Cannabinoids from omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation, according to the latest research from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Medical marijuana is increasing in popularity as a treatment for many conditions, including eating disorders, cancers, and pain. It is becoming legal in more and more states.
With marijuana being more widely accepted in the U.S. for medical treatment, research has also gone up.
Since then, scientists have found that THC – the active ingredient in marijuana – mimics natural substances in our brain called cannabinoids.
The body makes cannabinoids from foods that contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as eggs, fish, meat, and nuts.
The study lead author Aditi Das believes that cannabinoids may have potential for anti-inflammatory drugs, because they interact with the immune system.
Professor Das explains that there are two different types of cannabinoid receptors in the body – one found in the nervous system and the other found in the immune system.
“Some cannabinoids, such as THC in marijuana or endocannabinoids can bind to these receptors and elicit anti-inflammatory and anti-pain action,” she explains.
Medical News Today reported:
The researchers also discovered that the anti-inflammatory molecules, which are called omega-3 endocannabinoid epoxides, have other properties that influence blood vessel dilation and blood platelet aggregation.
“This finding demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce some of the same medicinal qualities as marijuana, but without a psychotropic effect,” Prof Das concluded.
The study showing that cannabinoids from omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation was published in the Proceedings Of The National Academies of Sciences.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Natural Cannabinoids from Omega-3 Fatty Acids Combat Inflammation.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 20 July 2017. Web. 28 July 2017.
2. “Anti-inflammatory ω-3 Endocannabinoid Epoxides.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. National Acad Sciences, n.d. Web. 28 July 2017.
