CBGA are minor cannabinoids with the potential to have a major effect when used as an antibacterial agent. They can be added into toothpaste, mouthwash, and so much more. They may even be effective at treating an array of infections that are resistant to current anti-bacterial treatments. Many public health agencies have identified antibacterial resistance as one of the most critical challenges of our time and it is prominent more research is being done into the antibacterial effects of CBG and CBGA.