06 Mar Hebrew University Study Finds MASLD, a Common Chronic Liver Disorder, May Benefit from Cannabis Derivatives

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MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Prof. Joseph (Yossi) Tam, DMD, PhDSchool of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Harvey M. Krueger Family Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Jerusalem, Israel

With colleagues Dr. Liad Hinden, the PhD student Radka Kočvarová, and the Tam’s team at the
School of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Medicine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the condition of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)? What causes it? Whom does it affect?

Response: MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide. It develops when fat accumulates excessively in liver cells, commonly in people with obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Over time, this condition can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. Despite its growing prevalence, effective pharmacological therapies remain limited, leaving a substantial unmet clinical need.

MedicalResearch.com: How do CBD and CBG protect the liver? Would you briefly explain “metabolic remodeling”? How do they “cleanse the liver”?

Response: Our findings reveal that cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), two non‑psychoactive cannabinoids, enhance the liver’s ability to manage energy and lipids. “Metabolic remodeling” refers to the shift in the liver’s energy management, here, from fatty acid oxidation toward phosphocreatine-based energy buffering, which provides a rapid energy reserve for cellular processes.

In addition, these compounds restore lysosomal function, the cell’s “recycling system,” improving the degradation and clearance of lipid waste. Together, these changes reduce fat buildup and inflammation, effectively helping the liver “cleanse” itself and regain healthy metabolism.

MedicalResearch.com: Are the CBD and CBG compounds used in this study available commercially?

Response:  Both CBD and CBG are naturally occurring plant cannabinoids available commercially as purified isolates. However, the purity, formulation, and dose used in our research were highly controlled and pharmaceutical-grade. These parameters differ from those in over‑the‑counter products and underscore the need for rigorous clinical evaluation before therapeutic use in humans.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Our study identifies a previously unrecognized, cannabinoid receptor-independent mechanism by which CBD and CBG improve liver energy balance and lipid handling. These insights position phytocannabinoids as promising candidates for the treatment of MASLD and other metabolic liver disorders.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: Future work should explore the translational potential of these findings in human subjects, determine optimal dosing and delivery, and identify patient subgroups who may benefit most, particularly those with preserved phospholipid metabolism. Understanding long‑term safety and pharmacokinetics will also be essential for developing clinically viable treatments.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Response: I would like to acknowledge my main coauthors Dr. Liad Hinden, a Senior Research Associate in my group, and the talented PhD student, Radka Kočvarová, as well as members of my research team for their substantial contributions. I serve as Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research (MCCR) at the Hebrew University and as a scientific advisor for several biotechnology companies developing non‑psychoactive cannabinoid‑based therapeutics. The use of CBD and CBG for these metabolic conditions has been protected by a patent application, which was licensed, via Yissum (the TTO company of the Hebrew University) to Carmen’s Biopharma, a U.S.-based biotech company, to promote our translational findings to clinical and commercial use in humans.

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Last Updated on March 6, 2026 by Marie Benz MD FAAD