Intense exercise increases circulating endocannabinoid and BDNF levels in humans–possible implications for reward and depression.

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“The endocannabinoid system is known to have positive effects on depression partly through its actions on neurotrophins, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). As BDNF is also considered the major candidate molecule for exercise-induced brain plasticity, we hypothesized that the endocannabinoid system represents a crucial signaling system mediating the beneficial antidepressant effects of exercise…

These findings provide evidence in humans that acute exercise represents a physiological stressor able to increase peripheral levels of AEA and that BDNF might be a mechanism by which AEA influences the neuroplastic and antidepressant effects of exercise.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22029953

“Neuroplasticity – exercise-induced response of peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a systematic review of experimental studies in human subjects. Exercise is known to induce a cascade of molecular and cellular processes that support brain plasticity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential neurotrophin that is also intimately connected with central and peripheral molecular processes of energy metabolism and homeostasis, and could play a crucial role in these induced mechanisms… We can only speculate which central regions and peripheral sources in particular circulating BDNF originates from,…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20726622

“Preliminary evidence of cannabinoid effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in humans… cannabinoids modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)… Delta(9)-THC increased serum BDNF levels…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18807247

“Antidepressant-like effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22634064

“Antidepressant-like effects of cannabidiol… CBD treatment did not change hippocampal BDNF levels… CBD induces antidepressant-like effects…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20002102

Exercise-induced endocannabinoid signaling is modulated by intensity.

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“Endocannabinoids (eCB) are endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors that are densely expressed in brain networks responsible for reward. Recent work shows that exercise activates the eCB system in humans and other mammals, suggesting eCBs are partly responsible for the reported improvements in mood and affect following aerobic exercise in humans.

However, exercise-induced psychological changes reported by runners are known to be dependent on exercise intensity, suggesting that any underlying molecular mechanism should also change with varying levels of exercise intensity.

Here, we examine circulating levels of eCBs following aerobic exercise (treadmill running) in recreationally fit human runners at four different intensities.

We show that eCB signaling is indeed intensity dependent, with significant changes in circulating eCBs observed following moderate intensities only (very high and very low intensity exercises do not significantly alter circulating eCB levels).

Our results are consistent with intensity-dependent psychological state changes with exercise and therefore support the hypothesis that eCB activity is related to neurobiological effects of exercise.

Thus, future studies examining the role of exercise-induced eCB signaling on neurobiology or physiology must take exercise intensity into account.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22990628

Effects of exercise stress on the endocannabinoid system in humans under field conditions.

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“The effects of physical exercise stress on the endocannabinoid system in humans are almost unexplored. In this prospective study, we investigated in a crossover design and under field conditions at different altitudes the effects of physical exercise on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in 12 trained healthy volunteers…

We conclude that the ECS is activated upon strenuous exercise whereas the combination with hypoxic stress further increases its activity.

In summary, physical exercise activates the endocannabinoid system, whereas the combination with high altitude enhances this activation.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22101870

Endocannabinoids and exercise.

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“Exercise induces changes in mental status, particularly analgesia, sedation, anxiolysis, and a sense of wellbeing. The mechanisms underlying these changes remain unknown.

Recent findings show that exercise increases serum concentrations of endocannabinoids, suggesting a possible explanation for a number of these changes…

At first glance, it appears that the runner’s high phenomenon is, at present, not a scientific problem because it is built on circumstantial evidence and lacks a plausible mechanistic explanation. However, recent data in our laboratory showed that endurance exercise activates the endocannabinoid system, suggesting a new mechanism underlying exercise induced alterations of mental status.”

http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/38/5/536.long

Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system.

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“Extensive documentation exists showing that exercise induces analgesia and sedation.

…we report here the first evidence that exercise of moderate intensity activates the endocannabinoid system, suggesting a new mechanism for exercise-induced analgesia and possibly other physiological and psychological adaptations to exercise.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14625449

Physical activity and the endocannabinoid system: an overview.

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“Recognized as a “disease modifier”, physical activity (PA) is increasingly viewed as a more holistic, cost-saving method for prevention, treatment and management of human disease conditions.

The traditional view that PA engages the monoaminergic and endorphinergic systems has been challenged by the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), composed of endogenous lipids, their target receptors, and metabolic enzymes.

Indeed, direct and indirect evidence suggests that the ECS might mediate some of the PA-triggered effects throughout the body.

Moreover, it is now emerging that PA itself is able to modulate ECS in different ways.

Against this background, in the present review we shall discuss evidence of the cross-talk between PA and the ECS, ranging from brain to peripheral districts and highlighting how ECS must be tightly regulated during PA, in order to maintain its beneficial effects on cognition, mood, and nociception, while avoiding impaired energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24526057

Endocannabinoids as biomarkers of human reproduction.

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“The search for suitable biomarkers of pregnancy outcome is a challenging issue in human reproduction, aimed at identifying molecules with predictive significance of the reproductive potential of male and female gametes.

Among the various candidates, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and in particular anandamide (AEA), represent potential biomarkers of human fertility disturbances…

Based on the available data, we suggest that the AEA tone has the potential to be exploited as a novel diagnostic biomarker of infertility,”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24516083

Updates in Reproduction Coming from the Endocannabinoid System.

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“The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an evolutionarily conserved master system deeply involved in the central and local control of reproductive functions in both sexes. The tone of these lipid mediators-deeply modulated by the activity of biosynthetic and hydrolyzing machineries-regulates reproductive functions from gonadotropin discharge and steroid biosynthesis to the formation of high quality gametes and successful pregnancy.

This review provides an overview on ECS and reproduction and focuses on the insights in the regulation of endocannabinoid production by steroids, in the regulation of male reproductive activity, and in placentation and parturition.

Taken all together, evidences emerge that the activity of the ECS is crucial for procreation and may represent a target for the therapeutic exploitation of infertility.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3914453/

The endocannabinoid anandamide inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels nav1.2, nav1.6, nav1.7, and nav1.8 in Xenopus oocytes.

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“Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that regulates multiple physiological functions by pharmacological actions, in a manner similar to marijuana. Recently, much attention has been paid to the analgesic effect of endocannabinoids in terms of identifying new pharmacotherapies for refractory pain management, but the mechanisms of the analgesic effects of anandamide are still obscure…

Anandamide inhibited the function of α subunits in neuronal sodium channels Nav1.2, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8.

These results help clarify the mechanisms of the analgesic effects of anandamide.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24557103

The Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Epstein-Barr inhibiting, Anti-allergy, Anti-osteoporosis, Anti-aging, Anti-HIV, and Anti-cancer effects of Camellia japonica.

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“Anti-inflammatory activity of Camellia japonica oil. Camellia japonica oil (CJ oil) has been used traditionally in East Asia to nourish and soothe the skin as well as help restore the elasticity of skin…the anti-inflammatory effects of CJ oil and its mechanisms of action were investigated…Our results indicate that CJ oil exerts anti-inflammatory effects…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22449705

“Triterpene alcohols from camellia and sasanqua oils and their anti-inflammatory effects.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9433772

“Antioxidant Effects of the Ethanol Extract from Flower of Camellia japonica via Scavenging of Reactive Oxygen Species and Induction of Antioxidant Enzymes…  These results suggest that Camellia extract exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging ROS and enhancing antioxidant enzymes. Camellia extract contained quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin and kaempferol, which are antioxidant compounds.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3127137/

“Camellianoside, a novel antioxidant glycoside from the leaves of Camellia japonica. A novel flavonol glycoside named camellianoside and three known flavonol glycosides were isolated from the leaves of Camellia japonica… The antioxidant activities of these glycosides evaluated by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging reaction was higher than those of L-cysteine and L-ascorbic acid used as the reference antioxidants.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16926516

“Antibacterial activity in extracts of Camellia japonica L. petals and its application to a model food system. The potential presence of naturally occurring antimicrobials in petals of Camellia japonica L., a member of the tea family, was investigated against foodborne pathogens in microbiological media and food… An aqueous extract from the petals of C. japonica L. had an inhibitory effect on growth of all pathogens…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11510672

“Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function. In this study, we investigated the possibility that Camellia japonica oil (CJ oil) may be introduced as an anti-wrinkle agent…  based on these results, we suggest the possibility that CJ oil may be considered as possible wrinkle-reducing candidates for topical application.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17386986

“Inhibitory effects of natural plants of Jeju Island on elastase and MMP-1 expression. In order to search for new active cosmetic ingredients of natural origin, we screened about 60 plants collected from Jeju Island, which is located in the southernmost part of the Republic of Korea… four extracts, including… Camellia japonica (leaf), completely inhibited the expression of MMP-1 in human fibroblast cells. The results showed that four of the 60 plant extracts may hold potential for use as natural active ingredients for anti-aging cosmetics.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17342265

“Melanogenesis inhibitory and fibroblast proliferation accelerating effects of noroleanane- and oleanane-type triterpene oligoglycosides from the flower buds of Camellia japonica. Camellioside B (2), a major constituent of C. japonica grown in Japan, showed potent inhibition of melanogenesis… Interestingly, camellioside B (2) significantly accelerated fibroblast proliferation. This biological selectivity could make camellioside B useful for treating skin disorders…”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22834923

“Inhibitory effects of an ellagic acid glucoside, okicamelliaside, on antigen-mediated degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in mice. Degranulation inhibitors in plants are widely used for prevention and treatment of immediate-type allergy. We previously isolated a new ellagic acid glucoside, okicamelliaside (OCS), from Camellia japonica leaves for use as a potent degranulation inhibitor… These results suggest the potential for OCS to alleviate symptoms of immediate-type allergy.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22330086

“Okicamelliaside, an extraordinarily potent anti-degranulation glucoside isolated from leaves of Camellia japonica… we isolated from leaves of Camellia japonica an ellagic acid glucoside named okicamelliaside… Okicamelliaside was 12,000 times more potent than the antihistaminic drug, ketotifen fumarate…”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21150097

“Camellia japonica suppresses immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic response by the inhibition of Syk kinase activation in mast cells… The leaf extract of Camelliajaponica (LECJ) exhibited the most potent effect on degranulation in antigen-stimulated rodent and human mast cells…The present results strongly suggest that the anti-allergic activity of LECJ is mediated through inhibiting degranulation and allergic cytokine secretion by inhibition of Src-family kinase in mast cells and it may be useful for the treatment of mast cell-related immediate and delayed allergic diseases.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18261158

“Hypotriglyceridemic potential of fermented mixed tea made with third-crop green tea leaves and camellia (Camelliajaponica) leaves in Sprague-Dawley rats.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23705670

“3-epicabraleahydroxylactone and other triterpenoids from camellia oil and their inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus activation… triterpenoid isolated from the nonsaponifiable lipid of the seed oil of the camellia (Camellia japonica L.; Theaceae)… inhibitory effects on the induction of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA)… three compounds showed potent inhibitory effects against EBV-EA induction…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14709887

“Inhibitory effects of Korean medicinal plants and camelliatannin H from Camellia japonica on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease… Camelliatannin H from the pericarp of C. japonica, showed a potent inhibitory activity on HIV-1…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12203260

“Camelliin B and nobotanin I, macrocyclic ellagitannin dimers and related dimers, and their antitumor activity. Camelliin B… isolated from Camellia japonica… Camelliin B… exhibited marked host-mediated antitumor activities.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2632067

“Triterpenoids from Camellia japonica and their cytotoxic activity… bark of Camellia japonica, three new triterpenoids… The isolated compounds were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activities against the A549, LLC, HL-60 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Among them, compound 8 showed cytotoxicity against LLC and HL-60 cancer cell lines…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20045980

“[Study on the theraputic effect of plants of Camellia genus on osteoporosis]… The results of this study indicated that effects of ethanol extracts of seed from Camellia japonica on anti-osteoporosis with retinoic acid were the strongest… Plants of Camellia genus have different degree anti-osteoporosis effect…” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19230411

“Camelliatannin D, a new inhibitor of bone resorption, from Camellia japonica.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8575042

“Stereospecific positional distribution of fatty acids of Camellia (Camellia japonica L.) seed oil… The information of stereospecific positional distribution of fatty acids in the camellia oil can be used for the development of the structured lipids for food, pharmaceutical, and medical purposes.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23009642