Endorphins are hormones of the body that are internally derived. They are opioid neuropeptides produces in humans and some other animals and are able to bind to opiate receptors. These endogenous peptides are similar to opiod drugs e.g morphines, they help to relieve pain and stress. It can also be referred to as the happy hormone.
Also, enkephalins are endogenous hormones produced in the body. They are opioid pentapeptides and are similar to morphines as they are able to bind opiate receptors. They also help in relieving stress.
Enkephalins and endorphins are endogenous peptides while morphine is an exogenous peptide.
Enkephalins and endorphins are powerful analgesics 18 to 500 times more than morphine. Hence, morphine is less analgesic than enkephalins and endorphins.
Enkephalins and endorphins act on the mu, kappa , delta receptors and morphine also acts on the same receptors. All of them has same effects on the body.
Hence, Enkephalins and endorphins are peptides that act like morphine.
