Scientists from Leiden University in the Netherlands have shown that anandamide — a natural cannabinoid produced by the brain — could help people to forget traumatic memories and reduce stress levels.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. One of the most notable of these is THC, an active ingredient responsible for the psychoactive effects of the drug. Another is cannabidiol oil (CBD), which can have a calming effect. Researchers are actively researching CBD for its benefits in anxiety and pain.
However, the body also produces cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. These bind to receptors throughout the nervous system to exert effects on functions, including memory, appetite, and stress.
Scientists from Leiden University in the Netherlands have now shown that one such endogenous cannabinoid produced in the brain — called anandamide — could help people to forget traumatic memories.
The findings are available in Nature Chemical Biology.
Scientists first discovered anandamide in 1922. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word ‘ananda’ and means bliss or happiness. Scientists have been very interested in it since its discovery, and some studies have already implicated it in the modulation of pain, stress, anxiety, and appetite.
One way that scientists can study the role of anandamide is by changing its levels in the brain. Reducing the amount of a particular compound or chemical and monitoring its effect on behavior is a powerful way to understand its function.
However,