Palmitoylethanolamide: Difference between revisions

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'''Palmitoylethanolamide''' ('''PEA''') is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide, belonging to the class of nuclear factor agonists. PEA has been demonstrated to bind to a receptor in the cell-nucleus (a nuclear receptor) and exerts a great variety of biological functions related to chronic pain and inflammation. The main target is thought to be the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α).
== Palmitoylethanolamide ==


==History==
[[File:Palmitoylethanolamide.png|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Palmitoylethanolamide]]
PEA was identified in the 1950s as a therapeutic principle in egg yolk. In the 1990s, its anti-inflammatory properties were identified. PEA is currently under investigation in clinical trials for its potential therapeutic role in various diseases.


==Pharmacology==
'''Palmitoylethanolamide''' (PEA) is a [[fatty acid amide]] that belongs to the class of [[endocannabinoids]]. It is a naturally occurring compound that has been studied for its potential [[anti-inflammatory]] and [[analgesic]] properties. PEA is found in various [[food]]s, including [[egg yolk]]s and [[peanuts]], and is also produced in the body.
PEA is an endogenous fatty acid amide and belongs to the class of nuclear factor agonists. PEA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant properties.


==Clinical significance==
== Chemical Structure and Properties ==
PEA has been suggested as a potential therapeutic agent in a variety of disorders, including neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammation.


==See also==
Palmitoylethanolamide is a [[saturated fatty acid]] derivative of [[ethanolamine]] and [[palmitic acid]]. Its chemical formula is C<sub>18</sub>H<sub>37</sub>NO<sub>2</sub>. PEA is a [[lipid]] mediator that interacts with several [[receptor]]s in the body, including the [[peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha]] (PPAR-_), which plays a role in [[metabolism]] and [[inflammation]].
* [[Fatty acid amide]]
 
* [[Nuclear factor agonists]]
== Mechanism of Action ==
* [[Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha]]
 
PEA is thought to exert its effects by modulating the [[endocannabinoid system]], although it does not bind directly to the classical [[cannabinoid receptors]] CB1 and CB2. Instead, PEA enhances the activity of other endocannabinoids, such as [[anandamide]], by inhibiting their degradation. This "entourage effect" can lead to increased [[pain relief]] and reduced [[inflammation]].
 
== Therapeutic Uses ==
 
Palmitoylethanolamide has been investigated for its potential use in treating various conditions, including [[chronic pain]], [[neuropathic pain]], and [[inflammatory diseases]]. It has been studied in conditions such as [[osteoarthritis]], [[multiple sclerosis]], and [[fibromyalgia]]. PEA is available as a dietary supplement in some countries and is considered safe with minimal side effects.
 
== Research and Clinical Studies ==
 
Several [[clinical trials]] have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of PEA in pain management. These studies suggest that PEA may reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life in patients with chronic pain conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.


==References==
== Related Pages ==
<references />


==External links==
* [[Endocannabinoid system]]
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Palmitoylethanolamide PubMed articles on Palmitoylethanolamide]
* [[Fatty acid amide]]
* [[Analgesic]]
* [[Anti-inflammatory]]


[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Endocannabinoids]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
[[Category:Fatty acid amides]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Analgesics]]
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Latest revision as of 05:44, 16 February 2025

Palmitoylethanolamide[edit]

Chemical structure of Palmitoylethanolamide

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide that belongs to the class of endocannabinoids. It is a naturally occurring compound that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. PEA is found in various foods, including egg yolks and peanuts, and is also produced in the body.

Chemical Structure and Properties[edit]

Palmitoylethanolamide is a saturated fatty acid derivative of ethanolamine and palmitic acid. Its chemical formula is C18H37NO2. PEA is a lipid mediator that interacts with several receptors in the body, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-_), which plays a role in metabolism and inflammation.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

PEA is thought to exert its effects by modulating the endocannabinoid system, although it does not bind directly to the classical cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Instead, PEA enhances the activity of other endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, by inhibiting their degradation. This "entourage effect" can lead to increased pain relief and reduced inflammation.

Therapeutic Uses[edit]

Palmitoylethanolamide has been investigated for its potential use in treating various conditions, including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory diseases. It has been studied in conditions such as osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. PEA is available as a dietary supplement in some countries and is considered safe with minimal side effects.

Research and Clinical Studies[edit]

Several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of PEA in pain management. These studies suggest that PEA may reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life in patients with chronic pain conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.

Related Pages[edit]