Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on Nociceptive, Musculoskeletal and Neuropathic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Evidence
Meta-analysisHumans
- Design
- Meta-analysis
- Subjects
- 10 studies included. 8 studies with 933 patients were pooled.
- Dose used in the study
- Doses varied. Examples include 600 mg a day and 300 mg twice a day.
- Duration
- Mostly 30 to 60 days
- What was measured
- Pain intensity in musculoskeletal and nerve-related pain
What the authors reported
The authors reported that the six non-randomised studies favoured palmitoylethanolamide over the control (p < 0.00001). The two randomised, double-blind trials showed a reduction in pain that was not statistically significant. Heterogeneity was very high (I² = 99%). The authors described palmitoylethanolamide as generally well tolerated.
Limits of this study
Only two of the included studies were randomised and double-blind, and those two did not show a significant difference. Most of the evidence came from open-label studies with a higher risk of bias. The authors reported that the funnel plot suggests publication bias. The review was funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, and the authors declared no conflicts.
Source
doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14081672
Entry checked against the full text at the publisher (MDPI) on 2026-09-21. The dose shown is the dose the researchers used. It is not a recommendation. How to read this page.