CANNABINOIDS CLUSTER: CANNABINOIDES ARE NOT EXCLUSIVE TO CANNABIS PLANT
by Eunice Veloso on Apr 03, 2024
“Lapalisse truths” and “what is obvious also has to be said”: the word cannabinoids usually refers to phytocannabinoids that are compounds found in cannabis. We hear “Cannabinoids” and obviously think “Cannabis”.
What no longer seems so obvious is that cannabinoid compounds exist in nature beyond cannabis: they exist in other plants and are also produced in our body – called endocannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are not exclusive to cannabis plants.
It does not make sense? He does.
Because the cannabis plant has been known for millennia and has been used ever since by our ancestors (more or less geographically close) as medicine, food, fiber for ropes and fabrics. The applications were and are vast.
If cannabis has been known for millennia, the endocannabinoid system was identified more recently.
This first happened in 1964 by organic chemical scientist Raphael Mechoulam, of Bulgarian origin and based in Israel.
#1. CANNABINOIDS: THE COMMON LINK BETWEEN OUR EN-DOCANABINOID SYSTEM, CANNABIS AND OTHER PLANTS WITH CANNABINOIDES
As mentioned above, researcher Raphael Mechoulam studied cannabis: he discovered (isolated) tetrahrodcannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive agent in cannabis.
Continuing his research: he realized how THC interacts with the human body: through receptors called CB1 and CBD2 and which are spread throughout the human body.
Even more interesting: with the evolution of studies, it was possible to identify that our own organism, to stimulate these CB1 and CB2 receptors, produces molecules similar to THC molecules, found in the cannabis plant.
These are the cannabinoids produced by the human body (endocannabinoids):
- anandamide (AEA)
- 2-arachidonoyl-Glycerol (2-AG)
Another interesting thing: anandamide has the it’s “baptism name” in reference to the Sanskrit word “ananda” which means “happiness”.
@1.1 What Is The Role Of The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the organism's homeostasis, that is, for regulating and balancing various biological processes (physiological and cognitive) of vertebrate animals:
- Fertility and pregnancy
- Pre and postnatal development
- All activities of the immune system
- Inflammatory processes
- Development of the nervous system
- Sympathetic plasticity (neuroplasticity)
- Appetite
- Sensation of pain
- Mood, stress and emotions
- Learning and memory processes
- Sleep-wake cycle (circadian cycle)
- Body temperature
- Coordination of movements, metabolism and energy expenditure
- Cardiovascular function
It’s not possible to say that the endocannabinoid system is insignificant, right?
You can see that a large part of our general well-being passes precisely through a functional endocannabinoid system.
@1.2 Why Is It Important To Keep Cannabinoid Levels In The Body Balanced?
Because it helps maintain the endocannabinoid system functional in the various biological processes in which it is involved.
Physical activity helps stimulate the production of anandamide.
And food, of course, is fundamental. Supplemented or not with cannabinoids. CBD (cannabidiol) from cannabis plants (including hemp) is usually the added supplement, as it is not psychoactive.
But now let's focus on food. So it is .
The cluster of plant foods that contain cannabinoids. And it’s not just cannabis plants (including hemp).
#2. THE CANNABINOID CLUSTER: WHERE CAN YOU FIND CANNABINOIDS IN OTHER FOODS, BEYOND CANNABIS
Well, they are not exactly the cannabinoids of cannabis (such as THC and CBD), they are, however, molecules that interact with the same receptors in the endocannabinoid system of the human organism, the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and produce effects similar to the cannabinoids in cannabis.
And where can we find them?
Some are in everyday condiments, others are in common plants, others are found in plants or fungi, which are found in specific geographies. And they, cannabinoids exist beyond cannabis and are everywhere:
- Spices
- Vegetables
- Fungi and mushrooms
- Herbs and Plants
@2.1. Spices: Cinnamon, Cloves, Oregano and Black Pepper
Beta caryophyllene is the terpenoid common to the cannabis plant and these spices: they activate the CB2 receptor of our endocannabinoid system.
The activation of this receptor is one of the strategies advocated by the US Academy of Science with therapeutic potential to treat inflammation and symptoms of pain and mood disorders (it has calming effects similar to that of CBD).
@2.2. Vegetables: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Chilli
That's right: perhaps they are less incorporated into the diet than they should be. They are associated with the benefits of reducing the risk of developing cancer and reducing thyroid activity.
The same anti-cancer molecule found in these vegetables and cannabis plants activates the CB2 receptor and triggers anti-inflammatory effects.
@2.3. Fungi and mushrooms: black truffles and Chaga mushroom (or Inonotus obliqueus)
Black truffles are a very unique culinary ingredient. In reality, they are fungi that contain anandamide (also produced by the human organism) which, as mentioned above, connects to the CB1 receptor, and has the same effects as THC in cannabis: namely attenuation of pain perception and regulation of appetite and mood.
The Chaga mushroom has a long tradition in traditional Chinese medicine. It is not exactly a mushroom but rather a fungus: it is a parasite that grows on the trunks of trees such as birches and others and resembles burnt coal.
The Chaga “mushroom” interacts with the CB1 and CB” receptors of the endocannabinoid system and has potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune system regulation properties.
@2.4. Herbs And Plants: Cocoa, Tea Plants, Turmeric, Sunflower, Magnolia Oficinallis, Liverwort, Helichrysum, Echinacea, Kava, Rhododendron
- Cocoa, whose tree is called the cocoa tree or Theobroma Cacao, is perhaps the best-known substance available on all markets. It has the effect of stimulating the production of anandamide in the body and serotonin as well. The result? Regulates mood, improves memory, also has a positive effect on perceived pain, controls apatite and supports fertility.
- Tea plants called Camellia sinensis , which include green, black and white teas called, contain flavonoid catechins that interact with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to cannabis. This is a possible explanation for the effects of tea on reducing cholesterol and improving brain function.
- Turmeric is a tuber with powerful anti-inflammatory effects and there are studies being carried out on the joint use of cannabis and turmeric to treat digestive diseases. Turmeric has the polyphenol as the constituent that interacts with the endoconabinoid system, with the two receptors CB1 and CB2: it positively regulates the expression of CB2 and negatively regulates CB1, a mechanism that is being explored for its usefulness to treat liver fibrosis.
- Magnolia officinalis is used in the form of tea, it contains catechins, which are the most popular constituents of teas: they strengthen the immune system and have neuroprotective potential. Its molecules mainly activate cannabinoid receptors located in the central nervous system.
- Helychrysum and liverwort plants contain CBG (cannabigerol), which also exists in cannabis: it has the power to regulate mood and symptoms of depression. The liver plant is very common in New Zealand and in common with cannabis a molecule (known as cis-PET) that activates the CB2 receptor and is similar to THC, but with much less psychoactive effects.
- The sunflowers mentioned here are not common sunflowers: they are from South Africa and are from the same family as helichrysum, which, as mentioned above, contains CBG.
- Echinacea is popular as a medicinal plant, it activates the CB2 receptor and its effects are similar to CBD: it calms the nervous system and relieves symptoms of stress, pain (particularly migraines), fatigue and inhibits inflammation.
- Kava is a tropical plant originating from the Pacific islands: Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands Fiji and Vanuatu. The chemical compounds activates the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system and are used to treat substance dependence, anxiety, depression, muscle tension and chronic pain. The roots of these plants are used to make teas used in ritual ceremonies.
- Rhododendron (Ericaceae), specifically Chinese rhododendron, contain folic acids that interact with the endocannabinoid system. They are known for their antibacterial and adaptogenic properties. They can also help kill staph infections and cancer cells, as well as fight bronchitis.
Cannabinoids are found in many food sources: not just cannabis, hemp and/or derivatives.
Now there are no excuses for not “maintaining” the endocannabinoid system and getting it working in the best possible way: yes, it is what maintains the body’s homeostasis (restoring it to its best functioning state).
It is as “difficult” to include in your diet as eating broccoli, cauliflower, carrots or cocoa. Just to exemplify the most basic.
For people who feel good, naturally.
References:
https://www.mdbiowellness.com/blogs/doctors-desk/plants-with-cannabinoids-that-may-surprise-you
https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-plants-other-than-cannabis-that-produce-cannabinoids-n714
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH ADVICE, IT IS MERELY INFORMATIONAL, THEREFORE, ANY INITIATIVES YOU HAVE, REGARDING MEDICINAL CANNABIS, SHOULD ALWAYS GO THROUGH THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN.
