Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
05:25
Tobacco Hornworm as an Insect Model System for Cannabinoid Pre-clinical Studies
Published on: December 29, 2021
3.0K
Beyond Cannabis: Plants and the Endocannabinoid System
1PHYTECS, 1875 Century Park East, Suite 2250, Los Angeles CA 90067, USA.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|May 16, 2016
Summary
Cannabis research revealed the endocannabinoid system. Further studies show many plants, like black pepper and chocolate, also impact this vital regulatory system.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Plants have historically been primary medicine sources.
- Cannabis phytochemistry led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, a key homeostatic regulator.
- The endocannabinoid system is a widespread physiological regulator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review plants beyond cannabis that modulate the endocannabinoid system.
- To highlight the diverse phytochemistry of plants affecting this system.
- To identify common and exotic plant-based modulators.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies.
- Analysis of plant compounds and their interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
- Cross-referencing ethnobotanical data with pharmacological findings.
Main Results:
- Numerous plants, including common foods and spices, contain compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system.
- These plant-derived compounds can stimulate, antagonize, or modulate the system.
- Examples include kava, chocolate, and black pepper.
Conclusions:
- The endocannabinoid system is influenced by a wide array of plant-derived compounds.
- Phytochemical investigation continues to reveal novel therapeutic agents.
- Plant-based modulation of the endocannabinoid system offers broad medicinal potential.
Related Concept Videos
00:46What is the Endocrine System?
425.3K
The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.
425.3K
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
926
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
926
01:25Cell Signaling in Plants
7.0K
Plant cells communicate to coordinate their cycle of growth, flowering and fruiting, and activities in roots, shoots, and leaves in response to the changing environmental conditions. Plant signaling is distinct from animal signaling. Plants primarily utilize enzyme-linked receptors, whereas the largest class of cell-surface receptors in animals are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Unlike animals, receptor tyrosine kinases are rare in plants. Instead, plants have a diverse class of...
7.0K
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
6.1K
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
6.1K
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
29.9K
Plants present a rich source of nutrients for many organisms, making it a target for herbivores and infectious agents. Plants, though lacking a proper immune system, have developed an array of constitutive and inducible defenses to fend off these attacks.
29.9K
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
1.1K
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
1.1K