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Endogenous Cannabinoids

Table of Contents

  1. Endogenous cannabinoids
    1. References

Endogenous cannabinoids

 

Endogenous cannabinoids, also known as endocannabinoids, are a class of compounds that naturally occur in the human body. These compounds play a critical role in regulating a wide range of physiological functions, including pain sensation, appetite, mood, and immune response.

 

Chemically, endogenous cannabinoids are lipid-based molecules that are structurally similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Anandamide is derived from the Sanskrit word "ananda," which means "bliss," and was named for its ability to produce a sense of euphoria.

 

Endogenous cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and signaling molecules that are involved in regulating various physiological processes. The ECS is involved in modulating pain sensation, appetite, mood, and immune response, among other things.

 

The pharmacology of endogenous cannabinoids is complex and not fully understood. However, research suggests that they act as retrograde messengers, meaning they are released by postsynaptic neurons and bind to presynaptic receptors to regulate neurotransmitter release. This process helps to maintain homeostasis and regulate various physiological processes.

 

The benefits and effects of endogenous cannabinoids are still being explored, but research suggests that they may have a role in pain management, mood regulation, and immune function. Studies have shown that endocannabinoids may help to reduce pain sensation by modulating the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. Additionally, endocannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial for treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

 

Endogenous cannabinoids are closely related to the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, which has led to speculation about the potential benefits of cannabis for medical purposes. However, it is important to note that the effects of cannabis are complex and can vary depending on the strain, dosage, and individual response.

 

There are currently no supplements available that specifically target the endocannabinoid system. However, there are some supplements that may support overall ECS function, such as omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin.

 

It is important to note that while endogenous cannabinoids may have potential health benefits, there are also some warnings to consider. Cannabis use can have psychoactive effects, and it is not appropriate for everyone. Additionally, while endocannabinoids are naturally occurring in the body, excessive or chronic cannabis use may interfere with the body's natural production of endocannabinoids.

 

In conclusion, endogenous cannabinoids are a fascinating class of compounds that play a critical role in regulating various physiological processes. Research suggests that they may have potential health benefits, particularly for pain management, mood regulation, and immune function. However, it is important to approach the use of cannabis and other supplements with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.

 

References

 

1. Di Marzo V, Piscitelli F. The Endocannabinoid System and its Modulation by Phytocannabinoids. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):692-8.

2. Pertwee RG. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. Br J Pharmacol. 2008 Jan;153(2):199-215.

3. Hill KP. Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review. JAMA. 2015 Jun 23-30;313(24):2474-83.

4. Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;163(7):1344-64.

5. Mackie K. Cannabinoid receptors: where they are and what they do. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008 Jul;20 Suppl 1:10-4.

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8. Di Marzo V, De Petrocellis L. Why do cannabinoid receptors have more than one endogenous ligand? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2012 Dec 5;367(1607):3216-28.

9. Piomelli D, et al. The endocannabinoid system as a target for therapeutic drugs. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Aug;24(8):401-7.

10. Pertwee RG. Cannabinoids and the gastrointestinal tract. Gut. 2001 Oct;48(4):859-67.

11. Bambico FR, Katz N, Debonnel G, Gobbi G. Cannabinoids elicit antidepressant-like behavior and activate serotonergic neurons through the medial prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci. 2007 Mar 28;27(13):11700-11.

12. Hill MN, McLaughlin RJ, Morrish AC, Viau V, Floresco SB, Hillard CJ, Gorzalka BB. Suppression of amygdalar endocannabinoid signaling by stress contributes to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2009 Nov;34(12):2733-45.

13. Pertwee RG. The pharmacology of cannabinoid receptors and their ligands: an overview. Int J Obes (Lond). 2006 Apr;30 Suppl 1:S13-8.

14. Russo EB. The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: no "strain," no gain. Front Plant Sci. 2019 Feb 27;9:1969.

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16. Russo EB. Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD): can this concept explain therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions? Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2004 Feb-Apr;25(1-2):31-9.

17. Di Marzo V, et al. Endocannabinoid signaling and the regulation of synaptic transmission. Neuropharmacology. 2004 Jun;47(1):373-83.

18. De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. Non-CB1, non-CB2 receptors for endocannabinoids, plant cannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids: focus on G-protein-coupled receptors and transient receptor potential channels. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2010 Mar;5(1):103-21.

19 Medical News Today:  What to know about endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/endocannabinoid

 

This article is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advise. You can find similar articles to this one in our encyclopedia. Did you enjoy reading this article and do you like to write? If so, we are looking for writers.

Updated on 03 May 2023