- Are you considering including an anandamide supplement in your diet?
- Do you know how anandamide supports your mental and emotional well-being?
- Are you wondering about selecting the right anandamide supplement formulation for your health?
Learn everything about anandamide, the body’s own cannabinoid that supports multiple health functions, including cardiovascular and neurological health.* Get all the answers to your questions about this ‘bliss molecule’, its potential therapeutic benefits, and why you should select a nano-formulated anandamide supplement. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
What Is Anandamide — Origin and Properties
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body consists of a group of neuromodulatory lipids that influence emotional processing. The key components of the ECS are —
- Endocannabinoids: Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG)
- Endocannabinoid receptors: Including CB1 and CB2 receptors.
- Associated enzymes: Including fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol acid lipase (MGL).
Chemically, anandamide is arachidonyl-ethanolamide (AEA), a lipid-based neurotransmitter that binds to the cannabinoid receptors in different regions of the body and brain.
Apart from being an integral part of the body’s ECS, anandamide is found in high concentrations in food sources such as cocoa beans and truffles.
How Does Anandamide Support Your Health?
Several studies show that anandamide displays psychoactive properties, exerting an overall modulatory effect on the brain 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 influencing the activities of the feel-good hormones in the brain — dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. It has also been known to support cardiovascular health, acting as a stress response system to limit damage to cardiac tissues due to certain pathologies.*
The following table lists the potential therapeutic benefits of anandamide in the human body.*
| System | Therapeutic Applications |
| Brain Health | Binds to CB1 receptors that have been found to induce dopamine release in the brain, thereby creating a sense of temporary pleasure*Participates in maintaining serotonin levels to beneficially influence stress-related behaviors*Modulates vigilance states and influences sleep cycles*Influences the release of endorphins, thereby stimulating the sense of well-being reported by endurance athletes* |
| Heart Health | Induces vasodilation — the widening of pulmonary arteries and other blood vessels, to support a healthy heart* |
| Gastrointestinal Health | Initiates and modulates positive appetitive behavior in animals and humans by stimulating CB1 receptors* |
| Immune Health | Supports healthy immune responses in the gut and the pancreas* |
Factors Influencing Anandamide Levels in the Body
Research studies establish that a suboptimal level of anandamide can adversely affect behavior and emotional health, influencing the ability to cope with stress and anxiety (non-GAD).* The following are some of the factors that can impact the anandamide level in the body:
- Enhanced activity of FAAH enzyme: The FAAH enzyme breaks down anandamide into ethanolamine and arachidonic acid. Research studies show that inhibiting the activity of this enzyme limits the breakdown of anandamide, thereby enhancing its level. It is worth noting that a variant FAAH gene might make some individuals genetically predisposed to higher anandamide levels.
- Stress-induced environments: A research study1 highlights that stress-induced environments trigger a dip in anandamide levels while elevating 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) levels. Continuous exposure to high-stress environments results in the downregulation or the loss of CB1 receptors that anandamide binds to.
- Aging: Age-dependent adaptive changes of endocannabinoid metabolism have also been found2 to influence anandamide levels in the body.
- Unwise lifestyle choices: The runner’s high experienced by some individuals during and after endurance exercises is attributed to the release of endocannabinoids, including anandamide. A lack of physical activities and poor sleep habits, including an irregular sleep schedule can influence the circulating concentration levels of endocannabinoids.
Including Anandamide in Your Diet
Although cocoa beans and truffles are some of the most popular anandamide-rich food sources, other dietary sources contain compounds, such as flavonoids and fatty acids (arachidonic acid), that act as precursors to anandamide production in the body. Although anandamide is endogenously produced, including these food sources in your diet can enhance the level of anandamide in the body. The following table highlights some anandamide-rich foods that support neurological and cardiovascular health.
| A List of Anandamide-Rich Foods | ||
| Category | Compound | Sources |
| Vegetables and fruits | Kaempferol | Kale, cabbage, green beans, cucumber, squash, tomatoes, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts Berries, apples, grapes, citrus fruits, peaches, and grapefruit |
| Proteins | Arachidonic acid | Meat, fish, seafood, and eggs |
| Spices and herbs | Guineensine and kaempferol | Black pepper, long pepper, dill, chives, saffron, and tarragon |
| Beverages | Kaempferol | Tea (green and black Kenyan tea) |
| Chocolate | Anandamide | Less processed chocolate without sugar, dark chocolate |
| Truffles | Anandamide and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes | Winter black truffle |
Why Should I Take An Anandamide Supplement?
You might wonder if your body really needs an anandamide supplement when you endogenously produce the ‘bliss’ molecule and your diet consists of anandamide-rich foods. The following are indications for taking an anandamide supplement:
- Filling any nutrient gaps in your diet: Dietary sources only contain trace amounts of anandamide, which might not be sufficient to maintain its optimal level in the body.
- Enhancing the absorption of anandamide: Although the cellular uptake of anandamide is not fully understood, research3 indicate that a low concentration of anandamide enhances nitric oxide (NO) levels in platelet cells in the blood. Anandamide supplement formulations, especially the ones that contain L-citrulline as an ingredient, enhance overall NO production, which promotes blood flow and nutrient delivery to the brain.*
- Micro-dosing: Too much anandamide can result in overstimulating the CB1 receptors, thereby disrupting the brain’s reward circuitry. A nutritional supplement is a convenient way to ingest anandamide orally in a lesser amount than previously required.
Anandamide versus CBD
Although anandamide is a cannabinoid, does that mean it is the same as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)? Plant-derived cannabinoids such as THC also activate cannabinoid receptors and interact directly with the same CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, thus mimicking anandamide functions. CBD, on the other hand, works indirectly with CB1 receptors to enhance endogenous anandamide signaling. CBD also modulates the production of the FAAH enzyme, thereby inhibiting anandamide degradation.
The following table highlights the differences between anandamide and CBD.
| Anandamide versus CBD | |||
| Anandamide | CBD | ||
| Origin | Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid (produced in the body). | CBD is a plant-derived cannabinoid. | |
| Interactions With CB Receptors | Anandamide primarily binds to and activates the CB1 receptors.* | CBD displays a low affinity to CB1 receptors. | |
| Use as a nutritional supplement | Anandamide supplements are a suitable alternative to CBD to support brain health and overall well-being.* | The use of CBD products as nutritional supplements or food additives is much debated. | |
Are Anandamide Supplements Effective?
The efficacy of an anandamide supplement depends on its absorption in the body. Although anandamide has attractive pharmacological effects, its unfavorable physico-chemical properties pose a significant challenge during the development and storage of supplement formulations, as well as their 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, which is why it has a storage temperature of −20°C.
- Activity of gastrointestinal enzymes: Gastrointestinal enzymes usually hinder the intact absorption of anandamide in free form through the gut wall.
Anandamide molecules encapsulated in nanocarriers have been found4 to be more easily absorbed across the gut wall, making them a therapeutic reality.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Anandamide Supplements
Are there any side effects of an anandamide supplement?
A clinical study5 has highlighted that anandamide intake in significantly higher amounts (3 mg/kg) produces anxiogenic or anxiety-inducing effects. Research also shows6 that the overstimulation of CB1 receptors can disrupt the brain’s reward circuitry, resulting in unhealthy dietary patterns and subsequent weight gain.
When should I take an anandamide supplement?
Consult with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing signs of anandamide deficiency and need to include an anandamide supplement in your diet.
Can I take an anandamide supplement with prescription medications?
There is limited data on the potential contraindications of anandamide with prescription medications. It is always recommended to 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 supplement formulation determines the efficacy of the supplement.
Tesseract Medical Research’s AnaQuell® is an innovative supplement formulation that supports the body’s natural response to stress.* The combination of anandamide and L-citrulline in the proprietary complex supports a healthy response to mood changes and mild non-GAD anxiety.* The addition of L-citrulline to the complex supports NO production, thereby enhancing blood flow and promoting cardiovascular health.*
The revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® technology is a nanomolecular nutrient delivery system that solubilizes anandamide, enabling its unprecedented absorption across the gut wall.* The enhanced bioavailability of anandamide molecules allows for micro-dosing of the formulation to support overall health and wellness.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing of multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Visit our website for more information about how Tesseract’s products can support your neurological and cardiovascular health.*
Citations
1Morena M, Patel S, Bains JS, Hill MN. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2016 Jan;41(1):80-102. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.166. Epub 2015 Jun 12. PMID: 26068727; PMCID: PMC4677118.
2Maccarrone M, Valverde O, Barbaccia ML, et al. Eur J Neurosci 2002 Apr;15(7):1178-1186. doi: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.01957.x. PMID: 11982628.
3Signorello MG, Giacobbe E, Passalacqua M, Leoncini G. J Cell Biochem 2011 Mar;112(3):924-932. doi: 10.1002/jcb.23008. PMID: 21328466.
4Martín Giménez VM, Russo MG, Narda GE, et al. IET Nanobiotechnol 2020 Feb;14(1):86-93. doi: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2019.0108. PMID: 31935683; PMCID: PMC8676047.
5Scherma M, Medalie J, Fratta W, et al. Neuropharmacology 2008 Jan;54(1):129-140. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2007.08.011. Epub 2007 Aug 19. PMID: 17904589; PMCID: PMC2213536.
6Yagin NL, Hajjarzadeh S, Aliasgharzadeh S, et al. Lipids Health Dis 2020 Jul 6;19(1):161. doi: 10.1186/s12944-020-01341-4. PMID: 32631352; PMCID: PMC7339382.
