Compound Monograph
Met-enkephalin
Met-enkephalin is an endogenous opioid pentapeptide that acts mainly at delta opioid receptors.
Where Does It Come From?
Met-enkephalin is a naturally occurring (and made in the body) opioid pentapeptide. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Met-enkephalin is one of the two enkephalins, a pair of naturally occurring opioid pentapeptides first identified in the 1970s. It is produced in the body from the precursor proenkephalin and acts as an endogenous ligand at opioid receptors, with a preference for the delta receptor, contributing to the regulation of pain, mood and other functions. Under the name opioid growth factor it has also been studied for its role in modulating cell proliferation.
Toxicity & Safety
As a normal endogenous signalling peptide, met-enkephalin is not associated with toxicity in its physiological context; it is rapidly broken down by peptidases and is not orally active.