Sep 08 2008
Scientists Discover Molecule to Treat Chronic Pain
There is possibly some encouraging news for chronic pain sufferers…Scientists in the United States claim they have created a synthetic molecule that can be used to treat chronic pain. This synthetic molecule may be helpful in treating conditions such as diabetes and shingles.
The scientists who created this molecule, Northeastern University Professor Alexandros Makriyannis, Associate Professor Torjjorn Jarbe and former University of Connecticut researchers Chen Li and Qian Liu, say that their molecule known as AM1346 mimics anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter found prominently in the brains of humans and animals. The difference? It is more powerful than anandamide. The scientists say:
“It (AM1346) will serve as a test compound to study and understand more completely the endocannabinoid system and could have potential therapeutic implications as a topically applied pain killer.”
Fascinating. It’s amazing what secrets lie within our bodies; the chemical that inspired this discovery was within us all along.
Hopefully good things come of this research soon.