Palmitoylethanolamide Chemical Properties |
Melting point | 97-98ºC |
Boiling point | 461.5±28.0 °C(Predicted) |
density | 0.910±0.06 g/cm3(Predicted) |
RTECS | ML8950000 |
storage temp. | -20°C |
pka | 14.49±0.10(Predicted) |
form | White solid |
InChIKey | HXYVTAGFYLMHSO-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
CAS DataBase Reference | 544-31-0 |
EPA Substance Registry System | Palmitoylethanolamide (544-31-0) |
Safety Information |
WGK Germany | 2 |
TSCA | Yes |
Palmitoylethanolamide Usage And Synthesis |
Description | Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) 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 canna binoid receptor (CB2), though it is now recognized that PEA does not bind to cannab inoid 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 |
Uses |
PEA consists of palmitic acid and ethanola mine. It is the hydrolyzed form of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-palmitamide, a crystalline structure isolated in soy lecithin. It is this hydrolyzed substance that accounts for the anti-inflammatory properties that were first noted by scientists in 1957. PEA's effects on the immune system have been studied since 1939.
PEA can be synthesized within the human body from the abundant fatty acid palmitic acid, but it is not dependent or influenced by dietary consumption of fatty acids. Palmitic acid in the diet is derived from dairy products such as cheese and butter, palm tree oil, and animal meat products. However, increasing palmitic acid in the hope of increasing endogenous PEA synthesis will not be effective. The anti-inflammatory properties of PEA are due to its ability to inhibit inflammation-causing proteins called cytokines. Cytokines are released during periods of inflammation. PEA can suppress the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), a cytokine, while also inhibiting the release of interleukins. Interleukins are a specific class of cytokines which belong in the immunological system and are activated during the process of inflammation. |
Uses |
Palmitoylethanolamide has been used as a reference standard in mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
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Definition | ChEBI: An N-(long-chain-acyl)ethanolam ine that is the ethanolamide of palmitic (hexadecanoic) acid. |
Biological Functions |
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) 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. |
Biological Activity | Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a natural fatty acid amide of ethanol amine and palmitic acid. It is found in soybeans, egg yolk, and many other food sources. PEA is an endogenous cannab inoid 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-acylethan olamine 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. |
Biochem/physiol Actions | Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a natural fatty acid amide of ethan olamine and palmitic acid. It is found in soybeans, egg yolk, and many other food sources. PEA is an endogenous canna binoid 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-acylethanolam ine 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. |