health
Painkiller from saliva: A molecule more powerful than morphine without the risk of addiction
Every person's saliva hides one of the most powerful natural analgesics. Scientists discovered opiorphin in the 1990s, a molecule that is up to six times stronger than morphine in relieving pain. Unlike synthetic opioids, opiorphin does not cause addiction because it does not bind directly to opioid receptors in the brain, but rather enhances the power of the body's natural analgesics.
TL;DR
- Opiorphin, found in saliva, is a natural analgesic up to six times stronger than morphine.
- Unlike synthetic opioids, opiorphin does not cause addiction as it enhances the body's natural pain relievers, not directly binding to brain receptors.
- It protects enkephalins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, from breakdown, extending their activity.
- The amount of opiorphin in saliva can increase during physical stress or painful experiences, suggesting a self-activating mechanism.
- Scientists are exploring opiorphin for developing new, biologically-based pain medications.