Anandamide: What Are the Benefits of This Cannabinoid?
When a compound is named after a phrase meaning "internal bliss," you know it must be interesting. We break down the science and benefits of anandamide, the first-ever endocannabinoid discovered.
Key Takeaways:
- Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid, meaning it is naturally produced by the human body (and the dog body, too).
- As a cannabinoid, anandamide interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that's involved in all kinds of important bodily processes.
- Anandamide may therefore have various potential health benefits, including promoting relaxation and supporting joint health.
- Plenty of foods are considered anandamide-rich, which means they either contain the cannabinoid or contain other compounds that increase anandamide levels in the body.
- Other cannabinoids, including CBD, can provide similar potential health benefits and are more widely available as supplements.
See Related: 6 Signs Your Dog Is Unhappy, And Ways You Can Help
What Is Anandamide?
Anandamide is a natural compound produced by the body. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word "ananda," which means "internal bliss."
That should give you an idea of what anandamide does. But to understand it, we need to go back to the 1990s, when it was discovered.
Endogenous Cannabinoids
For thousands of years, humans have been using the Cannabis sativa plant for recreational and medicinal purposes. But for almost all of that time, we had little idea how the plant brought about its various benefits.
Over the course of the 20th century, scientists gradually unravelled this mystery. First, they figured out the chemical structure of THC, the cannabinoid largely responsible for marijuana's psychoactive effects.
Then, in the 1980s, scientists discovered CB1 receptors. THC interacts with CB1 receptors. But surely our bodies (and the bodies of other mammals, like dogs) didn't develop CB1 receptors just to enjoy the effects of THC, right?
Indeed, in 1992, scientists discovered the first endocannabinoid. That simply means a cannabinoid naturally produced by the human body.
That groundbreaking endocannabinoid was... anandamide.
Its name came from the fact that it interacts with the brain in a similar way to marijuana.
Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System
Anandamide interacts with a complex network of receptors called the endocannabinoid system. This system is extremely important, as it's involved in reward processing, hormonal regulation, and many other crucial bodily processes.
Cannabinoid Receptors
The endocannabinoid system has different types of cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors were the first to be discovered. But there are also CB2 receptors, TRPV1 receptors, PPAR receptors, GPR55 receptors, and potentially even more.
Anandamide doesn't interact with all of these cannabinoid receptors, at least not to the same extent.
Elevated Anandamide Levels in Humans
So what, exactly, does anandamide do?
Lots of things. Perhaps most important is anandamide's impact on our brain's reward processing mechanisms.
This impact has been confirmed by multiple studies. It's therefore thought that anandamide can reinforce certain behaviors, perhaps by increasing the concentration of dopamine in our brain. Research suggests that blocking the action of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide into arachidonic acid and ethanolamine, might help people overcome addiction.¹
Anandamide is also known to be an anxiolytic. That means it may manage stress.²
Anandamide levels also play a role in the overall health of our brain.³
Bonus: 8 Best Natural Antioxidants for Dogs
How Anandamide Levels Affect Dogs
That's all very well. But what about dogs?
Research has confirmed that dogs also have cannabinoid receptors. Lots of them, in fact.⁴
That's actually why THC can be toxic for dogs.⁵
The presence of an endocannabinoid system naturally implies the presence of endocannabinoids. Indeed, dogs naturally produce anandamide.⁶
So does anandamide have the same effect on dogs as it does on humans? Remember, anandamide was only discovered in the 1990s. Since then, it's been mentioned in thousands of scientific articles.⁷
But much of that research has been on anandamide's effect in humans, or in mammals more generally, rather than in dogs specifically.
Nevertheless, we can still identify a few potential benefits.
Stress Management
As we mentioned, anandamide is an anxiolytic compound, meaning it may help manage stress.
For example, a 2014 study found that stressed mice who were given a FAAH inhibitor displayed fewer signs of stress than mice not given a FAAH inhibitor. Recall that FAAH is responsible for breaking down anandamide, so inhibiting it means maintaining anandamide levels.⁸
Multiple other studies in rodents have found similar results.⁹
Joint Health
In studies of both humans and dogs, researchers have found anandamide present in the fluid of unhealthy joints. Because anandamide (and other endocannabinoids) are usually produced on demand and don't last very long, their presence could suggest that dogs produce it in response to declining joint health.¹⁰
Other Potential Impacts
Interestingly, one of the few studies involving dogs specifically found that general anesthesia caused a significant decrease in anandamide levels in dogs.¹¹
Foods That May Increase Anandamide Levels
Various foods contain anandamide.¹² Others contain compounds that are converted into anandamide in the body. Still more contain compounds that inhibit FAAH, the molecule that breaks down anandamide.
Not all of these anandamide-rich foods, as they are commonly known, are safe for dogs. Remember to always check before giving your dog a new type of food.
Some options that your dog might like are:
- Cabbage
- Green beans
- Cucumber
- Squash
- Broccoli (in moderation)
- Brussels sprouts (in moderation; they can cause gas, so beware!)
- Blackberries
- Raspberries (in small amounts)
- Strawberries
- Fish
- Eggs
- Decaffeinated green tea (contains kaempferol, which inhibits FAAH)
Alternatives to Anandamide
Remember, anandamide is just one of hundreds of cannabinoids. The cannabinoids produced by hemp plants can provide many of the health benefits discussed above.
Hemp Extract and CBD
CBD is known to promote relaxation in dogs.¹³
In one study, a single oral dose of CBD helped dogs cope with external stresses, like being left alone or taking a ride in a car.¹⁴ Another study, conducted at Cornell, found that 83% of dogs given a CBD chew before a stressful event showed a decrease in stress-related behaviors.¹⁵
That's exactly why we offer a range of calming pet products for your furry friend, from delicious Duck & Apple to Beef & Pumpkin to Blueberry.
If your pup isn't a fan, consider trying our fan-favorite and highly versatile CBD oil. You can give it to your dog straight from the dropper or mix it into their food.
Multiple studies have also found CBD helpful in maintaining joint health and mobility. We offer a Mobility Hemp Extract and a similar CBD and CBDa hemp extract for that exact purpose.
Conclusion
Despite being discovered relatively recently, scientists have already confirmed the importance of anandamide in both humans and dogs. Along with other endogenous cannabinoids, anandamide is involved in many crucial bodily processes.
As such, anandamide may cause various health benefits. It could help dogs manage normal stress and support their joint health.
There are plenty of natural food items that are thought to boost anandamide levels, and many of them are safe for dogs to eat. However, if you want to promote relaxation in your dog or want to support your dog's joint health, consider turning to a different, also powerful cannabinoid: CBD.
Keep Reading: What do Do When Your Dog Has a Loss of Appetite
Sources
- Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? - PMC
- Research into the role of the endocannabinoid system in anxiety
- Effects of cannabidiol on anandamide levels in individuals with cannabis use disorder: findings from a randomised clinical trial for the treatment of cannabis use disorder - PMC , Cerebrospinal Anandamide Levels are Elevated in Acute Schizophrenia and are Inversely Correlated with Psychotic Symptoms | Neuropsychopharmacology
- Cannabinoid receptor localization in brain - PMC
- Prevalence and characteristics of cannabis-induced toxicoses in pets: Results from a survey of veterinarians in North America - PMC
- The Endocannabinoid System of Animals - PMC
- Anandamide - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
- Central anandamide deficiency predicts stress-induced anxiety: behavioral reversal through endocannabinoid augmentation - PubMed
- The endocannabinoid system as a target for the treatment of cannabis dependence - PMC
- Characterization of endocannabinoids and related acylethanolamides in the synovial fluid of dogs with osteoarthritis: a pilot study
- Premedication and general anesthetic agents decrease plasma concentration of the endocannabinoid anandamide in dogs in
- Anandamide Foods: Natural Support for Brain Health
- Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel | Journal of Animal Science | Oxford Academic
- New study shows cannabidiol (CBD) is effective at reducing stress in dogs | WALTHAM
- CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
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