Anandamide is also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine or AEA, and is an endogenous analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Anandamide has an effect on both the CB1 and CB2 receptors; with the CB1 receptors more affected in the central nervous system and the CB2 receptors more affected in the periphery.
The discovery of anandamide, the body’s very own endogenous cannabinoid, is all thanks to cannabis research that took place as early as the 1960s. It has been coined “the bliss molecule”, for the role that it plays in mood, appetite, sleep and even forgetfulness. Its uncanny molecular resemblance to THC makes it a point of interest to many scientists and researchers, as it may help us understand how cannabis can be beneficial for the human body.
Chemical properties of the anandamide molecule
Anandamide belongs to a class of bioactive lipids known as fatty acid amides (FAAs). However, anandamide is also said to belong to the class of eicosanoids, a group of lipids derived from arachidonic acid and other essential fatty acids (EFAs). Anandamide is a large molecule made up of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon atoms, with the molecular formula C22H37NO2 and a molar mass of 347.53 g/mol.
As well as a hydroxyl group (an oxygen atom joined by covalent bond to a hydrogen atom), the anandamide molecule consists of a single nitrogen-hydrogen pairing and a hydrocarbon tail. The hydrocarbon tail of a molecule is hydrophobic but lipophilic, meaning that it is soluble in fat but does not dissolve in water. This hydrophobic property is common to all lipids and all known cannabinoids, which are lipidic in nature.
How the body produces anandamide
Anandamide is produced in the cell membranes and tissues of the body. In order to synthesise the molecule, the precursor molecule N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) is needed. NAPE itself is made by the bonding of arachidonic acid (an omega-6 EFA) and a free amine through the action of the enzyme N-acyltransferase. Variations in dietary consumption of arachidonic acid can alter the levels of anandamide present in the brain.
Anandamide is degraded by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme, which converts the molecule back into arachidonic acid and ethanolamine, another amine. Due to its comparatively short half-life and high fat solubility, anandamide is considered a “fragile” molecule, and its effects are short-lived—unlike THC, which can remain in the fatty tissues for several weeks.
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The effects of anandamide
Anandamide plays an important role in the regulation of appetite, pleasure and reward, and elevated levels may increase the pleasure experienced on consumption of food. Anandamide has been found in chocolate, and is thought to be partly responsible for the intense enjoyment experienced while eating it. Anandamide may also be partly responsible for pain regulation and sleep patterns.
Anandamide also has an important and as yet poorly understood role in hormonal balance and the reproductive system. During ovulation, plasma levels of anandamide are at their highest, as are levels of the sex hormones gonadotrophin and oestradiol (a type of oestrogen). However, it is not clear exactly what relationship these substances have with each other. Anandamide is also vital in ensuring the healthy implantation of the young embryo into the epithelium (wall) of the uterus in early pregnancy.
The relationship between anandamide and medicinal cannabis
The discovery of anandamide is actually owed to cannabis research. Thanks to the study of THC and CBD, the endocannabinoid system was discovered, with anandamide being one of the first unveilings of the endocannabinoid system. The AEA molecule very closely resembles THC, and THC is said to mimic the behaviour of anandamide. There’s a school of thought that believes this is exactly why THC is so therapeutic for the human body.
As THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it mimics the effect of an endogenous cannabinoid linked with vital functions of the body: sleep, appetite, memory and pleasure/reward. Dr Ethan Russo hypothesizes that at the root of many modern ailments, there is a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD). Often, this deficiency is reflected in the levels of anandamide in circulation in the body. According to this theory, consuming THC and other cannabinoids may help to rehabilitate the endocannabinoid system and restore balance, therefore treating conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and migraine.
Anandamide and medicinal cannabis are inextricably related, showing a powerful connection between the human body and the cannabis plant. They are so linked that we discovered anandamide at the very same time that we discovered THC, despite the fact that one exists inside the body and one without.
- Disclaimer:This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or other licensed medical professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard medical advice due to something you have read on this website.
What is the source of the endocannabinoid synthesis and degradation figure? Excellent, easy to understand. Rita
Good morning Rita,
Thanks for your question!
I’m glad you found the article interesting,
Fortunately, we have an article on What Is the Endocannabinoid System and How Does It Work? right here and all of our sources are referenced
Hope this answers your questions.
With the best wishes,
Mark
Are Endocannabinoids ‘made’ by any immune cells ? anyone know ?
Can you get high off of it?
Good stuff, looking forward to more
Thanks Great article thanks . Im sharing to twitter . my mind is racing w interesting implications for the use of this isolated plant property . I appreciate it .
Since cbd has no specific brain receptor identified only peripheral,in spinal cord then how can you say cbd provide pain releif.I mediated through the neocortex?
Hi Glenn,
Thank you for your comment. I have brought it to the attention of Sheshata, the author of this post.
With best wishes,
Scarlet
According to A. C Guyton, and numerous others neuro anatomy and physiology texts, there are 3 analgesic (Pain) inhibitors centers in the body:
1. Dorsal Horn of the Spinal Cord-which is exactly were the cbd receptors are located
2. And 2 in the Brain Stem
-80% of the pain fibers stop in the brain stem and only 20% of the pain fibers continue on to the neocortex.
I’m writting publication now and this information is very helpful for me. Please, send me any information about reference you citation for example author, year, journal. Thanks
Good summary but where is the scientific demonstration and confirmation that anandamide is found in chocolate? I would safely say Anandamide-like structures are found in moss but not the actual N-arachidonylethanolamine. Please provide the supporting article for your statement.
What should be eaten for precursors to anandamide?
I would like to cite this information on the definition and description of Anandamide as I write my prospectus but I do not see any information of the author, year, publisher etc, that are needed to cite. Please may you give me this citation information. Thanks.