anandamide

/ əˈnændəˌmaɪd /

noun

1. a naturally occurring endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter found in the brains of mammals and in small quantities in the cocoa bean

Word History and Origins

Origin of anandamide¹

C20: from Sanskrit ananda bliss

Example Sentences

Many mammals, including humans, generate anandamide to regulate mood, appetite and many other functions in the body.

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The name anandamide comes from the Sanskrit word for "bliss," because AEA is implicated in reward circuits in the brain.

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Professor Mechoulam also did groundbreaking research on the body’s natural endocannabinoid system — including the discovery of anandamide, one of the main endocannabinoids.

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One reason cannabis may work for these women is that substances in cannabis could mimic a chemical compound, anandamide, produced by the ovaries whose production drops during menopause, Gruber said.

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Anandamide is an endocannabinoid, which are molecules produced by the body that are structurally similar to cannabinoids, the substances found in the cannabis plant.

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