Anandamide

Anandamide (arachidonethanolamine) is an endogenous neuropeptide that specifically interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

He was also distinguished in 1992 at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The name comes from the Sanskrit word “ananda” — bliss.

Effects: Anandamide acts on CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the periphery. The former are widely represented in many areas of the brain – the cerebellum, hippocampus, parahippocampus, striatum, thalamus. The latter mainly regulate the work of the immune system. Outside the brain, a significant number of CB-2 receptors are found in the spleen, as well as in the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and other organs and tissues. Presumably, anadamide also acts on other receptors in the central nervous system.

Initially, receptors were discovered that are affected by tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of cannabis. The discovery of anandamide was the result of a purposeful search for an endogenous compound acting on these receptors.

Currently, the functions of anandamide are only being established. It is known that the mediator is involved in the regulation of sleep, food intake and pain. The mediator is responsible for eliminating negative emotions associated with memories.

Anandamide is also important for the implantation of an early stage embryo in the uterus. The peak concentration of anandamide in plasma occurs during ovulation and is positively correlated with the maximum levels of estradiol and gonadotropin. The potential use of anadamide in the treatment of infertility is being investigated.

Anandamide plays a role in regulating eating behavior, motivation, and enjoyment. In addition, anandamide participates in the reinforcement system in the brain structures responsible for emotional reinforcement associated with the nucleus accumbens.

A study published in 1998 shows that anandamide suppresses the proliferation of human breast cancer cells.

In 1996, scientists discovered anandamide in chocolate. They also found the presence of two substances that can mimic the action of anandamide, N-oleoylethanolamine and N-linoleoylethanolamine.

The human body synthesizes anandamide from arachidonic acid.

Endogenous anandamide is present in very small amounts, and has a very short half-life due to the action of the fatty acid enzyme amide hydrolase (FAAH), which metabolizes it into arachidonic acid and ethanolamine. Studies show that eating arachidonic acid (which is not synthesized in the body) and other essential fatty acids affects the levels of anandamide and other cannabinoids in the brain.

Paracetamol significantly potentiates the level of anandamide in the body by inhibiting reuptake and being an agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors, and an inhibitor of anadamide reuptake. Perhaps this action of paracetamol may be partially or completely responsible for its analgesic effects

Mainly, modern research on anadamide is aimed at synthesizing a drug based on it, which will increase the level of endogenous peptide in the brain for the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Anandamide is inferior in activity to tetrahydrocannabinol. Its effect when injected into the body is similar to THC, but shorter in time.