Overview
“Exogenous” refers to biochemical factors that originate or operate outside of a given system, in contrast to endogenous factors. Bacteria, drugs, and radiation are all considered examples of exogenous factors to the human body that can act to change its state and relative health. In the world of designer-drugs, the goal is often to produce a product that, despite being exogenous to the body, operates like endogenous compounds. For instance, the phytocannabinoids of cannabis are exogenous to the human body but function like endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, in order to deliver feelings of pleasure and eliminate feelings of anxiety.