Hazard

A reproductive hazard.

Biological Activity

Endogenous cannabinoid and vanilloid receptor agonist, in water-soluble emulsion (for details see TocrisolveTM 100). K i values are 89 and 371 nM for CB 1 and CB 2 receptors respectively; EC 50 values are 18, 31 and 27 nM at GPR55, CB 1 and CB 2 respectively; pK i = 5.68 for rVR1. Also blocks TNF- α -induced NF-kB activation via direct inhibition of IKK. Also available as the pure oil dissolved in ethanol (N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenamide ).

Biochem/physiol Actions

An arachidonic acid derivative that is an endogenous ligand for the CB cannabinoid receptor and for the VR1 vanilloid receptor. Inhibits calcium currents in neuroblastomas and neurons. Activates the MAP kinase signaling pathway. Inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of lymphocytes and human breast cancer cells.

Enzyme inhibitor

This lipid neurotransmitter and endocannabinoid receptor ligand (FW = 347.54 g/mol; CAS 94421-68-8), also known as arachidonylethanolamide, inhibits calcium ion currents and activates the MAP kinase signaling pathway. Anandamide is a naturally occurring effector of central and peripheral nervous systems, as mediated by CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, respectively. (These receptors were originally characterized as binding Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, marijuana’s major psychoactive ingredient.) Anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and congeners (N- oleoylethanolamide and N-palmitoylethanolamide) are lipophilic signalling molecules with multiple physiological roles in learning and memory, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Anandamide likewise plays a role in regulating uterine implantation of the early-stage embryo (blastocyst). Anandamide synthesis occurs from N- acetylphosphatidylethanolamine by multiple pathways that include phospholipase A2, phospholipase C, and NAPE-hydrolyzing phospholipase D (or NAPE-PLD). Target(s): adenylate cyclase; Na + channels; a7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor; 5 HT3 receptors; Ca 2+ channels; K+ channels, voltage-gated; acylglycerol lipase, or monoacylglycerol lipase.

General Description

Anandamide, also known as arachidonylethanolamide or N-arachidonoylethanolamine, is an endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand that exhibits structural and functional similarities to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Research highlights its stereochemical selectivity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, with modifications such as methyl group substitutions enhancing receptor affinity, particularly for CB1, while offering limited improvements in metabolic stability. Hybrid analogs combining structural features of anandamide and THC demonstrate high binding affinity, suggesting shared pharmacophoric elements critical for cannabinoid receptor interaction. These findings underscore anandamide's role as a key endocannabinoid and its potential as a template for designing novel cannabinoid receptor modulators.

Definition

ChEBI: An N-(polyunsaturated fatty acyl)ethanolamine resulting from the formal condensation of carboxy group of arachidonic acid with amino group of ethanolamine.