Table 3.

Biochemicals studied and their respective functions.

Biochemical	Function
cytokines	Broad category of signaling proteins that regulate and recruit immune cells
Substance P	Neurotransmitter that increases pain sensitivity
chemokines	Subcategory of chemokines that recruit leukocytes during the inflammatory response
histamine	Released by mast cells of immune system to dilate blood vessels, leading to swelling and inflammation
TNF-α	Inflammatory marker produced by immune cells
Beta-endorphins	Class of endogenous opioids naturally produced by the body that bind to pain-relieving receptors in the nervous system
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)	Anti-inflammatory myokine
endocannabinoids	Lipid compounds synthesized naturally by the body that mediate pain perception and relief.
THC	Active chemical in cannabinoids that bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors leading to pain relief