How the endocannabinoid system works
Glossary on the Endocannabinoid System:
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Endocannabinoid system (ECS) : Intercellular communication system responsible for balancing metabolic processes and optimizing the functions of our body.
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Phytocannabinoid : Cannabinoid produced naturally by a plant. • Endocannabinoid: Cannabinoid produced naturally by the human or animal body.
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Synthetic cannabinoids : Cannabinoids created in laboratories.
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Cannabinoid receptor: Components of the ECS responsible for activating and intertwining with endocannabinoids/phytocannabinoids.
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Cannabinoid enzymes: Components of the ECS that synthesize and break down cannabinoids
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Homeostasis: The set of functions that guarantee stability and balance to our body in the face of changes, with the aim of maintaining relative constancy in the composition and properties of an organism.
The endocannabinoid system , hereafter
ECS ,
is a system of the human and animal body,
such as the circulatory or immune system. Unlike the others, the
ECS is not limited to a specific physiological function , but is responsible for maintaining the homeostasis of our body,
influencing almost all other systems and modifying their functioning.
It is therefore one of the most fundamental systems of our body , however,
it is quite common to be unaware of its existence and how it works . Below we will explain concepts and functions around the ECS in order to understand how cannabinoids can be beneficial for our body.
The discovery of the ECS
Why have I never heard of ECS? Probably because it
was discovered very recently , specifically during the 1990s, through the study of phytocannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Through the study of phytocannabinoids (Fun fact: Sponsored by the US with the mission of demonizing cannabis) it was discovered that humans and most mammals
have cannabinoid receptors in our bodies . This fact helped years later, in 1992,
to the discovery of the first cannabinoid produced by the body naturally (endocannabinoid),
anandamide , also known as
the happiness molecule.
These two events led to the discovery of the
endocannabinoid system , which
owes its name to the plant that made its discovery possible, cannabis.
Definition of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system is a complex system of intercellular communication , similar to a neurotransmission system, but
in addition to extending throughout the brain , it also
does so in other organs and tissues of the body. Its responsibility is
to balance metabolic processes and optimize the function of our body. It has a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood and day-to-day experience.
It is a difficult system to understand due to the few years it has been recognized and researched , in addition to the complexity found in each human being.
Functions related to the Endocannabinoid System
As we have said, the ECS is a communication system between cells that is found throughout our body.
The ECS consists of three major components:
- Endocannabinoids: Cannabinoids are neurotransmitters that our body produces naturally to transmit information.
- Cannabinoid receptors: Proteins activated by endocannabinoids/phytocannabinoids, from which they receive and transmit information.
- Enzymes: Specific enzymes that synthesize and break down cannabinoids (endo + phyto).
What are CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and where are they located?
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CB1 receptors : These are found mainly in the central nervous system and are especially abundant in the brain. They are found in areas related to cognitive functions (attention, memory, language, higher mental functions), emotional state, pain, sensory perception, visceral perception and motor coordination. They can also be found in areas of the peripheral nervous system.
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CB2 receptors : They are mainly found in the peripheral nervous system and are especially abundant in cells with immune function.
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GPR55 receptors : Found in the adrenal glands, digestive system, central nervous system and spleen. Involved in the regulation of blood pressure, inflammatory pain and bone metabolism.
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TRPV : transient receptor potential vanilloid receptors, present in all tissues and in the central and peripheral nervous system. They are mediators of pain and inflammation, thermoregulation and muscle tone.
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5-HT1A : serotonin receptors distributed mainly in the Central Nervous System. They are related to emotional and memory processes, influencing mood.
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GPR18, 5-HT3, PPARs : Receptors and receptor channels under further study.
The distribution of cannabinoid receptors is totally different from any other receptors we have. What we see here is that they are everywhere. This is what defines the ECS, that its presence is totally global in our body.
CB1, the first receptor discovered, has received much more research and information. Its abundance in our brain can be seen in the graph below.
The endocannabinoids known so far:
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[caption id="attachment_5389" align="alignright" width="249"]
Molecular structure of Anandamide[/caption]
Anandamide: It is the first cannabinoid discovered. Its name comes from the word “ananda” which in Sanskrit means bliss, a state of serenity, spiritual peace and happiness. It is synthesized in the brain where memory and motivation processes are managed, as well as other higher cognitive processes and movement control. It has the ability to influence physiological systems such as pain, appetite, pleasure and reward. Anandamide is synthesized when and where there is a need, binding with our endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, although it breaks down very quickly. All about Anandamide and CBD in this article.
- 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) : 2-AG is found mainly in the brain and binds primarily to CB2 receptors, influencing immune, inflammatory and pain processes.
- Other recognized endocannabinoids: 2-arachidonyl glyceryl ether, virodamine, N-arachidonoyldopamine.
How does the Endocannabinoid System work?
The ECS and its respective parts, endocannabinoids and receptors, interact with each other as if they were a lock and a key . The receptors would be the lock and the endocannabinoids or phytocannabinoids would be their key.
Let's get a little more scientific:
Cannabinoid receptors are proteins present in the cell membrane that act as the lock for endocannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from fatty acids produced by our body). These endogenous lipid receptors
act as a perfect key that binds to the receptors, and when this happens the receptor is activated . This activation produces changes within the cells that lead to the final actions of the endocannabinoid system on the physiological processes of the body.
Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids from the cannabis plant) and many synthetic cannabinoids also bind to this lock and give rise to effects analogous to endocannabinoids, or even enhance them and improve their effects.
What factors does the ECS affect?
- Energy balance and metabolism
- The response to stress
- The female reproductive system
- The autonomic nervous system
- Analgesia or response to pain
- Temperature regulation
- The immune system
- The dream
- Physical exercise
- Memory and cognitive functions
- Humor
- The appetite
We remember that the main function of the ECS is the regulation of the body's homeostasis . It is essential for our body to be able to maintain this balance through the daily work carried out by the set of systems in our body, supervised by the ECS .
Learn about our CBD products .
If you are not considering using cannabis derivatives, there are other ways to boost your endocannabinoid system.
Discover 10 ways to boost the endocannabinoid system .
Conclusion
We still don't know much about the endocannabinoid system, our endocannabinoids, and how potent phytocannabinoids can be. More is being studied and more is being discovered every day. There are surely more receptors, more endocannabinoids, and more components of the ECS that are yet to be discovered.
The important thing is that we continue to fight for the openness of governments and institutions to study this fascinating system and the benefits that it can give us to understand our organism and the connection between the mind and the body.
Illustrated by: Christina Schwertschlag
Sources:
The ECS
Cannabinoid receptors and the ECS
Anandamide
2-AG
