PEAPalmitoylethanolamide

Aliases.Palmitoylethanolamide · N-palmitoyléthanolamine

An endogenous anti-inflammatory and analgesic lipid. Sold over the counter as a supplement; modest clinical evidence against neuropathic pain.

Updated on 1 May 2026

Level of detail

Identifiers

Formula: C₁₈H₃₇NO₂
Molar mass: 299.49 g·mol⁻¹
CAS: 544-31-0
PubChem CID: 4671
First described: 1957
Origin: Endogenous (bioactive lipid)
InChIKey: HXYVTAGFYLMHSO-UHFFFAOYSA-N

In plain terms

PEA is a molecule your body produces naturally to calm inflammation. It does not make you high but reduces chronic pain in some people, and is available in pharmacies as a supplement (Italy, Spain).

Receptors and activity

PPARα
EC50 ≈ 3 µMAgonist
TRPV1
Modulator
GPR55
Modulator

Agonist
Partial agonist
Antagonist
Modulator
Inverse agonist

Hover over a row for the precise value (Ki, EC50…)

Subjective signature

Hover over an axis to read its definition.

Calm
65
Clarity
55
Sleep
50
Appetite
30
High
25

Editorial estimate, not clinical.

Pharmacology

PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) is an endogenous lipid derivative first isolated from egg yolk (Kuehl et al., 1957). It is not strictly speaking an endocannabinoid - it has no significant direct affinity for CB1/CB2 - but acts mainly via PPARα and by "entourage": by saturating FAAH, it prolongs the action of anandamide. Meta-analysis by Petrosino & Di Marzo (2017, PMID 27993207): a modest but consistent analgesic effect in chronic neuropathic pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Over the counter (Normast®, Pelvilen®) in Italy and Spain; sold as a food supplement elsewhere.

Key sources.