What are enkephalin?

Enkephalins are endogenous opioid peptides that bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract to produce various physiological effects, including pain relief, sedation, and euphoria. They are produced in the brain and spinal cord, and have a similar structure to morphine and other opioids. Enkephalins are thought to play a role in pain modulation, reward pathways, and mood regulation. They can be released in response to stress, exercise, or certain medications. While enkephalins have pain-relieving properties, they are generally less potent than morphine and other synthetic opioids.