Palmitoylethanolamide (Palmitoyl ethanolamide)
Cas No.: 544-31-0
What is palmitoylethanolamide?
Palmitoylethanolamide is a compound that occurs naturally in the human body. Chemically, it is a fatty acid amide of ethanolamine and palmitic acid. Other names for this compound are: N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)hexadecanamide, PEA, Palmidrol. The compound is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to exhibiting nootropic effects. Therefore, it may find use as a cognitive enhancement product. Similar nootropic effects are demonstrated by compounds such as Noopept and piracetam.
Use of Palmitoylethanolamide
Palmitoyl ethanolamide can be successfully used as a nootopic preparation. Its effect can be to improve focus, memory, information processing. By affecting dopamine levels, it can increase motivation and the desire for action. At the same time, the product shows a mental mood-enhancing effect, helping to alleviate anxiety or depressive states. Therefore, it will be ideal for people who work mentally, stressed, who find it difficult to cope with their daily duties.
Mechanism of action
Palmitoyl ethanolamide interacts with endocannabinoid receptors. These receptors are scattered throughout the body, and are most abundant in the nervous and immune systems. These receptors have become famous in recent years due to medical cannabis – hemp’s active compounds affect these receptors. The compound interacts directly with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. It also increases levels of a natural endocannabinoid that modulates receptor function – anandamide. In addition, the compound affects levels of serotonin, dopamine (similar to Ladasten), cortisol or GABA. As a result, PEA exhibits anti-anxiety effects, relieves inflammation, and supports cognitive function.
Palmitoylethanolamide affects pain sensation and relieves inflammation, as a result of modulating various inflammatory transmitters and cytokines.
Palmitoylethanolamide dosage
The recommended dosage is 400-800 mg, taken twice a day. The best results can be seen during regular supplementation, while ad hoc use of the product is not as effective. To increase the absorption of the compound from the gastrointestinal tract, it is best to take it with a meal containing fat.
References:
- Artukoglu BB, Beyer C, Zuloff-Shani A, Brener E, Bloch MH. Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide for Pain: A Meta-Analysis. Pain Physician. 2017 Jul;20(5):353-362; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28727699/
- Clayton P, Hill M, Bogoda N, Subah S, Venkatesh R. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Natural Compound for Health Management. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 18;22(10):5305; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8157570/
- Hesselink JM, Hekker TA. Therapeutic utility of palmitoylethanolamide in the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with various pathological conditions: a case series. J Pain Res. 2012;5:437-42; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3500919/
- Clayton P, Subah S, Venkatesh R, Hill M, Bogoda N. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Potential Alternative to Cannabidiol. J Diet Suppl. 2021 Nov 28:1-26; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34842030/
