How Oleamide works: 5 Easy to Understand Concepts

Oleamide works as a health-promoting supplement. People use oleamide to promote healthy sleep, feelings of relaxation, to improve their appetite, and for its health benefits. Oleamide is produced in the bodies of all animals to help them to enter into a state of sleep. If you are sleep deprived, your natural oleamide levels will be particularly high. In this article, we explore the ways that oleamide works – how it interacts with receptors and your brain to produce its wonderful effects and protects your brain from inflammation. Oleamide is a very safe dietary supplement.

How Oleamide works

[caption id=""attachment_980"" align=""aligncenter"" width=""640""] Oleamide works wonders for relaxation and rest[/caption]

1.    GABA receptors: Relaxation and sleep

  Oleamide interacts with receptors in your brain called GABA receptors.[1] These receptors ‘bind’ to the neurotransmitter GABA, as well as many other similar compounds. When you feel the calming, relaxing effects of Oleamide, this is because of how it binds to GABA receptors.   Oleamide’s interaction with GABA receptors also produces sleepiness and promotes healthy REM sleep.[2] This is why Oleamide is so great to use in the evenings before going to sleep. You can also use Oleamide on a day when you don’t have much to do, and would like to take some time to chill out and relax.  

2.    Serotonin receptors: Improved mood

  Oleamide also interacts with your brain’s serotonin receptors.[3] Many psychoactive compounds and substances interact with serotonin receptors so these effects have been well-studied. When you feel an improved mood and an elated sensation after taking oleamide, this is because of its interaction with your brain’s serotonin receptors. [caption id=""attachment_981"" align=""alignright"" width=""300""] Oleamide is great for improving mood[/caption]   Scientists have examined oleamide’s interaction with serotonin receptors in a number of studies. The potency of this wonderful compound is quite remarkable. Even at very low doses, oleamide has significant interaction with serotonin receptors, producing an increased mood.[4]  

3.    Reduces Inflammation: Protects your brain

  Neuroinflammation is the inflammation of your brain and nerve cells. Both stroke and multiple sclerosis result in inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.[7] Scientists have also linked neuroinflammation to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.[8]   Oleamide works to reduce inflammation in your body, especially in your nerve cells and your brain. This is great for protecting your brain from stress and harm.[9]  

4.    Side Effects of Oleamide

  The side effects of Oleamide have not yet been studied conclusively. Oleamide is a compound produced naturally by your body to promote sleepiness and calm your mind. It is found in high concentrations in all mammal species in situations of sleep deprivation. [caption id=""attachment_973"" align=""alignright"" width=""300""] Liftmode's Oleamide: 99%+ purity[/caption]   It is unlikely that oleamide will produce any negative side effects, and online user reviews attest to this claim. However, it is still recommended to stick to the recommended dosage of around 50 – 200 mg daily.   You shouldn’t attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery while using oleamide. Don’t take oleamide if you’re using prescription medication unless your physician says it’s okay.  

Conclusion

  In conclusion, your body produces oleamide naturally to help you fall asleep. The longer you don’t sleep for, the greater your oleamide levels.  You can also take oleamide as a great dietary supplement to aid in sleep and producing a calm, relaxed state.   Oleamide also increases many people’s appetites. At higher doses, oleamide binds to cannabinoid receptors and produces mild psychoactive effects.          

References:

  [1] Stereoselective modulatory actions of oleamide on GABA(A) receptors and voltage-gated Na(+) channels in vitro: a putative endogenous ligand for depressant drug sites in CNS, B Vernon et al., Br J Pharmacol. 2000 Jan;129(2):283-90, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10694234 [2] The sleep hormone oleamide modulates inhibitory ionotropic receptors in mammalian CNS in vitro, L Coyne et al., Br J Pharmacol. 2002 Apr;135(8):1977-87, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11959801 [3] The endogenous lipid oleamide activates serotonin 5-HT7 neurons in mouse thalamus and hypothalamus, EA Thomas et al., J Neurochem. 1999 Jun;72(6):2370-8, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10349846 [4] Oleamide, Examine.com, available from https://examine.com/supplements/oleamide/ [5] Oleamide: a member of the endocannabinoid family? C.J. Fowler, Br J Pharmacol. 2004 Jan; 141(2): 195–196, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1574195/ [6] Oleamide is a selective endogenous agonist of rat and human CB1 cannabinoid receptors, JD Legget et al., Br J Pharmacol. 2004 Jan;141(2):253-62. Epub 2004 Jan 5, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14707029 [7] Neuroinflammation EU, available from http://www.neuroinflammation.eu/ [8] Inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, S Amor et al., Immunology. 2010 Feb; 129(2): 154–169, doi:  10.1111, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2814458/ [9] Oleamide suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation in BV2 murine microglial cells, YT Oh et al., Neurosci Lett. 2010 May 3;474(3):148-53. doi: 10.1016, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20298753