Historically, it was in 1940 that the first scientific research on hemp revealed the existence of cannabinoids and allowed the isolation of CBD and CBN.
THC, another cannabinoid from the same plant and famous for its psychoactivity, was later isolated by Professor Raphael Mechoulam in 1964.
Much research would follow in the medical world to identify the remaining hundred or so cannabinoids, to understand their interactions with the human body and to discover potential therapeutic effects.
But what is a cannabinoid?The term cannabinoid refers to all chemical compounds linked to the receptors of the human endocannabinoid system.
Two types are synthesised naturally. Laboratory synthesis of the third type has made great advances possible.
Endo-Cannabinoids are produced on demand and have a localized action.
The first type, therefore, includes the animal-type (endogenous)
Called Endo-Cannabinoids, they are produced by any species with a skeleton and a spinal column.
They are integral to the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a physiological communication system consisting of billions of receptors distributed in all cells of the body.
Metabolized by the liver, Endocannabinoids bind to these receptors that regulate vital metabolic functions such as temperature or blood pressure, for example.
Produced on demand, they are eventually degraded by enzymes.
These enzymes eliminate the possibility for CBD (Cannabidiol) and other cannabinoids to be stored in the body as reserves.
The transformation into an assimilable form of CBD or Cannabidiol is absorption, not to be confused with bioavailability.
Ingestion of CBD allows the cannabinoids to be introduced into the digestive system and the liver to be transformed into an assimilable form.
The second type includes plant-based cannabinoids (phytogenic cannabinoids), the Phyto-cannabinoids, and they are produced by plants.
They are not exclusive to the Cannabis genus, as their presence has been discovered in truffles or Maca seeds, for example.
Phytocannabinoids are fully compatible with our endocannabinoid receptors, so their action can modify or regulate certain physiological functions.
By their regular administration, they can also supplement and address deficiencies in endocannabinoids, known as clinical endocannabinoid deficiency, and enable homeostasis or the balance of all bodily functions.
Endocannabinoid receptors have also been found in muscles and nerves, justifying the interest of certain cosmetic products used by dermal application.
The ECS system is characterized by receptors (locks), which can only be activated by the correct keys, the ligands.
When a ligand (a key) binds to the receptor, the lock opens and triggers a signal that causes a specific biological effect.
ENDO CANNABINOID SYSTEM RECEPTORS
As for the receptors, the first type of receptors, called CB1, have functions such as appetite regulation or emotional processing.
They are present in the brain and central nervous system including the spinal cord, but also in the lungs, digestive system and genital system.
The second type, CB2 receptors, are found mainly in the immune system and organs such as the spleen, in the peripheral nervous system and in the skin.
Their main functions include the regulation and orchestration of inflammatory responses.
One of the most important mechanisms for maintaining the body's internal balance is the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The SCE does everything in its power to maintain our internal harmony and improve our efficiency. ECS helps us feel more comfortable when we experience feelings of anxiety.
The endocannabinoid system helps us feel better when we are depressed or in the grip of persistent depression.
Everything our internal network of neurotransmitters and receptors does serves the grand purpose of maintaining peak physical performance.
Functioning of the Endo-Cannabinoid System.
Getting in tune with your inner self goes through several stages:
First of all, the ECS cannot function properly without the food and nutritional components that serve as its basis.
When functioning properly, the endocannabinoid system produces endocannabinoids in response to the body's specific needs.
When made, endocannabinoids interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
When stimulated, neurons produce neurotransmitters, which in turn communicate with cells, tissues, organs and other vital body systems.
By destroying endocannabinoids as needed using enzymes, our body can maintain the endocannabinoid system in a state of homeostasis.
When the endocannabinoid system is functioning normally, the body's cells, tissues, and organs are all in sync, creating a state called homeostasis.
What is a phytocannabinoid?
Phytocannabinoids are chemicals isolated from cannabis sativa that have been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system. Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main phytocannabinoids. In addition, there are over a hundred minor phytocannabinoids.
Cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are among the best known (THCV). There are many different types of phytocannabinoids, each with their own affinity and mechanism for binding to cannabinoid receptors.
Although research into phytocannabinoids like CBD and THC is expanding , very little is known about the vast majority of them.
