What is the endocannabinoid system and what does it do? While it is not fully understood and is still being researched, in this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through what we do know. The science behind how it works, how it was discovered and how you can enhance yours with CBD.
2-Arachidonyl glyceryl ether is a putative endocannabinoid discovered by Lumír Hanuš and colleagues at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. This endocannabinoid is an ether formed from the alcohol analog of arachidonic acid and glycerol. It binds to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and causes sedation, hypothermia, intestinal immobility, and mild antinociception.In This Article
Virodhamine
What is the function of the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a complex nerve cell signaling system that’s thought to help support our bodies’ normal functioning, from our organs to the central nervous System.
Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells and it is arguably the most vital physiological system for the foundation and maintenance of life as we know it.
Scientists have recently discovered that the endocannabinoid system is a key player in our ability to restore a dynamic equilibrium and balance when faced with external stressors.
Understanding how our ECS maintains this balance, also known as homeostasis, is connected closely to our understanding of how cannabinoids, including CBD in the hemp plant, interact with the ECS to help support our well-being. Though this is still being studied extensively, it is an important finding.
What are cannabinoid receptors?
A receptor is a proteinaceous molecule that binds a specific molecule or set of molecules. It might help to think of receptors as being like receivers of signals. When a molecule binds to a receptor, it may activate it, inhibit it, or prevent it from binding to other molecules.
Receptors are crucial for relaying chemical messages from signaling molecules on the outside of cells into the interior space of cells. Typically, receptors are found on membranes of cells and cellular organelles, but they may also reside in the cytosol of cells or be translocated to the cell membrane as part of various biological stimuli.
CB1 receptors
These are found in the central nervous system in the brain and spine and play a part in memory, behavior, appetite, motor control, pain perception.
CB2 receptors
These are present throughout the body and play a role in controlling inflammation and immune response.
How enzymes support the ECS
Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they have carried out their function. There are two main enzymes responsible for this: fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA and monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG.
Examples of endocannabinoids
Anandamide
Anandamide, also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine, is a fatty acid neurotransmitter and was the first endocannabinoid to be discovered. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, stimulating a sense of happiness and mental wellness.
Anandamide is a little-known brain chemical that's been called the ‘bliss molecule’ for the role it plays in producing feelings of happiness.
2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was the second endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand discovered after anandamide. It is an endocannabinoid that activates the cannabinoid CB1 receptor.
2-AGIt is involved in a wide array of (patho)physiological functions, such as emotion, cognition, energy balance, pain sensation and neuroinflammation.
2-arachidonyl glyceryl ether
2-Arachidonyl glyceryl ether is a putative endocannabinoid discovered by Lumír Hanuš and colleagues at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
This endocannabinoid is an ether formed from the alcohol analog of arachidonic acid and glycerol. It binds to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and causes sedation, hypothermia, intestinal immobility, and mild antinociception.
Virodhamine
Virodhamine is an endocannabinoid and a nonclassic eicosanoid, derived from arachidonic acid. It is a partial agonist at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor and a full agonist at the CB2 receptor and relaxes mesenteric arteries through endothelial cannabinoid receptors.
N-arachidonoyl dopamine
N-Arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) is an endocannabinoid that acts as an agonist of the Cb1 receptor and the transient receptor potential V1 ion channel. NADA may play a role in pain and inflammation through the activation of CB1 and TRPV1.
The discovery of the ECS
Initial research
Research into the ECS began in 1988, when scientists at St. Louis University Medical School discovered that a rat had an abundance of receptors on its brain that were activated by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one type of cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa.
They named these cannabinoid receptors ‘CB1’ and published their findings in the journal of Molecular Pharmacology. This sparked a new question among scientists about why our bodies have receptors that respond to cannabinoids. The thinking was that we must produce our own cannabinoid-like compounds (endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids) in the first place.
The discovery of endocannabinoid receptors
By 1992, scientists had discovered the first endocannabinoid neurotransmitter, anandamide, which binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. (as mentioned earlier) Since then, there have been other key discoveries, including:
- 1993: The discovery of the CB2 receptor.
- 1995: The discovery of 2-AG, a more prevalent endocannabinoid (cannabinoids that occur naturally in the body) than anandamide.
- 2004: The discovery of the potential to have clinical endocannabinoid system deficiency, a theory that suggests a lack of endocannabinoids may be at the root cause of many ailments and body imbalances.
How to enhance your endocannabinoid system and your wellbeing with CBD
CBD is a powerful naturally-occurring compound which lacks the intoxicating effects of THC. Scientists are working to understand its multiple pathways and receptor interactions in our bodies, including non-cannabinoid receptors such as cellular uptake proteins.
Recent research suggests that while CBD does not bind strongly with traditional CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors like THC, it may still interact through other unknown mechanisms.
Though more research is needed on this topic we know some of the potential benefits of taking CBD regularly include experiencing improved sleep, relaxation and mobility as well as muscle relief. Using an emulsion-based product allows you to experience the full benefits that this versatile supplement can provide to achieve a more balanced lifestyle, studies have shown.
FAQs
What is the relationship between CBD and the ECS?
Experts are not completely sure how CBD interacts with the ECS. Some believe it works by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down. This allows them to have more of an effect on your body.
What causes endocannabinoid deficiency?
Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency is a medical theory proposing that a deficiency of cannabinoids is the underlying cause of migraines, fibromyalgia and IBS. However, this is not confirmed.
What else could enhance your endocannabinoid system?
Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in our overall health and wellbeing. Our bodies produce natural cannabinoids, similar to those found in cannabis plants, which can help us deal with stress and illness.
Unfortunately, sometimes the ECS doesn't perform optimally - research suggests that supplementation from CBD can give your ECS just what it needs, yet there are also foods that will aid an optimal functioning of the ECS; promoting good physical and mental health along with improving the effectiveness of medical cannabis too. Essential fatty acids, chocolate, herbs, spices, and tea can naturally stimulate the ECS.
