Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a natural and safe neutraceutical against chronic pain, inflammation and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. More than 400 scientific articles have been published on PEA describing its pleiotropic effects.

Summary: Palmitoylethanolamide a natural analgesic

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a nutraceutical that controls physiological mechanisms associated with chronic (neuropathic) pain. It functions as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent with more than one ‘‘modus operandi”. This “pleiotropic” action is essential to making this molecule so effective for tackling the complexity of chronic pain.

Palmitoylethanolamide induced pain relief is progressive, age- and gender independent. Modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways is the main mechanism of actions. Importantly, palmitoylethanolamide has no known acute or chronic toxicity nor significant side effects.

Palmitoylethanolamide thus has a high efficacy/risk ratio, has no known tolerance effects, and does not interfere with concurrent therapies for pain or for co-morbid conditions.

Neuroinflammation = Pain

It is generally known that neuroinflammation has an important role in the causation and maintenance of chronic pain. This process is characterized by infiltration of immune cells, activation of mast cells and glial cells, and production of inflammatory mediators in the peripheral and central nervous system.

When chronic neuroinflammation is present there is a sustained imbalance between pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators. Palmitoylethanolamide is an anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediator which down-modulates mast cell activation and controls glial cell behaviors.

Palmitoylethanolamide: Balance is important

Palmitoylethanolamide has been associated with major effects in mitigating neuroinflammatory processes. As an acylethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide readily disperses throughout different tissues, including nervous tissues. It is synthesized on demand when its endogenous levels, systemic or local, are altered. This occurs in circumstances of stress, injury and/or pain. The effects of palmitoylethanolamide are dose-dependent; long-term treatment with palmitoylethanolamide has been shown to not only reduce pain but actually to preserve peripheral nerve function.

The difference between palmitoylethanolamide and pain medications

Current analgesics are mainly based on molecules that reduce pain perception, transduction, and transmission. Their limited success, as well as their often problematic side-effects, can be ascribed to the nature of these pharmacological targets. The facts that palmitoylethanolamide does not induce tolerance and has progressive effects are of significant clinical and general interest in light of the known limitations of regular pain medication.

Palmitoylethanolamide is also unique as it targets multiple specific processes and molecules known to be involved in chronic pain disorders. The finding that neuroinflammation drives chronic pain via neuron-immune cell interactions is key to appreciating the potential of palmitoylethanolamide. As a pro-resolving lipid signaling molecule palmitoylethanolamide can be added to any ongoing standard chronic pain management regime. Effects may be noted within 7-10 days of use, and a maximum difference seems to be reached after 60 days of use.

Not all palmitoylethanolamide is created equal

When you are about to purchase a palmitoylethanolamide product always make sure the OptiPEA® logo is on the package. OptiPEA® represents high-quality, pure and safe-to-use palmitoylethanolamide that is made exclusively in Europe in an FDA inspected facility.

Inferior versus superior palmitoylethanolamide

Did you know that all other palmitoylethanolamide that is currently used in dietary supplements comes from the Asian chemical industry? This industry is not regulated by any quality control measures. No wonder: its palmitoylethanolamide was never intended for human consumption. However, OptiPEA® is developed exclusively for human consumption and specifically for use in dietary supplements.

Palmitoylethanolamide quality

OptiPEA® is the first and only premium brand for palmitoylethanolamide worldwide. The same stringent requirements that are in place for pharmaceutical manufacturing (GMP) are used in the production of OptiPEA®.

Palmitoylethanolamide warning

The difference in quality is critically important to know as palmitoylethanolamide is generally used for longer periods of time. Contaminations pose serious health risks and an inconsistent quality will not give you the full effect. Because palmitoylethanolamide is often used for medical indications, in combination with prescription medications, we strongly advise you not to use any products that do not contain OptiPEA®.

Visit www.optipea.com for more information.

Palmitoylethanolamide synonyms

Palmitoylethanolamide is also known as: Hydroxyethylpalmitamide, Palmidrol, N-Palmitoylethanolamine and Palmitylethanolamide.

Reference

Paladini A, Fusco M, Cenacchi T, Schievano C, Piroli A, Varrassi G. Palmitoylethanolamide, a Special Food for Medical Purposes, in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Pooled Data Meta-analysis. Pain Physician. 2016 Feb;19(2):11-24.