Palmitoylethanolamide: the research, in one place
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide that the body makes. Researchers have studied it since the 1950s, in people and in animals, by mouth and on the skin. This site lists that research, with each study's design, size, dose and limits. It does not give advice and does not sell anything.
129 studies from 2001 to 2026, including 58 randomised controlled trials. Each entry was checked against its source.
By species
By route and product
Human research by topic
- Chronic and neuropathic pain 51 studies
- Joints 6 studies
- Pelvic pain and endometriosis 6 studies
- Migraine and headache 3 studies
- Sleep 3 studies
- Gut 5 studies
- Mood and brain 21 studies
- Respiratory and immune 8 studies
- Sense of smell 7 studies
- Eyes 5 studies
- Metabolic health 3 studies
- Exercise recovery 4 studies
- Safety in human trials 9 studies
Background
Recently added
- Efficacy and safety of palmitoylethanolamide as an adjunctive treatment for acute mania: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
The authors reported a larger fall in mania scores in the palmitoylethanolamide group from baseline to week 4 (P = 0.018) and week 6 (P = 0.002).
Randomised controlled trialHumans - Effects of Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) in COVID-19 Early Stages: A Case–Control Study
The authors reported lower CRP, IL-6 and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the treated group at 28 days, lower D-dimer and higher antibody levels.
Controlled trialHumans - Effects of the glial modulator palmitoylethanolamide on chronic pain intensity and brain function
The authors reported that pain fell in 16 of the 22 participants, and by more than 20% in 11.
Open-label, no control groupHumans - Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide counteracts the effects of compound 48/80 in a canine skin organ culture model
Compound 48/80 caused mast cell degranulation and capillary dilation.
Laboratory studyDogs
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