Study: Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation via cannabinoids

(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Chemical compounds called cannabinoids are found in marijuana and also are produced naturally in the body from omega-3 fatty acids. A well-known cannabinoid in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, is responsible for some of its euphoric effects, but it also has anti-inflammatory benefits. A new study in animal tissue reveals the cascade of chemical reactions that convert omega-3 fatty acids into cannabinoids that have anti-inflammatory benefits - but without the psychotropic high.

Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - July 18, 2017 Category: Biology Source Type: news