Understanding Anandamide Research

Two types of cannabinoids exist on Planet Earth: Endocannabinoids that are manufactured by the human body (and a slew of vertebrates, including most mammals) and phytocannabinoids that are produced by the cannabis/hemp/marijuana plant species.

Interestingly, endocannabinoids are mimicked by phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both sets of molecules provide a breadth of potential medicinal and wellness support roles, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-anxiety benefits.

The anandamide molecule

However, students should note that the cannabis species evolved considerably before homo sapiens. This means that more precisely, it is actually the human endocannabinoid system that produces endocannabinoids that, from an evolutionary perspective, mimic the phytocannabinoids made by hemp.

"However, students should note that the cannabis species evolved considerably before homo sapiens. This means that more precisely, it is actually the human endocannabinoid system that produces endocannabinoids that, from an evolutionary perspective, mimic the phytocannabinoids made by hemp."

The two major endocannabinoids produced by the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) are 2-AG and anandamide. Anandamide (also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine or AEA) was first isolated and identified in 1992 by two independent research teams: The same Israeli researcher who isolated and synthesized THC in the mid-1960s, Raphael Mechoulam, and NIMH researchers William Devane and Lumir Hanus.

Anandamide has been given the name "the bliss molecule" by the popular press due to the role it plays in controlling emotional balance and mood. It also plays an important role in the management of pain, appetite, and the generation of nerve cells. Research indicates that anandamide may also slow the progression of cancer cells.

The 2-AG molecule

Levels of both anandamide and 2-AG can be increased via a variety of mechanisms, including regular exercise. 2-AG has been found to be 170 times more abundant in the brain than anandamide. 2-AG is also found in human breast milk and cow's milk (more direct evidence of the existence of an ECS in creatures other than humans). Both anandamide and 2-AG are synthesized on demand, when needed by the body, instead of being produced and stored, like some other endogenously produced molecules.

Interestingly, anandamide is produced outside of the human body by multiple plants, including truffles (the winter black variety) and cacao. According to a 2015 study, "truffles contain the major metabolic enzymes of the ECS, [but] do not express the most relevant endocannabinoid-binding receptors [CB1 and CB2]."

The levels of anandamide produced by cacao and found in dark chocolate are believed to be too low to affect a consumer's psychological state via an improvement of mood.

The levels of anandamide produced by cacao and found in dark chocolate are believed to be too low to affect a consumer's psychological state via an improvement of mood. Reported the 2015 book Chocolate and Health: Chemistry, Nutrition, and Therapy, "It is unlikely that chocolate’s anandamide level could actively trigger a psychological response."

However, cacao produces two chemicals that are similar to anandamide that synergistically interact with the ECS to prevent the metabolic breakdown of anandamide. This results in increased bioavailability and greater potency than would be achieved by anandamide acting in isolation.

Different endocannabinoids

The potency amplification and mood improvement resulting from the synergistic interplay of these three molecules manufactured by cacao may result in true mood improvement—and help explain the craving that some humans experience for dark chocolate.

A 2019 study explored the ability of anandamide to reduce anxiety. "Our data suggest that...elevated [anandamide]...reduces stress, anxiety, and fear." The research uncovered "new insights on the mechanisms by which...endocannabinoid signaling regulates emotional behavior."

The study found a direct relationship between anandamide levels and emotional behavior and identified the areas of the brain in which this mechanism occurs.

The study found a direct relationship between anandamide levels and emotional behavior and identified the areas of the brain in which this mechanism occurs. "Our results indicate that the ability of anandamide signaling to regulate emotional behavior is nonlinear and may involve actions at distinct neuronal populations, which could be influenced by the basal level of anandamide."

A 2015 study investigated the ability of anandamide to diminish or erase fear-based memories, making it of potential therapeutic value in the treatment of trauma-related conditions such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and social anxiety. "Our results demonstrated enhanced fear extinction in human and mouse carriers," reported the study, including "reduced levels of...anxiety."

A 2013 study investigated the ability of anandamide to treat psychological ailments that feature a root cause of anxiety and stress. "The general findings from this work indicate that the [ECS] system plays an important role in gating and buffering the stress response, dampening anxiety, and regulating mood," reported the research. Concluded the study's authors, "There is a frank deficiency in systemic [ECS] signaling in several psychiatric conditions."

The study concluded that "elevated [ECS] signaling seems to be associated with reduced stress and anxiety, while impaired [ECS] signaling is associated with greater vulnerability to stress, anxiety, and depression."

The study concluded that "elevated [ECS] signaling seems to be associated with reduced stress and anxiety, while impaired [ECS] signaling is associated with greater vulnerability to stress, anxiety, and depression."