Cannabimimetic

“Cannabimimetic” compounds which are reported as having similar pharmacological effects to those of cannabis; applied to various cannabinoid receptor types including the most commonly known cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, along with the less know TRPV family and GRP55. 

There are several common plants that contain cannabimimetic compounds which can mimick the biological activity of the classical cannabinoids, despite not  sharing their structure. 

Cannabimimetics are of increasing importance within medicinal cannabinoid research and human/animal nutrition.

As an example of cannabimimetic compounds, the most well-known include Coneflower (Echinacea), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Cannabimimetic compounds aren’t the same as those found in Cannabis. yet they have Positive effects on the endocannabinoid system and  seeking to leverage its growing  knowledge of these compounds to develop new and innovative plant  derived compounds that are shared with cannabis that can provide optimal health and wellbeing in animals via the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Sweet Potato

In addition to being delicious, sweet potatoes are renowned as a potent mood enhancer. It is because serotonin, the pleasure chemical in the brain, is produced by complex carbs and vitamin B, which are abundant in them.

 Sweet potatoes have the added benefit of being low in protein and fat, facilitating serotonin’s ability to alter your mood.

Black Pepper

A specific terpene called beta-caryophyllene (BCP). 

A fragrance molecule called terpene can be found in plant essential oils.

Omega-3 Rich Foods

A high source of omega-3 fatty acids is found in nuts, salmon, avocados, and quinoa. Unexpectedly, it is believed that the acids bind to cannabinoids, perhaps boosting the effects of marijuana.

Rosemary

Beta-caryophyllene is also present in rosemary, like black pepper (BCP). Although BCP is a terpene, some scientists now refer to the substance as dietary marijuana. 

BCP has a lot of medicinal potentials, as was already mentioned.

 In addition, the terpene is thought to help with pain relief and addiction treatment when paired with cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Flax seeds

Many of the chemicals found in flax seeds and the flax plant, in general, are incredibly similar to cannabinoids. 

According to research, CBD and flax both have anti-inflammatory effects and can aid in inducing an autoimmune reaction.

Herbs

It’s challenging to select only a few herbs containing valuable terpenes. 

However, the presence of some terpenes, such as pinene and limonene, in both weed and the culinary herbs you consume may help to explain why we so affectionately refer to marijuana as THE Herb. 

Pinene is a compound in sage and thyme, while limonene is prevalent in lemon basil, lemon thyme, and lemongrass.

Pinene has a reputation for widening the airways in the lungs, which might hypothetically facilitate marijuana absorption into the bloodstream and enhance your experience.

 In addition, limonene is known for easing tension, depression, and anxiety, just like the vitamins in sweet potatoes. 

Echinacea/ Coneflower

Used to treat other medical conditions like pain, inflammation, and migraines.  people use echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu, and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat (pharyngitis), cough, and fever. 

Many herbalists also recommend echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections.

Truffles

Anandamide, an endocannabinoid naturally created in the human brain and controls mood, memory, appetite, and pain perception, is present in truffles, particularly black truffles, according to research. 

Additionally, they include many enzymes needed for the metabolism of endocannabinoids.

A lipid found in the brain called anandamide binds to cannabinoid receptors and imitates the actions of cannabinoids.

 According to detailed research, anandamide releases compounds that function biologically similarly to THC and is well-equipped with endocannabinoid-binding receptors.

 Because of this, some scientists have even begun referring to it as the “bliss molecule.”

Turmeric

Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines frequently include the necessary, moderately flavoring spice turmeric.

 In addition, since curcumin, a healthy ingredient is a potent anti-inflammatory, it is also often praised for its benefit.

 In breast cancer treatments based on cannabinoids, it has also been demonstrated to be a regulator of tumor cell pharmacy interaction!

Chocolate

Marijuana users have a widespread misconception that eating dark chocolate before smoking increases your high potency. 

The endocannabinoid system is influenced by substances found in chocolate.

 Similar to non-intoxicating CBD found in marijuana, chemicals in chocolate interact with a particular bodily enzyme to increase levels of the body’s endogenous endocannabinoids in the bloodstream. 

Endocannabinoid refers to cannabinoid substances that the body naturally produces.

Maca

Many of these plants contain compounds that directly engage cannabinoid receptors. Yet, other plants contain compounds that act like nonpsychoactive CBD. CBD has many functions in the body. 

One of these functions is blocking an enzyme that breaks down endocannabinoids (enzyme FAAH). 

As mentioned previously, endocannabinoids are the body’s own THC.

 Preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids increases the amount of them in circulation throughout the body. 

This may cause a cascade of effects, including mood stabilization.

 Compounds in Maca (Lepidium meyenii), called N-benzylamines, appear to block FAAH activity. 

Hypothetically, this may improve endocannabinoid tone, boosting the system overall.

Kava

The Kava plant (Piper methysticum) has grown in popularity for its anti-anxiety and calming effects. 

Kava root has been used traditionally by Pacific island cultures who make a medicinal drink from the roots. 

The concoction is thought to provide sedative, pain relieving, and euphoric effects. These effects are primarily produced by compounds called kavalactones. 

One kavalactone in particular, called yangonin, appears to interact with the CB1 receptor. 

This is the same binding place for THC and is most predominant in the central nervous system. 

This interaction may be partly responsible for the intoxicating effects of the plant.

Hops

Back in 2018, a San Francisco-based hemp products company, Peak Health Foundation, claimed to have created a hop variety that successfully produces large amounts of the cannabinoid. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabis compound popular for its stress-relieving and anti-anxiety potential. Until recently, the cannabinoid was only available through extractions of the cannabis plant. After some searching, however, scientists with Peak Health Foundation reportedly discovered a variety of southeast Asian hops that had naturally cross-pollinated with cannabis in Northern India.

This “discovery” is not without criticism since no scientific literature regarding cannabinoids in hops has been reported. This plant, however, did not produce large amounts of cannabinoids. To amp up cannabinoid production, researchers with Peak Health Foundation used either engineering or breeding techniques to create a plant that produced enough cannabinoids to be worthwhile for commercial use. But in the wild, this plant does no, produce these cannabinoids in meaningful amounts. The company patented and branded the engineered botanical, now dubbed Kriya™Brand Humulus and currently sell extracts of the concoction online.

Helichrysum umbraculigerum

This daisy indigenous to South Africa contains a compound strikingly similar to cannabigerol (CBG). 

CBG is the precursor molecule to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. 

Interestingly, there is some rumor regarding the traditional use of the particular kind of daisy. 

A helichrysum variety was used  “like hemp, to make fumes in ritual ceremonies” in African pharmacology. He also suggested that compounds in the plant may have a “psychotropic effect… similar to cannabinoids.”

New Zealand Liverwort

Perrottetinene...Instead of being found in a fungus or flower, this lightly intoxicating compound is found in a moss-like plant. 

The first studies on cannabinoid compounds in liverwort were published nearly three decades ago. 

Researchers identified a THC-like chemical produced by liverwort in both Japan (radula perrottetii) and New Zealand (radula marginata) called perrottetinene and perrottetinenic acid respectively.

Perrottetinene has a very similar structure to THC.

 Emerging research suggests that these compounds are cannabimimetic, meaning they engage the endocannabinoid system like the compounds in cannabis. 

The cannabimimetic compounds in liverwort engage the CB1 receptor, like THC.

 Also like THC, it’s hypothesized that this compound produces a mild psychoactive effect.

 While it’s intoxicating potential is expected to be lower than that of THC, early research suggests that the molecule may be a more potent anti-inflammatory. Specifically, scientists hypothesized in 2018 that this cannabinoid-like compound may be especially pertinent to brain inflammation.

Paracress

Also known as the toothache plant, the Amazon native can be made into a strong painkilling gel. 

The plant was successful in blocking pain signals sent through nerve endings. 

The plant contains compounds known as N-Acylethanolamines, which act on the CB2 receptor.

Amazingly, early scientific speculation suggests that these compounds may have anti-tumor potential, placing paracress in a long line of potent medicinal plants. 

While its cancer-fighting properties are a long way from clinical research, the natural analgesic is currently being considered as a new drug-of-choice for dentists working with painful ailments.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, including rosemary, black pepper, ylang-ylang, lavender, cinnamon, and cloves, contain a compound called beta-caryophyllene (βCP). 

In studies, βCP has been shown to bind to the CB2 receptor, which is part of the endocannabinoid system and involved in regulating the immune system.

Helichrysum/The Curry Plant

Helichrysum italicum is a plant known for its properties and has been studied for its potential interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Extracts, mainly produced from inflorescences, have high potential in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, as they exert several beneficial health effects, namely antibacterial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, as well as anticarcinogenic effects

Copaiba

Copaiba oil resin (Copaifera reticulata) has been used traditionally for its health benefits and may interact with the endocannabinoid system.

Copaiba is an oleoresin obtained from the trunk of several pinnate-leaved South American leguminous trees (genus Copaifera). 

The thick, transparent exudate varies in color from light gold to dark brown, depending on the ratio of resin to essential oil. 

Copaiba is used in making varnishes and lacquers. 

**Copaiba can help soothe anxious feelings when ingested and promotes a clear, smooth complexion when applied topically. 

When taken internally, Copaiba essential oil also supports cardiovascular, immune, digestive, and nervous system health.

FYI***Copaiba oil has considerably more BCP in its genetic makeup than CBD.

 However, it doesn't have the rest of the cannabinoids.

Cacao

While both cacao and cocoa come from the same source - the cacao bean - they are not exactly the same thing. Cacao generally refers to the raw, unprocessed beans, while cocoa refers to the processed powder derived from roasted cacao beans. Essentially, cocoa is a more processed form of cacao. 

Cacao:

This refers to the raw, unprocessed beans of the Theobroma cacao tree. They are typically fermented and dried, but not roasted. Cacao products like cacao nibs, cacao powder, and cacao butter are often marketed as healthier options due to their higher nutrient content.

Cocoa:

This is made from cacao beans that have been roasted at high temperatures, which alters their flavor and reduces some of their nutrient content. Cocoa powder is the result of grinding and pressing these roasted beans. 

While the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, especially in the US, the distinction in processing is important when considering nutritional value and flavor. 

Other Plants

Other Plants: Some studies suggest that other plant species like certain legumes, the liverwort genus Radula, and certain fungi may contain phytocannabinoids.