This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to replace the medical advice or treatment of a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their physician or qualified healthcare professional regarding specific health concerns. Neither dr Ni Ax nor the publisher of this content accepts responsibility for the possible health consequences of one or more persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, particularly those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician before beginning any nutritional, supplement, or lifestyle program.
It's a hot topic in the news: controversialHe kills cannabis. We know that cannabinoids, the compounds found in cannabis, are what many are interested in.
Therefore, more and more research is needed and is being doneCBD Oil Benefits— Explore the properties of another class of compounds found in cannabis called cannabinoids. Some researchers note that cannabinoids act as ligands, binding to proteins and modulating receptors in the brain and throughout the body.
But did you know that there are several common plants that actually mimic the biological activity of cannabinoids? These plants contain compounds that "Cannabimimetikum', meaning that while they don't share the same biological structure as cannabinoids, they do have similar effects in the body.
These cannabinoid-mimicking herbs and superfoods are garnering the attention of cannabis researchers. They work by affecting our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a biological system made up of neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other areas of the central and peripheral nervous system.
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system
In general, theEndocannabinoid systemit plays a role in many cognitive and physiological processes and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or a stable and well-functioning internal environment.
It wasn't until scientists began studying the effects of cannabis that they discovered this biochemical communication system in the human body. And it is now considered to be one of the most important physiological systems involved in maintaining our health. This incredible system is made up of endocannabinoid receptors that respond to cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis and a variety of other plants.
Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, immune cells, connective tissues, glands, and organs.
It is these cannabinoid receptors, found in all vertebrate species, that enable a variety of physiological processes in the body. So far, researchers have identified two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors, found in our connective tissues, glands, organs, gonads, and nervous system, and CB2 receptors, found in the immune system. And while thousands of studies have been conducted on the role of cannabinoids in the body, scientists believe we're only just beginning to scratch the surface.
It used to be thought that only THC and a few other phytocannabinoids affect these receptors, but now we are learning that other plants and foods can affect them as well. Cannabimimetics, compounds that mimic cannabinoids, can also bind to cannabinoid receptors and affect the endocannabinoid system.
10 Herbs And Superfoods That Mimic Cannabinoids
1. Rosemary, black pepper, ylang ylang, lavender, cinnamon, and clove essential oils
Terpenes, the aromatic molecules found in essential oils, bind to CB2, the cannabinoid receptor found predominantly in the immune system. Black pepper, lavender, clove, rosemary, and cinnamon essential oils contain a sesquiterpenoid called beta-caryophyllene (βCP).
In vivo studies show that βCP binds selectively to the CB2 receptor and that it is a functional CB2 agonist, meaning that it elicits a physiological response. βCP is a major component of cannabis and is a common component found in the essential oils of many spices and plant foods. Therefore, essential oils containing βCP have natural cannabimimetic effects.
2. Echinacea
Echinacea is a well known echinacea that is commonly used. Echinacea contains fatty acid compounds called N-acylethanolamines, which are known to bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors. By interacting with CB2 receptors, these compounds in echinacea can directly affect the body.
3. Truffle
Recent research shows that truffles, particularly the black truffle or Tuber melanosporum, contain anandamide and the key metabolic enzymes of the endocannabinoid system. Anandamide is a compound that may play a role in the truffle ripening process and its interaction with the environment.
Some studies suggest that anandamide is well equipped with endocannabinoid binding receptors and releases chemicals that have a similar biological mechanism to THC. For this reason, some scientists even call anandamide a "happiness molecule."
4. cacao
Like black truffles, cacao nibs contain anandamide, an endocannabinoid produced in the brain known as the happiness neurotransmitter. Cocoa also works naturally by inactivating fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that is part of the endocannabinoid system and breaks down anandamide.
5. helicriso
Helichrysum italicum is a plant known for its amazing properties. The plant has been used for thousands of years and is still widely used today.
Helichrysum is a major producer of compounds that mimic cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGa). These special compounds are known to be one of the most structurally diverse types of phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. More research is needed to determine exactly how these non-cannabis CBG compounds work in the body, but researchers believe it is due to the aromatic acidity of the plant.
6. Omega-3 Slices
You've probably heard of the many benefits of omega-3s before, but researchers are discovering that some of these benefits stem from the body's ability to convert omega-3 foods into endocannabinoids.
A recent study found that cannabinoids are naturally produced in the body from omega-3 fatty acids. When the scientists analyzed the animal tissue, they discovered an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into molecules that bind to immune system receptors.
7. Kawa
Kava root has been used for its benefits for centuries. Kava is also used today. Kava contains compounds called kavalactones, and specifically yangonin, which can directly interact with CB1 receptors. Scientists believe that these specific compounds, capable of interacting with proteins of the endocannabinoid system, offer beneficial effects.
8. maca
Maca root is a type of cruciferous vegetable that comes in powdered form. It is considered an adaptogen and has been used as a superfood in the Andean regions for thousands of years.
Some research suggests that maca root contains compounds called N-alkylamides (NAAs), which mimic the biological effects of cannabinoids. These compounds found in maca are said to have an effect on various protein targets in the endocannabinoid system.
9. Copaiba
Oleoresin from Copaiba or Copaifera reticulata is traditionally used to support health. Some research shows that 40-57 percent of copaiba oil is made up of β-caryophyllene, a cannabinoid that binds to certain receptors.
10. Holy Basil
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is a plant that is used for various purposes. Like capaiba oil and many other essential oils such as black pepper, lavender, and clove, holy basil contains β-caryophyllene, a compound that mimics that of cannabis.
Some researchers believe that compounds in holy basil act as agonists or activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR). In this way, cannabis and holy basil work in a similar way.
Precautions
Anytime you add a new herbal product to your health regimen, it's best to check with your doctor to make sure there are no interactions with your prescription medications, if you're taking any.
The proper use of these herbs and superfoods varies depending on the formula and brand of the product. Read the label carefully, consult your doctor, and determine the amount that is right for you. If you experience any side effects after using any of these herbs or superfoods, please stop using them and contact your doctor.
final thoughts
- Researchers are beginning to explore a variety of plants and superfoods that contain compounds that are "cannabimimetic," meaning that while they don't share the same biological structure as cannabinoids, they do have similar effects in the body.
- These cannabimimetic plants and foods feed the endocannabinoid system, a biological system made up of neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other areas of the central and peripheral nervous system.
- By acting as cannabinoids and feeding the endocannabinoid system, these plants and foods can be beneficial.
10 Herbs And Superfoods That Mimic Cannabinoids
- Rosemary, black pepper, ylang ylang, lavender, cinnamon, and clove essential oils
- Echinacea
- Cacao
- truffle
- helicriso
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- kawa
- maca
- Copaiba
- holy basil