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.

From Salon

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

From Salon

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

From New York Times

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.

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post