While marijuana can initially help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, it can be detrimental to mental health when used long term, a new study reports.
GABA accelerates the breakdown of endocannabinoids in the brain. Endocannabinoids are critical for emotional processing. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments for emotional behavioral disorders.
Amyloid beta has been implicated in blocking endocannabinoids in the hippocampus; impairing learning and memory long before Alzheimer's plaques form in the brain.
For people with arthritis, exercise reduces pain and lowers levels of inflammatory cytokines. Exercise also increases the production of natural endocannabinoids. Researchers found the way exercise promotes these changes was due to altered gut microbes.
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, a form of medication that boosts endocannabinoids, may be helpful in the treatment of PTSD. FAAH inhibition can improve the recall of fear extinction memories. The drugs could also help treat stress and other psychological disorders.
A rare genetic mutation has been associated with pain insensitivity. The findings could further research into new treatments to target pain.
An imbalance in gut bacteria can cause the reduction of some metabolites, resulting in depression-like symptoms. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence for the role the microbiome plays in brain function and mental health.
Cannabinoid receptors have been identified in the central nucleus of the amygdala, a key emotional hub in the brain.
A new study finds THC reduces amyloid beta proteins in human neurons.
When pregnant women consume diets high in polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids, an excess of endocannabinoids is produced which overloads the fetus, and impairs healthy brain development.
Researchers report the 'love hormone', oxytocin, could enhance the pleasure of social interactions be stimulating the production of anandamide.
The findings could provide new insights into brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and depression.
