anandamide

noun

anan·​da·​mide ə-ˈnan-də-ˌmīd 

: a derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and in some foods (such as chocolate) and that binds to the same brain receptors as the cannabinoids (such as THC) derived from cannabis

Note: Anandamide and other endogenously produced compounds are now classified as cannabinoids or endocannabinoids.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers have found, though, that one particular cannabinoid - anandamide - seems to play a large role in modulating fear responses. —Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2012

If a mouse is addicted to nicotine, for example, the body makes a particular anandamide-like compound which can work against addiction. —Troy Farah, Discover Magazine, 21 Nov. 2019

The two main neurotransmitters in the ECS are anandamide and 2-AG. —Dallas News, 25 Oct. 2022

Under normal circumstances, your body will produce two endocannabinoids, 2-ag and anandamide. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2022

Then there’s the chocolate, which, in addition to sugar, contains small amounts of a compound known as anandamide. —Kelly Murray, CNN, 4 Dec. 2021

The trigger to release BDNF after exercise may be anandamide, the body’s endocannabinoid molecule, which is itself released by exercise and may be responsible for the runner’s high. —Brodie Ramin, Outside Online, 30 Aug. 2021

Interestingly, anandamide is also a brain chemical that targets the same cell receptors as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana that is responsible for its mood-altering effects. —Kelly Murray, CNN, 4 Dec. 2021

Cacao naturally promotes the bliss molecule or anandamide in the body. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 10 May 2021

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Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit ānanda "joy, bliss" (from ā- "near, toward"—going back to Indo-Iranian *ā-, of uncertain origin — + -nanda, noun derivative of nandati "[s/he] rejoices, takes delight," of uncertain origin) + amide

Note: The term was introduced by William A. Devane, Raphael Mechoulam, et al., "Isolation and Structure of a Brain Constituent That Binds to the Cannabinoid Receptor," Science, vol. 258 (18 December 1992), pp. 1946-49. According to a footnote on p. 1949, "[t]he term 'anandamide' was coined from the Sanskrit word 'ananda,' meaning bliss, and from the chemical nature of the compound." The noun ānanda, known already in the Rig-Veda, would appear to be a derivative of ānandati, but this verb is attested only in much later Sanskrit.

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anandamide

noun

anan·​da·​mide ə-ˈnan-də-ˌmīd 

: a derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and in some foods (as chocolate) and that binds to the same brain receptors as the cannabinoids (as THC)