The first scientific studies on the hemp plant were conducted in the mid-20th century. Initially, the goal was to identify the chemical structure of the ingredients. Later, the target molecular structures of cannabinoids in our body were investigated, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered, formed by cannabinoid receptors and the body's own endocannabinoids.
The structural framework of many renowned medications originally comes from so-called "natural substances," that is, active ingredients that have their origin in nature (such as the active ingredient penicillin, derived from mold). The hemp plant, with its numerous natural substances, has been and continues to be of interest for the development of new medications.
The endocannabinoid system and endogenous cannabinoids.
Most people only know the word "cannabinoid" in the context of the ingredients of the hemp plant. It refers to a series of substances that have various effects on our body when the hemp plant is consumed. Endocannabinoids, on the other hand, are less known because they are not absorbed from the environment, but are endogenous molecules that act on the same receptors in our body as the known cannabinoids. "Endo" comes from Greek and means "within" or "inside of" and in this context means "endogenous."
Endocannabinoids: important messenger substances in our body.
Endocannabinoids are messenger substances produced by the body that act on the same receptors as the phytocannabinoids THC and CBD. A basic distinction must be made between the following terms: endocannabinoids produced naturally in the body, phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and synthetic cannabinoids, which are artificially produced.
The receptors on which all these cannabinoids act are called cannabinoid receptors, and the two best-known representatives are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It was first discovered that the endocannabinoid "anandamide," like THC, acts on the CB1 receptor. Anandamide is a fatty acid that at first glance seems to have little structural relation to THC.
Subsequently, a whole series of other endocannabinoids were discovered, such as noladin ether and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). All known endocannabinoids are synthesized in the body from the omega-6 arachidonic fatty acid. New components of the endocannabinoid system, which includes endocannabinoids and their corresponding receptors, are still being discovered today.
The CB1 receptor
Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, act on the CB1 receptor and play an important role in brain development by promoting the interconnection of nerve cells. It has been found that the release of endocannabinoids occurs mainly in stressful situations, where the effect on the CB1 receptor has an analgesic effect. The activity of the CB1 receptor is associated with a whole range of other effects, such as increased appetite, reduced anxiety, a protective effect after brain injuries, and reduced withdrawal symptoms. After discovering the appetite-promoting effect of the activated CB1 receptor, the CB1 blocker (a substance that inhibits the receptor instead of activating it) rimonabant was developed, which counteracts hunger accordingly. It was used in the treatment of obesity to reduce the feeling of hunger in those affected.
The CB2 receptor
The CB2 receptor is the second and famous representative of cannabinoid receptors. It is mainly mentioned in relation to the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD), as it is a prominent target structure of this popular cannabinoid. In addition to the phytocannabinoid CBD, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol acts on this cannabinoid receptor. In humans, the CB2 receptor is found in the central and peripheral nervous system, in the gastrointestinal tract, and in various immune system cells. The activity of the CB2 receptor in the immune system is described in many studies as anti-inflammatory and is the subject of intense research.
The human endocannabinoid system
THC and CBD act on the same receptors as the endocannabinoids produced by the body. Endocannabinoids are produced in the body from omega-6 fatty acids. The most important functions of the CB1 receptor: pain relief & increased appetite. The most important function of the CB2 receptor: inhibition of inflammatory processes. To better understand the effect of phytocannabinoids on the endocannabinoid system, it is essential to increase tolerance and fully utilize their potential.
