The role of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in metabolic disorders: A promising cannabinoid for diabetes and weight management

Abstract

Disorders of the metabolism, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, represent significant global health challenges due to their rising prevalence and associated complications. Despite existing therapeutic strategies, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacological treatments, and surgical options, limitations such as poor adherence, side effects, and accessibility issues call attention to the need for novel solutions. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa, has emerged as a promising agent to manage metabolic disorders. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THCV exhibits an antagonistic function on the CB1 receptor and a partial agonist function on the CB2 receptor, thus enabling appetite suppression, enhanced glucose regulation, and increased energy expenditure. Preclinical studies demonstrated that THCV improves insulin sensitivity, promotes glucose uptake, and restores insulin signaling in metabolic tissues. Additionally, THCV reduces lipid accumulation and improves the mitochondrial activity in adipocytes and hepatocytes, shown through both cell-based and animal research. Animal models further revealed THCV’s potential to suppress appetite, prevent hepatosteatosis, and improve metabolic homeostasis. Preliminary human trials support these findings, thereby showing that THCV may modulate appetite and glycemic control, though larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm its clinical efficacy and safety. THCV’s unique pharmacological profile positions it as a possible therapeutic candidate to address the multifaceted challenges of obesity and diabetes. Continued research should concentrate on optimizing formulations, undertaking well-designed clinical studies, and addressing regulatory hurdles to unlock its full potential.