In 1988 – a study conducted at the St. Louis University School of Medicine determined that we (including all other mammals) have receptor sites that respond to compounds found in cannabis.[1]
These ‘cannabinoid receptors' — named after the plant that led to their discovery — ended up being the most abundant type of neurotransmitter receptor in the brain.
By 1990 – a team a scientists at the National Institute of Mental health had mapped the DNA sequence that encodes a cannabinoid receptor in the brain.
As a result of the discovery of the CB1 and CB2 receptors – naturally occurring neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids were then identified.
We now know that we all have an endogenous cannabinoid system (aka. the endocannabinoid system) – and is one of the most important physiological systems in our body that is involved in establishing and maintaining our health….[1]
Given the importance of this system to your health – here is our Endocannabinoid System 101 Guide that provides a closer look at:
Contents
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system is a 500 million years old neuromodulatory system made of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and found in all vertebrates. [2].
From amphibians, fishes, to birds and mammals, this system is tasked with the responsibility of assisting the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system with development, regulation of internal and external stimuli, as well as synapse plasticity [3] [4].
Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout our whole body: in our brain, glands, organs, immune cells and connective tissues…
Having complex actions in our nervous system, our immune system and in virtually all of our body’s organs...
…the endocannabinoids are literally a bridge between body and mind.
The endocannabinoid system could connect your brain activity with your state of physical health and disease.[5]
What Does the Endocannabinoid System Do?
Although experts are still trying to understand the endocannabinoid system system entirely, some studies already show that the system plays essential roles in sleep, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility, among many other unknown processes and functions [5].
Other researchers also observed that the endocannabinoid system might have roles in pregnancy, fertility, pre-natal and post-natal development, appetite, memory, mood and pain sensation. [6] [7] [8] [9]
To place all the processes and functions linked to the endocannabinoid system in perspective, here are functions that the endocannabinoid system may affect directly or indirectly in the human body:
- Mood [10]
- Memory and learning [11]
- Motor ability and control [12]
- Appetite and digestion [13]
- Energy balance and metabolism [14]
- Immune system responses like inflammation [15] [16]
- Sleep [17]
- Bone growth and remodification [18]
- Liver function [19]
- Reproductive system [20]
- Skin and nerve function [21]
- Cardiovascular system function [22]
- Stress [23]
- Chronic pain [24]
Components Of The Endocannabinoid System
Because the endocannabinoid system affects the central nervous system, experts state that it may influence the homeostasis functions above [25].
— The Endocannabinoid system is truly unique —
Researchers believe that the endocannabinoid system primarily maintains optimal homeostasis (balance) in the body [26].
For instance, the endocannabinoid system may cause the body to produce heat in a cold weather condition, so that all other systems in the body can maintain equilibrium.
However, the endocannabinoid system is not made of endocannabinoids alone. It is also made up of enzymes and receptors.
Lets take a closer look at the role of endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors and enzymes…
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are also referred to as endogenous cannabinoids or lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters.
They are chemically similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis, however, they are synthesized in the body.
Experts have discovered three critical endocannabinoids including:
- anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide, aea – also referred to as the ‘bliss molecule'),
- arachidonate-based lipids, and
- 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-ag). [27]
Endocannabinoid receptors
Endocannabinoid receptors are found in the nervous system and other parts of the body.
The receptors bind to the endocannabinoids to give off signals that draw the endocannabinoid system into action.
According to research, CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors are the two primary G-protein-coupled receptors [28].
Most of the CB1 receptors in the body – are found in the central nervous system (brain and nerves in the spinal cord).
While most of the CB2 receptors – are located in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in the extremities, specialized immune cells and the digestive system).
Depending on the endocannabinoid involved and the location of the receptor, endocannabinoids bind in diverse ways to either receptors – which creates different outcomes.
These outcomes may influence gene transcription, synaptic function and cell motility [29]
Enzymes
After the endocannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid receptors – enzymes break down the endocannabinoids to prevent over-stimulation in the system [30].
These enzymes (or proteins) are also responsible for the creation of endocannabinoids for future purposes.
Monoacylglycerol acid lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase are the two most essential enzymes in the endocannabinoid system.
Endocannabinoid Deficiency
Although modern science has a long way to go in understanding the endocannabinoid system, conditions that may arise due to imbalances in the system have already been discovered.
Because certain levels of endocannabinoids must be synthesized, catabolized as well as the relative density of cannabinoid receptors needed to achieve balance, any disruption in the system may lead to adverse reactions.
This imbalance is called Endocannabinoid Deficiency or Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) and was first introduced in 2001 [31] [32]
However, endocannabinoid deficiency is not a disease but merely a general term that denotes features, symptoms and other conditions you might experience.
The majority of present evidence links endocannabinoid deficiency to conditions such as [ 33];
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
Other conditions cited as connected to the endocannabinoid deficiency include;
- Repetitive miscarriage [34]
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [35]
- Bipolar disease [36]
- Cystic fibrosis [38]
- Phantom limb pain [39]
- Glaucoma [40]
- Infantile colic [41]
- Neonatal failure [42]
Many of these conditions are usually called – central sensitivity syndromes or functional conditions. A high percentage of them are resistant to treatments. However…
Researchers are looking at cannabis-based therapies because of the strong connections between the endocannabinoid system and cannabidiol (CBD).
This is because though research on correcting endocannabinoid deficiencies are still early, CBD products appear to play a vital role and have become quite popular for treating these conditions alongside others [43].
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD Oil
As the name implies – the endocannabinoid system takes after the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
However, following the discovery of the endocannabinoid system came the astonishing fact that cannabidiol (CBD), another primary compound in cannabis, works differently than THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) and may help with many health treatment protocols.
The way endocannabinoids attach to receptors heavily influences the resulting effect. Researchers are unsure of the exact mechanism or connection between the endocannabinoid system and CBD, but they do know that the cannabidiol binds differently to the CB1 and CB2 receptors than the THC does [44].
Through the responses it initiates, CBD has been proven to have minimal adverse effects and does not induce the psychoactive symptoms witnessed with THC [45].
Some researchers even have evidence that CBD can potentially reverse the addictive and psychoactive effects of THC [46].
Cannabidiol may also alleviate the symptoms associated with diseases like;
- Anxiety [47]
- Alzheimer [48]
- Cardiovascular disease [50]
- Psychiatric, neurological, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions [51] [52]
- Kidney issues [53]
- Chronic Pain [54]
- Acne [55]
- Cancer [56]
- Autoimmune diseases [57]
Already – a great body of research provides evidence that CBD can be useful in treating pain, inflammation, asthma, anxiety, depression, acne and pediatric epilepsy [58] [59] [60].
To learn more about the benefits of CBD oil and why having organic and full spectrum CBD oil is so important – READ OUR GUIDE HERE: https://www.organiccbdoilreview.com/organic-cbd-oil-facts/
Concluding Thoughts…
The recently discovered endocannabinoid system – plays a critical role in maintaining your overall health.
Ongoing scientific studies continue to reveal the mechanism of the endocannabinoid system and how integral it is to your nervous system, immune system and in virtually all of your body’s organs.
The endocannabinoids synthesized in your body, literally act as bridge between your body and mind.
Research is also showing that the cannabidiol (CBD) – might be the gateway to achieving optimal balance in the endocannabinoid system in your body.
Only high quality cannabidiol – that is organic and full spectrum CBD oil, will really be effective at supporting your endocannabinoid system and overall health.
We recommended a visit to your trusted health care professional to discuss how you can benefit from CBD oil.
We hope our Endocannabinoid System 101 Guide has answered a few questions for you…
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Organic CBD Oil Review or its staff. Always check with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program.
