Abstract
Anandamide (AEA), an endogenous cannabinoid, has been widely studied for its physiological roles and potential therapeutic applications. However, concerns remain regarding its safety profile, particularly at higher doses. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute, subchronic and genetic toxicological effects of AEA. In the bacterial reverse mutagenesis assay (Ames test), AEA did not exhibit any mutagenic activity. An in vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test showed no differences in micronucleus frequency between the negative control group and any of the AEA test groups. In addition, there was no evidence of mutagenicity or clastogenicity in an in vitro cell gene mutation assay on L5178Y TK+/- mouse lymphoma cells, and an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test using CHO-K1 cells. An acute oral toxicity study reported a NOEL of 2,000 mg/kg bw. Based on the 90-day repeated dose oral toxicology study, the NOAEL is considered to be 2,000 mg/kg bw/day.
Keywords
Anandamide, Acute toxicity, Subchronic toxicity, Genotoxicity, Ames test, Micronucleus test, Chromosomal aberration test, Gene mutation assay