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Phytocannabinoids are those that naturally occur in plants, specifically the cannabis sativa (hemp) plant. Endocannabinoids are those that are formed within the human body.
The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids. They are present in various organs and tissues, such as the muscle, brain, and circulating cells. Endocannabinoids become active when they bind with a cannabinoid receptor. The receptors are also located throughout the body.
Research continues on the exact physiological mechanism that promotes or triggers the binding of the receptors to the endocannabinoids. But experts theorize that when a system in the body is out of balance, the receptors bind to the cannabinoids to help correct the problem.
The endocannabinoid system is precise. For example, if body temperature is out of the normal range, the ECS regulates it without altering other processes. Once the ECS brings the body back into balance, the enzymes break down the cannabinoids to prevent overcorrecting the problem.
What is the function of endocannabinoids and the ECS?
The function of cannabinoids within the ECS is vast. In fact, researchers still do not fully understand the exact role of cannabinoids, although the ECS clearly plays a large part in how well the body functions.
Research suggests that the ECS plays a key role in contributing towards homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stability, or optimal conditions, within the body to promote proper functioning.
For example, the body maintains homeostasis for temperature, blood sugar, and appetite. Experts believe that if the body falls out of the normal range, the ECS helps the body to return to the optimal range and maintain homeostasis.
Research suggests the ECS may help regulate the function of:
appetite and digestion
sleep
Pain sensation
inflammation and other immune responses
mood
metabolism
learning and memory
reproduction system function
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