Our bodies produce substances that closely resemble compounds found in the hemp plant. Because the latter were discovered first, our body's own substances were named after them: endocannabinoids (endo means ‘from within’ or ‘internal’). Their discovery introduced us to a unique physiological system in our bodies: the endocannabinoid system.
This system ensures that numerous bodily processes remain properly balanced at all times. Examples include cell growth, fat storage and breakdown, and our immune response. If any of these processes were to become too active or too passive, this could lead to a form of disease. The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid-binding receptors, endocannabinoids, and the enzymes that can convert and break down endocannabinoids.
Our endocannabinoids are formed in the body from fatty acids, such as omega-6.[1] They can also be formed from numerous other fatty acids, such as the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). A team of researchers at the University of Illinois, led by Professor Aditi Das, discovered that endocannabinoids have a much more potent anti-inflammatory effect when they are formed from DHA and EPA. This may explain why omega-3 is so well known as an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Another discovery made by the team was that endocannabinoids formed from omega-3 fatty acids are converted by enzymes into an epoxide form: endocannabinoid epoxide (EE). EE, a previously unknown substance, is thought to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and vasodilatory effects that may be more potent than those of endocannabinoids.[2] In other words, when endocannabinoids are formed from omega-3 fatty acids, they are more potent after being broken down by enzymes than when they are formed from other fatty acids. The basis from which endocannabinoids are made is therefore highly important!
Professor Das was enthusiastic about their research findings: “These discoveries show that omega-3 can produce some medicinal properties similar to those of marijuana, but without psychoactive effects”.[3]
Written by Dyveke Kok