Dietary Manipulations of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, the Precursors of Endocannabinoids, and its Implications in Human Health and Disease

The essential PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) serve as precursors of several bioactive lipids molecules including the endocannabinoids (ECS). This article reviews the components of the endocannabinoid system, and their functions. Furthermore, a brief overview on the relationship of this system with some physiological and pathological processes, with focus on metabolic and mental disorders is discussed. Experimental and clinical effects of modification of the ECS and results of the exogenous manipulation of PUFAs and consequent modulation on ECS are also outlined. Finally, we propose that the ECS system can be favourably modulated by exogenous manipulation of PUFAs that could help in the prevention and management of several diseases.