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Defining the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors, signaling molecules, and metabolic enzymes that most people do not know about. A building body of research shows that the ECS has a significant influence on human health and well-being, serving an essential function in the human body: restoring homeostasis via physiological and regulatory mechanisms. The ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes.

Structure of the Endocannabinoid System

What are endocannabinoids?

There are different types of cannabinoids. One type, called endocannabinoids, is produced on demand in the human body in response to elevated intracellular calcium levels in neurons. 

Two of the most-studied endocannabinoids include:

• N-archidonylethanolamide (anandamide, AEA)
• sn-z-archidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

What are cannabinoid receptors?

Cannabinoid receptors are the primary targets of the ECS, bound by lipid signaling molecules called cannabinoids. There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors, which vary in their chemical structure and thus perform different functions in terms of diet, lifestyle, and nutrition:

Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) is associated with various effects:

• Psychoactive
• Neuromodulatory
• Analgesic

These effects are due to CB1’s activation by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabinoid receptors in the brain are mostly expressed as CB1. CB1 is also found in adipocytes (fat cells), hepatocytes (liver cells), and musculoskeletal tissues.

Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) is associated with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects but no psychoactive effects. CB2 is expressed in body cells controlling immune function and (potentially) the central nervous system (CNS). Research suggests that secondary metabolites from phytonutrients in plant-based foods enhance the activity of CB2 receptors and confer healthy inflammatory responses.

Read more about endocannabinoid receptors:

Cannabinoid Receptors: CB1 and CB2

Cannabinoid receptors are the primary targets of the endocannabinoid system, bound by lipid signaling molecules called endocannabinoids.

Article • October 25, 2018• 3 min read Bookmark

Role of the Endocannabinoid System

Endocannabinoid system receptors and cannabinoids are present and vital in nearly every area of the human body. Thus, disruption of the ECS has a serious, negative impact on human health. 

The ECS is responsible for basic homeostatic roles:

• Relaxation
• Metabolism
• Sleep
• Memory

The ECS is also responsible for more complex functions:

• Neuroplasticity
• Modulation of embryonic development
• Neuroprotection
• Immunity and inflammation
• Apoptosis
• Carcinogenesis
• Pain and emotional memory

What is endocannabinoid tone?

The “endocannabinoid tone” describes as state of proper functioning of the ECS, which depends on the density, functional status, and availability of endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoid tone is influenced by multiple external factors, such as physical activity, eating a well-balanced diet of macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytonutrients, and stress modification. Whatever the reason, endocannabinoid deficiency prevents the ECS from properly regulating homeostasis in the body, but supplementation with phytocannabinoids can resolve some of these issues.

Learn more about how phytocannabinoids supplementation and nutrition interact in this article.

Nutrients Supporting the Endocannabinoid System

Hemp is rich with essential nutrients and bioactive phytochemical metabolites that nurture the endocannabinoid system.

Article • October 25, 2018• 3 min read Bookmark

We hope you have enjoyed this snippet from our Endocannabinoid System portal and that you are eager to learn more about the endocannabinoid system. Click here to read more and see related posts.