The Most Abundant Ingredients in Tea can Stimulate Cannabinoid Receptors

Scientists think the most abundant ingredients in tea may mediate activity of cannabinoid receptors. Polyphenols are the most abundant ingredient found in tea leaves. The average western diet usually includes at least 50mg of these polyphenols, the “mediterranean” diet contains at least twice this amount. Polyphenols such as catechins are known for their numerous health benefits including nueroprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, and appetite modulation. These health benefits manifest as reducing the chance of a stroke, slowing cognitive decline, and protecting against obesity. However, there is considerable disagreement on how these polyphenols cause these effects, for instance these researchers hypothesize that these compounds interact with cannabinoid receptor signalling.

Upon analysis the authors found that the compounds in tea actually bind both types of cannabinoid receptors, with notable higher affinity for the CB1 receptor. However, the receptor binding affinity of these polyphenols was relatively weak compared to a synthetic cannabinoid, CP55,940.

The authors speculate, “Signal strength may be amplified in vivo by non-receptor related mechanisms, i.e. Fatty acid amide hydrolase(FAAH)…” Meaning, the combination of polyphenols may activate many things at once in humans. FAAH would be an interesting target because the inhibition of this enzyme makes the levels of endocannabinoids rise.

Will Tea drinking or tea extracts be prohibited because of cannabinoid receptor activity? Does this mean Tea will become a schedule I drug like cannabis? Will 4:20 become the new tea time? Probably not. This is not the first evidence for cannabinoids as part of the human diet. Beta-caryophyllene can activate the CB2 receptor, and it is FDA approved.