How does CBD work on the endocannabinoid system?
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If you’ve heard about the endocannabinoid system and you’re curious to understand how it works, you’ve come to the right place!
The first thing you need to know is that the discovery of the endocannabinoid system has revolutionised the way science sees health and well-being.
In this article, we are going to explore and delve into the endocannabinoid system, helping you understand in a simple way what are cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system was first discovered in the late 1980’s.
It is a signaling system present in the human body and in other vertebrate animals.
Thus, its role is fundamental for the homeostasis of the body.
That means it is responsible for the internal balance necessary for its healthy functioning, regulating various functions and physiological processes.
On a study conducted by The University of British Columbia, the endocannabinoid system has been linked to the following body processes:
- sleep patterns and circadian cycle regulation
- brain and cognitive function
- sensation and perception of pain
- Inflammation and other immune system responses
- blood pressure
- emotional well-being
- metabolism
- muscle training
- nerve function
- stress
- liver function
Now you can say that it has a very high impact and influence on our health and well-being, right?
3 main components of the endocannabinoid system
To understand how this complex and extensive system works, we need to talk about three main components: endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and metabolic enzymes.
Check out how this orchestra works below!
1. Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are chemical substances produced by the human body, 100% naturally. They are the ones that bind to the cannabinoid receptors.
The two most studied endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG).
2. Cannabinoid receptors
There are several cannabinoid receptors, but the two main ones are: CB1 and CB2.
Thus, CB1 receptors are mainly present in the brain and central nervous system.
Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are mostly found in the immune system and peripheral cells.
Thus, endocannabinoids bind to or inhibit receptors to transmit signals that trigger a range of physiological responses in the body.
In the illustration, we can see how endocannabinoids bind or inhibit cannabinoid receptors, sending signals to our body.
3. Metabolic enzymes
Metabolic enzymes are like “tools” that help make and break down endocannabinoids.There are two main enzymes:
- Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH): This enzyme breaks down an endocannabinoid called anandamide into smaller pieces, making it less active.
- Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL): This enzyme breaks down another endocannabinoid called 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) into smaller pieces.
Phytocannabinoids: the revolutionary medicine of plants
Phytocannabinoids are nothing more than cannabinoids derived from plant sources, found especially in the plant Cannabis sativa L.
That is, in addition to our body producing cannabinoids naturally, we can also consume them through phytocannabinoids.
There are currently more than 120 different phytocannabinoids, the best known being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Benefits of phytocannabinoids
Each phytocannabinoid has its own chemical structure and specific properties, which influence how they interact by binding with cannabinoid receptors in the body.
In general, they can bring benefits to the endocannabinoid system, that is, to the functioning of our body. Here you can see some examples:
- broad therapeutic effects
- neuroprotective effects
- cannabinoid replacement
Myths and facts about the endocannabinoid system
Myth: The endocannabinoid system of the human body is related only to the use of Cannabis.
Fact: Cannabis is a plant with compounds that interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. However, this system itself is a natural part of the body and is found in other animals as well. They play an important role in regulating various physiological functions.
Myth: Activation of the endocannabinoid system always causes psychoactive effects.
Fact: While activation of the endocannabinoid system by THC (one of the cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L.) can cause psychoactive effects, activation of the system by other compounds such as endocannabinoids produced by the body and other phytocannabinoids such as CBD does not result in the same effects. effects.
Discover our products with CBD and activate your endocannabinoid system
Now it’s simple to understand how phytocannabinoids like CBD interact with the human body and why they are found to be so important for our health.
Therefore, we want to invite you to get to know our brand, explore the exclusive signatures and discover the variety of individual products.
We hope you feel inspired to learn and invigorated with our daily doses of CBD.
