The human body has an incredible built-in system designed to keep everything balanced—our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system plays a major role in keeping us healthy, helping to regulate mood, sleep, pain, immune function, and even digestion. Two of the most essential messengers in this system are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These compounds, known as endocannabinoids, act like the body’s natural cannabis-like substances, working to maintain overall wellbeing.

At Plant Based Medicine Australia (PBMA), we focus on science-backed natural medicines to support the body’s natural healing processes. Understanding how the ECS works, particularly the role of anandamide and 2-AG, can help us see why plant-based medicines can be powerful tools in preventative and integrative healthcare.

What Are Anandamide and 2-AG?

The body naturally produces anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG and acts as chemical messengers that help maintain balance (homeostasis). They send signals to special receptors, known as cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), which are found throughout the brain and body.

Anandamide (AEA): The Bliss Molecule

Anandamide gets its name from the Sanskrit word ananda, meaning ‘joy’ or ‘bliss’—which is why it’s often called the “bliss molecule.” It influences mood, stress, and relaxation by working with CB1 receptors in the brain. This is the same receptor that THC (the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis) interacts with, but anandamide is produced naturally by our bodies to create a sense of wellbeing.

2-AG: The Powerhouse Endocannabinoid

2-AG is found in higher amounts in the body than anandamide and binds strongly to CB1 and CB2 receptors. It has a more significant role in balancing inflammation, immune function, and brain health. Think of 2-AG as the heavy lifter of the endocannabinoid system, ensuring key systems function correctly.

Where Are Anandamide and 2-AG Produced?

These compounds are made on demand from healthy fats in our cell membranes. Unlike traditional neurotransmitters (like serotonin or dopamine), they aren’t stored but are created when needed to keep the body in balance.

• Anandamide is mainly produced in the brain, especially in areas that control mood, memory, and decision-making. It’s also found in immune cells, the heart, and the liver.
• 2-AG is found throughout the body, including the brain, immune system, and digestive tract, showing its wide-ranging importance in health.

How Are Anandamide and 2-AG Regulated?

The body must carefully balance these endocannabinoids, ensuring they are not too high or too low. This is done through enzymes that break them down after they’ve done their job:

• FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) breaks down anandamide quickly, limiting how long its effects last.
• MAGL (monoacylglycerol lipase) breaks down 2-AG, ensuring it doesn’t over-activate the ECS.

These enzymes help keep the ECS working smoothly, preventing too much or too little activation of cannabinoid receptors.

What Happens When Anandamide and 2-AG Are Imbalanced?

When these endocannabinoids are healthy, they help support mental clarity, emotional balance, pain management, and immune health. But when they become imbalanced, issues can arise.

Low Anandamide Levels May Cause:

• Increased stress, anxiety, and depression
• Higher pain sensitivity
• Trouble with memory and focus
• Poor sleep quality
• Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s)

Low 2-AG Levels May Lead To:

• Chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction
• Increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders
• Poor stress response and emotional imbalances
• Higher risk of heart disease

Too Much Anandamide or 2-AG?

While deficiencies can cause problems, too much of these endocannabinoids can also have negative effects. High anandamide levels might lead to lack of motivation or mental fog, while excess 2-AG could over-activate the immune system, leading to inflammation.

How to Support a Healthy Endocannabinoid System

Supporting optimal ECS function is key to long-term health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are natural, science-backed ways to enhance anandamide and 2-AG levels.

1. Eat an Endocannabinoid-Supporting Diet

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in flaxseeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and fatty fish, these are essential for ECS balance.
• Zinzino Balance Oil – A high-quality omega-3 supplement derived from fish oil that helps improve the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, supporting optimal endocannabinoid function.
• Dark Chocolate – Contains compounds that help slow the breakdown of anandamide, increasing its effects.
• Turmeric (Curcumin) – Boosts ECS function and helps reduce inflammation.
• Adaptogenic Herbs – Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Holy Basil help reduce stress and balance the ECS.

2. Exercise Regularly

Movement naturally increases anandamide levels, giving that ‘runner’s high’ and helping boost mood and reduce pain.

3. Manage Stress and Sleep

• Mindfulness and Meditation – Help enhance ECS function and improve stress resilience.
• Quality Sleep – Poor sleep can disrupt ECS balance, so prioritize good sleep hygiene.

4. Consider Plant-Based Medicine

• CBD (Cannabidiol) – Helps increase anandamide levels by blocking FAAH, making it useful for stress, pain, and neuroprotection.
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – Mimics anandamide and binds to CB1 receptors, which can help with pain relief, nausea, and stress management.

Conclusion: Why This Matters for Preventative Health

At Plant-Based Medicine Australia, we believe in bridging science with nature to help individuals achieve optimal well-being. Understanding anandamide and 2-AG shows how vital the endocannabinoid system is to maintaining health and preventing disease.

By making small but powerful lifestyle changes, such as eating well, exercising, reducing stress, and using plant-based medicines, we can naturally support ECS function and improve our overall quality of life.

If you’re interested in harnessing the power of natural medicine to support your health, PBMA is here to guide you on your journey to balance, vitality, and long-term wellbeing.

References

• Di Marzo, V. (2006). Endocannabinoid signaling in the brain: biosynthetic mechanisms in the limelight. Nature Neuroscience, 9(7), 907-915.
• Lu, H. C., & Mackie, K. (2016). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Biological Psychiatry, 79(7), 516-525.
• Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833.
• Pacher, P., Batkai, S., & Kunos, G. (2006). The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of pharmacotherapy. Pharmacological Reviews, 58(3), 389-462.