Everything You Should Know About The Endocannabinoid System!
Nowadays, cannabinoids have been receiving more and more popularity, and you may find yourself asking: what is the endocannabinoid system and its function in the human body? In today’s write-up, we will discuss the ECS and how it works to keep the human body in balance.
Much medical research into the effects of cannabis has shown that its organic compounds, known collectively as cannabinoids, have possibly dozens of therapeutic benefits, from addressing pain to anxiety and beyond. But why do these cannabinoids perform so well in the first place? The truth may be overwhelming: our bodies have biological systems explicitly designed to respond to these organic compounds. It’s known as the ECS, and here is all that you should know.
Endocannabinoid System: The Basic!
The endocannabinoid system is present in the human body in the form of neuromodulatory receptors, specific conditions of neuroreceptors designed to bind to cannabinoids within the human body. The ECS has a role in regulating the brain, several vital organs, nervous system, and about all animals, vertebrates, and invertebrates equally have an ECS in one form or another that assists in this regulation.
Research into the ECS has been ongoing for decades. Scientists are seeking to find out how THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive properties of cannabis, interacted particularly with the human body, only to discover that the human body’s central and peripheral nervous system harbored a highly complex system of these neuroreceptors.
Components Of Endocannabinoid System!
There are three main components of ECS, and each has specific roles. These components include the following:
- Endocannabinoids!
These are organic compounds that can connect to and activate the cannabinoid receptors in the human body. The molecules are known as “endocannabinoids” because the human body naturally develops these cells, differentiating them from THC and other plant-based molecules. The duty endocannabinoids play in the human body is still being researched, but the clear thing is that they are engaged in providing homeostasis.
- Cannabinoid Receptors!
Without cannabinoid receptors within the human body, there would be no place for all those endocannabinoids to bond to. Receptors are present throughout almost every biological system in the human body, though different types are in different locations. However, all types of cannabinoids, both endocannabinoids, and phytocannabinoids, are designed expressly to fit into these receptors.
Studies also proved that cannabinoid receptors play an essential role in the treatment of numerous preventable conditions and metabolic disorders treatment.
- Metabolic Enzymes!
Metabolic enzymes are organic compounds that play a significant role in homeostasis. Their function within the body is to supervise metabolic pathways in energy homeostasis. Metabolic enzymes are designed to lower the number of other compounds in the human body to preserve that homeostasis.
In the endocannabinoid system, there are mainly two types of enzymes that are used to break down endocannabinoids into their component parts once they’ve done their work. One is called fatty acid amide hydrolase (or FAAH), and it works by breaking down anandamide once it’s done bonding with a cannabinoid receptor so it can be used once more. The other, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), is employed by the human body to clean up 2AG for the same purpose.
Final Words!
As discussed above, the endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in balancing the human body. It has a specific role in regulating the brain, number of vital organs, nervous system, and just about all animals. To know more about ECS, visit our website Dr. CBD & Nutrition Centers.