Description
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA,544-31-0) is a fatty acid amide produced in the body that binds to and activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α). It was initially described as an agonist to the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2), though it is now recognized that PEA does not bind to cannabinoid receptors. PEA is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. PEA supplements have been used by people with chronic pain as well as those with neuropathic pain.
Chemical Properties
white powder
Definition
ChEBI: An N-(long-chain-acyl)ethanolamine that is the ethanolamide of palmitic (hexadecanoic) acid.
Biological Functions
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA,544-31-0) is a fatty acid amide molecule involved in a variety of cellular functions in chronic pain and inflammation. It has been shown to have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive (antipain) and anti-convulsant properties. Often in people with chronic disorders, the body does not produce enough PEA, which causes problems.
Taking PEA to supplement the body’s shortage is may be beneficial if you have chronic and neuropathic pain and inflammation, as has been demonstrated in clinical trials. These include peripheral neuropathies such as diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, failed back surgery syndrome, dental pains, neuropathic pain in stroke and multiple sclerosis, chronic regional pain syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and vaginal pains.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
Biological Activity
Endogenous lipid that acts as a selective GPR55 agonist (EC 50 values are 4, 19 800 and > 30 000 nM at GPR55, CB 2 and CB 1 receptors respectively). Substrate for fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and PEA-preferring acid amidase (PAA) and exhibits antinociceptive and anticonvulsant in vivo . Directly activates PPAR α (EC 50 = 3 μ M) producing robust anti-inflammatory actions.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA,544-31-0) is a natural fatty acid amide of ethanolamine and palmitic acid. It is found in soybeans, egg yolk, and many other food sources. PEA is an endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist. It is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) ligand. PEA possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, neuroprotective, and analgesic activities. It belongs to the class of lipid mediators and the N-acylethanolamine family. PEA blocks the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from activated mast cells and prevents the recruitment of activated mast cells at the site of nerve injury.
Side effects
There are no known problematic side-effects. PEA can be taken together with any other substance. It enhances the pain-relieving effect of classic analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
Palmitoylethanolamide can be used in combination with other substances without any side effects.
References
1) De Filippis et al. (2011), Palmitoylethanolamide reduces granuloma-induced hyperalgesia by modulation of mast cell activation in rats; Mol. Pain, 7 3
2) Re et al. (2007), Palmitoylethanolamide, endocannabinoids and related cannabimimetic compounds in protection against tissue inflammation and pain: potential use in companion animals; Vet J., 173 21
3) Lambert et al. (2002), The palmitoylethanolamide family: a new class of anti-inflammatory agents?; Curr. Med. Chem., 9 663