- How does anandamide make you feel?
- What are anandamide’s effects on the body and mind?
- What is the best anandamide supplement to promote mental and emotional well-being?
There is a lot of buzz around anandamide, the so-called ‘bliss’ molecule that benefits mental and physical health.* Anandamide, the first discovered endocannabinoid, has been extensively studied for its possible therapeutic use.So, what are the effects of anandamide on the body and mind? Are the benefits similar to those of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) found in the Cannabis sativa plant?
Here are the answers to your questions about how anandamide exerts health benefits and why you should include an advanced, nano-formulated anandamide supplement in your diet. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
Anandamide Effects on the Body
Anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamide (AEA) is a cannabinoid produced by the body. It is a lipid-based neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors in different regions of the body and brain. Cannabinoids stimulate the receptors CB1 and CB2 within the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS’s functions include regulating memory, appetite, movement, metabolism, immune function, cardiopulmonary function, and salivation.
The following table highlights how anandamide promotes several health functions.
Health Function |
Anandamide Effects |
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Brain Health |
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Heart Health |
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Gastrointestinal Health |
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Immune Health |
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Musculoskeletal health |
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Anandamide Effects on the Mind
Several studies show that anandamide displays psychoactive properties, exerting an overall beneficial effect on the brain’s reward circuitry, thereby supporting mental and emotional health.* The name anandamide is derived from the Sanskrit word Ananda, which means “bliss,” because the molecule plays a role in up-regulating the activities of the feel-good hormones in the brain — dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.
Anandamide Effects on the Mind |
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Effects of Anandamide compared to THC and CBD
Anandamide, referred to as the body’s endogenous cannabinoid, plays a crucial role in the endocannabinoid system. But how does it compare to plant-derived cannabinoids like THC and CBD?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binds directly to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 and CB2, mimicking the actions of anandamide by interacting with these same receptors. Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, works indirectly with CB1 receptors to enhance endogenous anandamide signaling. CBD also down-regulates the production of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme, which inhibits anandamide degradation.
The following table highlights the different effects of anandamide, THC, and CBD.
Effects of Anandamide vs. THC vs. CBD |
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Cannabinoid |
Effects |
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Anandamide |
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THC |
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Cannabidiol |
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Notably, the FDA has restricted approval of CBD products as nutritional supplements and food additives. Therefore, anandamide supplements are a suitable alternative to promote neurological health and wellbeing.*
Why Should I Take An Anandamide Supplement?
Does your body need an anandamide supplement when it is already endogenously producing the ‘bliss’ molecule? The following are reasons why anandamide supplementation may be beneficial:
- Filling nutrient gaps in your diet: Dietary sources, such as cacao beans and truffles, only contain trace amounts of anandamide, which might be insufficient to maintain an optimal level in the body.
- Enhancing the absorption of anandamide: Research indicates that a low concentration of anandamide enhances nitric oxide (NO) levels in platelet cells in the blood. Anandamide supplement formulations, especially those containing L-citrulline, a precursor to NO, may further enhance overall NO production. This increase in NO can support improved blood flow and nutrients delivery to the brain, promoting neurological health and function.*
- Micro-dosing: Too much anandamide can overstimulate the CB1 receptors, disrupting the brain’s reward circuitry. An advanced nutritional supplement is a convenient way to ingest anandamide orally in a lower, more optimal amount.
Are Anandamide Supplements Efficacious?
The efficacy of an anandamide supplement depends on how well it is absorbed. Although anandamide has numerous desirable pharmacological effects and health benefits, its unfavorable physico-chemical properties pose a significant challenge during the development and storage of supplement formulations, as well as their subsequent absorption in the body. The efficacy of an anandamide supplement is hindered by the following:
- Instability of the anandamide molecule: Anandamide is a derivative of arachidonic acid and is highly prone to oxidative thermal degradation, hence, it is best stored at −20°C.
- Activity of gastrointestinal enzymes: Gastrointestinal digestive enzymes can hinder the intact absorption of anandamide through the gut wall.
For the above reasons, anandamide molecules encapsulated in nanocarriers are more easily absorbed across the gut wall, thus achieving their therapeutic possibilities.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Anandamide
Are there side effects to taking an anandamide supplement?
Research shows that over-stimulating CB1 receptors can disrupt the brain’s reward circuitry, resulting in unhealthy dietary patterns and weight gain. Anandamide intake in significantly higher amounts than its suggested use can cause anxiety-like effects.
When should I take an anandamide supplement?
You should consult with your healthcare provider if you are considering including an anandamide supplement in your diet.
Can I take an anandamide supplement with prescription medications?
Because there is limited data on the potential contraindications of anandamide with prescription medications, you should consult with your healthcare provider before taking an anandamide supplement with a prescription medication.
How do I determine the efficacy of an anandamide supplement formulation?
In general, the absorption of the active nutrients in any nutritional supplement formulation determines the efficacy of the supplement.
Tesseract Medical Research’s AnaQuell® is an innovative nutritional supplement formulation that supports the body’s natural response to stress and anxiousness.* In particular, the combination of anandamide and L-citrulline in AnaQuell’s proprietary complex supports a healthy response to mood changes and mild non-GAD anxiety.* Including L-citrulline in the AnaQuell formulation supports NO production, which enhances blood flow and promotes normal cardiovascular health.*
Tesseract’s revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® technology is a nanomolecular nutrient delivery system that solubilizes anandamide, enabling its unprecedented absorption across the gut wall. As a result, the enhanced bioavailability of anandamide molecules enables micro-dosing of the formulation to support overall health and wellness.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing absorption and bioavailability, and nano -dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can help support your neurological health.*
Citations:
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