ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS)

For a while now, I’ve wanted to write a few words, or maybe more, about the wonderful work I do at our company, www.kannabio.gr .

So much is hidden behind cannabis, and the tremendous importance this plant has for human health cannot be overstated. The more I experience the wonderful effects of CBD and the people I meet through this world, the more I want to shout it out loud and share it with everyone, so we can all know about it.

So, I will provide a brief update, as I’ve learned it so far.

I’ll start by saying that as humans, we all have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), just as we have a nervous, endocrine, and circulatory system, etc.

It’s called endocannabinoid because cannabis is the plant that most closely matches it molecularly. It’s not called the chamomile or sage system… As much as I love all plants, it seems that cannabis plays a significant role in biology and homeostasis.

Also, I should mention that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is extremely old from an evolutionary perspective, with estimates suggesting it appeared about 600 million years ago.

The components of the ECS, such as CB1 and CB2 receptors, endocannabinoids (like anandamide and 2-AG), and the enzymes for synthesis and breakdown, have been found in a wide range of animal species.

The presence of the ECS in so many species highlights its importance in maintaining biological balance.

The relationship between humans and the ECS is inseparable, as it is a fundamental regulatory system in the body.

The ECS influences and is influenced by many physiological functions, such as mood, appetite, pain, inflammation, memory, and sleep.

It is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, which is the internal balance of the body, by dealing with disruptions and environmental changes.

A few words about the ECS: The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex network of receptors, endogenous cannabinoids, and enzymes that plays a crucial role in regulating the body's homeostasis.

It was discovered in the 1990s during research on cannabis and has since been recognized as one of the most important regulatory mechanisms in the body.

The ECS consists of three main components:

  1. Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1 and CB2):

    • CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mostly located in the immune system and peripheral tissues.

  2. Endogenous Cannabinoids (Endocannabinoids):

    • The two most well-known are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These molecules are produced by the body and bind to receptors to activate or regulate various physiological functions.

The ECS is involved in regulating many key functions, such as:

  • Mood and anxiety
  • Sleep
  • Appetite and metabolism
  • Immune system function
  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Memory and learning

Dysfunction of the ECS can be linked to various conditions, such as depression, obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, insomnia, digestive issues, nervous system problems, and hormonal imbalances.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the most important regulatory systems in the body, playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.

It affects many physiological processes, such as mood, appetite, sleep, memory, immune response, and pain regulation. Keeping it in good condition is important for overall health.

The ECS also interacts with the endocrine system through glands that secrete hormones, such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

Endocannabinoids, like anandamide and 2-AG, regulate the release of hormones that control metabolism, reproduction, stress, and the sleep-wake cycle. Dysfunctions of the ECS can lead to hormonal imbalances, such as increased cortisol (stress hormone), thyroid disorders, or reproductive health issues.

The ECS is closely connected to the central and peripheral nervous systems.

The ECS receptors (CB1 and CB2) are present throughout the nervous system and affect neurotransmission.

This system plays a role in regulating mood, cognitive function, and pain perception.

ECS dysfunction may be related to neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis).

How to keep it healthy?

  • Nutrition: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish, nuts, flaxseeds, hemp oil from Kannabio Hemp Cooperative) support the synthesis of endocannabinoids.

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity promotes the production of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide.

  • Stress reduction: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga, help regulate the ECS.

  • Healthy sleep: Adequate and quality sleep maintains ECS balance.

  • Avoid toxic substances: Excessive use of alcohol or substances that affect the ECS can lead to dysfunction.

Since the ECS is crucial for balancing the hormonal and nervous systems, maintaining it through healthy habits can promote well-being and reduce the risk of disorders.

If you are facing persistent issues related to the ECS, consulting a specialist may be helpful.

Certain compounds found in cannabis, such as cannabidiol (CBD), can interact with the ECS and support its function. However, their use should be done with care and under medical supervision.

In short, the Endocannabinoid System is a cornerstone of human health, as it is involved in regulating many vital functions.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and stress management can help maintain ECS balance, enhancing general well-being and disease prevention.

References and Scientific Articles:

  • Pacher, P., Bátkai, S., & Kunos, G. (2006). "The Endocannabinoid System as an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy." Pharmacological Reviews. DOI: 10.1124/pr.58.3.2
  • Di Marzo, V., & Piscitelli, F. (2015). "The Endocannabinoid System and Its Modulation by Phytocannabinoids." Neurotherapeutics. DOI: 10.1007/s13311-015-0374-6
  • Harvard Health Publishing: The Endocannabinoid System
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH): Cannabinoid Research

Books on the Endocannabinoid System:

  • Ethan B. Russo - "Handbook of Cannabis and Cannabinoids"
  • Vincenzo Di Marzo - "The Endocannabinoidome: The World of Endocannabinoids and Related Mediators"

We also have two Greek authors with notable works on Cannabis:

  1. The giant of the field, Giorgis Oikonomopoulos, who focuses on understanding and promoting the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic use of cannabis. In his book "The Healing Cannabis," he explores the relationship between cannabis and human health, analyzing how cannabinoids (both endogenous and plant-based) affect homeostasis and the body’s functions.

  2. The esteemed Aias-Theodoros Papastavrou, with "The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabis," delves deep into the role of the ECS and the pharmacology of cannabinoids. His goal is to clarify the importance of the ECS as a regulatory system and to inform about the scientific and therapeutic use of cannabis products.

The photo is from a microscope, showing the oils of Cannabidiol (CBD), i.e., the secretions, hormones, and juices, the nectar of the cannabis plant!

For any information, I’m here and may continue in the next article with more accurate details... Like a Christmas tree, for the celebration of Love!

 





 

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