Omega-3 Fatty Acids Converted To Cannabinoids Which Fight Inflammation

Marijuana and various cannabinoids are now legal in the USA but not much was known about how they are produced. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the well known cannabinoid that produces the euphoria and is found in marijuana.

Recent research has been conducted by Aditi Das, a professor of comparative biosciences and biochemistry at the University of Illinois into the anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabinoids. This has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (see abstract).

Humans are able to synthesise certain cannabinoids called endocannabinoids from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids sourced from a variety of food stuffs such as nuts and fish. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are part of the general group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are so beneficial in normal cell functioning. The role of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase metabolic pathways is also critical in constructing these endocannabinoids.

What is interesting is that these particular compounds lack the psychotropic effects and highs. Tetrahydrocannabinol incidentally is also an anti-inflammatory.

All these cannabinoids appear to bolster the immune system in some way which makes them potentially valuable from a therapeutic perspective especially where anti-inflammation is concerned. Cerebrovascular medicines could also be developed from these cannabinoids. They bind to just two types of cannabinoid receptors in the body—one that is found predominantly in the nervous system and one in the immune system.

Das summarised his thoughts on the research into cannabinoids:-

“Some cannabinoids, such as THC in marijuana or endocannabinoids can bind to these receptors and elicit anti-inflammatory and anti-pain action. Our team discovered an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into more potent anti-inflammatory molecules that predominantly bind to the receptors found in the immune system. This finding demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce some of the same medicinal qualities as marijuana, but without a psychotropic effect.”

Incidentally, if you are interested in the health benefits of hemp, why not read the article on hemp seeds !