Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) may alleviate pain and combat inflammation, serving as a potential remedy for symptoms of various conditions such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and mental health issues, among others. The field of treatment is dynamic, continually advancing with the frequent introduction of novel conditions and treatment methodologies.

LDN functions as a competitive opioid receptor antagonist. At the typical dosage, naltrexone inhibits the impacts of both natural opioids, found in endorphins, and pharmaceutical opioids. It's crucial to recognize that LDN is a pure antagonist, dispelling misconceptions as some may mistakenly perceive it as a controlled substance, narcotic, or opioid.

LDN operates as a pure inhibitor without inducing narcotic effects. Its chemical structure closely resembles naturally occurring endorphins, specifically met-enkephalin, also known as OGF or Opioid Growth Factor. This chemical structure allows LDN to serve as an antagonist at the OGF receptors, which are present on a wide range of cells throughout the body. When referring to low-dose naltrexone, it implies doses that are a fraction (typically one-tenth or less) of the standard dose of Naltrexone. Most research studies have employed a dosage of 4.5mg per day, and clinical practice encompasses doses ranging from 0.001mg to 16mg.

The binding of Low Dose Naltrexone to endorphin receptors lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, with the blockade persisting for about 4 to 6 hours. LDN's effects include analgesia and anti-inflammatory properties, and it notably stimulates the production of the body's endorphins.

Research on LDN effects initiated in the 1980s through the work of Dr. Ian Zagon and Dr. Patricia McLachlan at Penn State. Dr. Bernard Bihari in New York pioneered the clinical use of LDN, initially applying it to treat HIV in the mid-1980s. While weaning patients off Naltrexone for opioid addictions, he observed positive side effects on various conditions and symptoms. As a Harvard-trained neurology specialist overseeing the New York State health department, Dr. Bihari incorporated LDN into clinical practice based on ongoing research findings.

Endorphins, the innate peptides generated in numerous cells, play a crucial role in regulating cell growth, including the activity of immune cells. Individuals with autoimmune conditions often exhibit diminished levels of endorphins. Met-enkephalin, also known as opioid growth factor (OGF), serves as a significant immunomodulator. Opioid receptors are distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the gastrointestinal tract, and on lymphocytes.

Through the utilization of LDN, a temporary blockade is induced, leading to a rebound effect that results in heightened endorphin levels, including OGF, and an increased production of OGF receptors.