Endocannabinoid system Archives

Read more about The Endocannabinoide system

How does the Endocannabinoid System work?
The endocannabinoid system is a cellular system with many different parts. It is made up of three main parts: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. It works as a kind of information network inside the body that helps keep things in balance.

Endocannabinoids: The Balance-Keepers

Endocannabinoids are chemicals that are made by the body and send messages through the ECS. Two of the most important endocannabinoids found so far are called anandamide and 2-AG. These molecules are made on demand, which means that they are made when they are needed and quickly broken down when their job is done.

Receptors are the system’s locks and keys.

Receptors are specialised proteins that are found all over the body, especially in the brain, central nervous system, and immune cells. CB1 and CB2 are the two main types of receptors. Most CB1 receptors are in the brain and central nervous system, where they affect things like mood, memory, and the way we feel pain. On the other hand, the immune system has a lot of CB2 receptors, which affect inflammation and immune reaction.

Enzymes are what control how endocannabinoids work.

Endocannabinoids are made by enzymes, and enzymes also break them down. Two of the most important enzymes in this process are FAAH and MAGL. Anandamide is broken down by FAAH, while 2-AG is broken down by MAGL. These enzymes make sure that the amounts of endocannabinoids are carefully balanced. This keeps the ECS from being overstimulated.

The ECS in Action: Keeping the Peace

The endocannabinoid system acts as a careful balancer, making sure that all the other systems in the body work well together.

Response to stress and control of mood

The ECS is a key part of how we deal with stress and how we feel. It changes how anxious and sad you feel by working with receptors in the brain. Endocannabinoids can act as natural mood stabilisers, which makes it easier for people to deal with worry.

How We Feel Pain and How We Control Inflammation

The endocannabinoid system is linked to how we feel pain and how we react to inflammation. When the body has pain or inflammation, it makes endocannabinoids to make the pain go away. By interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors, the ECS helps reduce pain and inflammation, which adds to general comfort.

Hunger and Digestive System

The ECS also has something to do with controlling hunger and digestion. By changing how hormones that control hunger and fullness are released, the system helps people keep up good eating habits. It also makes it easier for nutrients to be absorbed when the body is digesting.

Changes to the immune system

Immune cells have CB2 receptors that play a big part in how the immune system works. By working with these receptors, the ECS can change how the immune system responds, which helps the body fight off infections and keep its immune system in balance

Health Problems Caused by a Lack of Endocannabinoids

Some experts think that a lack of endocannabinoids could be linked to a number of health problems. ECS dysfunction has been looked at in relation to headaches, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Getting rid of these problems could open up new ways to treat patients.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Potential as a Medicine

Cannabidiol (CBD), which comes from the hemp plant, has gotten a lot of attention because it might be able to help people. CBD does not make people feel high like another chemical in cannabis, THC, does. Researchers have found that CBD can work with ECS receptors, which could help people with chronic pain, anxiety, or epilepsy.