Phenethylamine (PEA)
Other names for Phenethylamine (PEA)
1-amino-2-phenylethane
2-phenyl-2-ethanamine
2-phenylethylamine hcl
8-phenylethylamine
alpha-phenylethylamine hcl
b-aminoethylbenzene hcl
{beta}-methylphenethylamine hcl
beta-methylphenylethylamine hcl
beta pea
beta phenethylalanine
beta phenethylamine
{beta} phenethylamine hcl
beta-phenethylamine hcl
beta phenylethlamine hcl
beta phenylethylamine
beta-phenylethylamine
beta phenylethylamine hcl
beta-phenylethylamine hcl
beta-phenylethylamine hydrochloride
b-methylphenethylamine hcl
b-methyl-phenylethylamine
b-methyl-phenylethylamine hcl
b-methylphenylethylamine hcl
b-phenethylamine hcl
b-pheneythylamine hcl
b-phenylethylamine
b-phenylethylamine hcl
methyl phenlethylamine
micro-encapulated beta-phenylethylamine
n-methyl-beta phenylethylamine
n-methyl-beta-phenylethylamine
n methyl beta phenylethylamine hcl
n-methyl beta phenylethylamine hcl
n-methyl-beta-phenylethylamine hcl
n-methyl-b-pehnylethylamine
n-methyl-phenylethylamine
n-methyl-phenylethylamine hcl
pea
pea alkaloids
phenethylamine
phenethylamine hcl
phenethylamine (pea), 1-phenylethylamine
phenylethalamine hci
phenylethylamine
phenylethylamine alkaloids
phenylethylamine hcl
phenylethylamine hydrochloride
phenylthylamine hcl
r-beta-4-methylphenylethylamine
r-beta-methyl-pea
r-{beta}-methylphenylethyanine
r-beta methylphenyl-ethylamine
r-beta-methylphenylethylamine
r-beta-methyl phenylethylamine hcl
r-beta-methylphenylethylamine hcl
r-b-phenyelthylamine hcl
rev-pea(tm)
r-methyl-b-phenethylamine hcl
selective alpha-2 antagonist complex
Synopsis of Phenethylamine (PEA)
History
Phenethylamine (PEA) is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of foods, most notably in chocolate and certain fermented foods. Historically, PEA has garnered attention for its mood-enhancing and stimulating properties, which has led to its use in traditional remedies and nutritional products. Ancient medicinal practices, particularly in regions where cacao was prized, often attributed uplifting and energizing effects to foods rich in PEA, using them as natural remedies for feelings of low mood or fatigue.
In more recent times, PEA has featured in nutritional supplements aimed at promoting emotional well-being, mental alertness, and a general sense of vitality. Its mechanism, believed to be related to its ability to support the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, has made it a popular ingredient in mood-supporting formulations.
PEA is also valued in the realm of herbal combinations. It is frequently paired with natural monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Rhodiola rosea or Passiflora incarnata, which may help extend its beneficial effects. These combinations seek to naturally enhance PEA’s efficacy, providing a holistic approach to supporting mood, focus, and energy levels. Additionally, blends containing PEA and adaptogenic herbs are used to help the body better manage stress while promoting a balanced emotional state.
Overall, PEA’s positive contributions to traditional and modern wellness practices are notable. Its ability to uplift mood, enhance focus, and synergize with herbal remedies underscores its valued role in promoting holistic well-being.
Traditional and scientific validation
Phenethylamine (PEA) is a naturally occurring compound found in certain foods, such as chocolate, and produced endogenously in the human body. Historically, PEA has been recognized for its potential mood-enhancing effects, often being referred to as the "love drug" due to its structural similarity to amphetamine and its ability to influence neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. Traditional uses of PEA-containing foods and extracts have centered around promoting well-being, alertness, and positive mood.
Scientific interest in PEA has grown over the years, with several studies investigating its role as a neuromodulator. Clinical evidence suggests that PEA supplementation may contribute to elevated mood and increased energy. For instance, some research has indicated that PEA, especially when combined with monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors, can produce rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in certain individuals. A notable study published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences (2003) reported significant improvement in depressive symptoms when PEA was administered alongside a MAO-B inhibitor.
Despite its promising potential, PEA's effects are often short-lived due to rapid metabolism by the enzyme MAO-B, and its clinical efficacy as a standalone supplement remains under-studied. The majority of human trials have been small-scale, and there is a need for larger, well-controlled studies to fully validate its benefits and safety profile. Nevertheless, PEA continues to be a popular ingredient in nutritional products aimed at supporting mood and cognitive function, reflecting its historical and scientific appeal as a natural mood enhancer.
Phenethylamine (PEA) is used for these health conditions
Depression (Scientific)
Mood Swings (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
Phenethylamine (PEA) is used to support these body systems
Brain (Scientific)
Dopamine (Scientific)
Specific Neurotransmitters (Scientific)
