Palmitoylethanolamide
Research reviewed: 2024-2026
Palmitoylethanolamide (Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 2,563 participants, researched for Pain Management, Neuropathic Pain & Inflammation, Cognitive Function and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Pain Management
WeakNeuropathic Pain & Inflammation
ModerateCognitive Function
ModerateHeart Health
ModeratePain Relief
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Pain Management
To evaluate palmitoylethanolamide effectiveness in chronic pain management
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate palmitoylethanolamide effectiveness in chronic pain management
Dose
Various PEA preparations (300-2000 mg/day typical)
Participants
Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs, combined 774 patients
Duration
6-26 weeks across studies
Results
Pooled analysis favored PEA over control with average pain intensity reduction of 1.68 (p=0.00001). Significant at 6, 8, and 24-26 weeks.
How They Measured It
Pain intensity reduction on standardized 11-point scale
To assess palmitoylethanolamide for chronic pain in double-blind RCTs
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To assess palmitoylethanolamide for chronic pain in double-blind RCTs
Dose
Various PEA doses tested
Participants
Meta-analysis of double-blind RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
PEA effective for all pain types: nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic. Safe with no major side effects attributed to PEA.
How They Measured It
Pain reduction across multiple pain types
Neuropathic Pain & Inflammation
To evaluate ultra-fine powdered PEA on pain intensity and sleep quality in neuropathic pain patients
Study Type
Open-label randomized controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate ultra-fine powdered PEA on pain intensity and sleep quality in neuropathic pain patients
Dose
Ultra-fine PEA powder
Participants
Patients with neuropathic pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Ultra-fine PEA significantly improved pain relief and sleep quality in carpal tunnel syndrome neuropathic pain.
How They Measured It
Pain intensity, sleep quality scores
Cognitive Function
Targeting PTSD with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide: Results from a randomized trial integrating pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therap
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Targeting PTSD with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide: Results from a randomized trial integrating pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therap
Dose
See study
Participants
60 participants
Duration
18 months
Results
CONCLUSION: PEA-um, especially when combined with CBT, represents a promising and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for PTSD, warranting further validation in larger clinical trials.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41240672. J Psychiatr Res
Navigating agitation in neurodevelopmental disorders: A comparative study of pharmacotherapies via network meta-analysis in children and adults with a
Study Type
Meta-Analysis
Purpose
Navigating agitation in neurodevelopmental disorders: A comparative study of pharmacotherapies via network meta-analysis in children and adults with a
Dose
See study
Participants
2503 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the efficacy and tolerability of several pharmacotherapies in managing agitation among children and adults with ASD or ID.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39690490. J Psychopharmacol
Heart Health
The Effects of a Food Supplement, Based on Co-Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)-Rutin and Hydroxytyrosol, in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: Prelimi
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
The Effects of a Food Supplement, Based on Co-Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)-Rutin and Hydroxytyrosol, in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: Prelimi
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary, the results of our clinical study suggest that co-micronized PEA-rutin and HTyr may be of help against adiposopathy in patients with MetS.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39940271. Nutrients
Absorption, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective impacts of a novel fasting mimetic containing spermidine, nicotinamide, palmitoyletha
Study Type
Pilot RCT
Purpose
Absorption, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective impacts of a novel fasting mimetic containing spermidine, nicotinamide, palmitoyletha
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39549554. Nutr Res
Pain Relief
Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) for acute menstrual pain: a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) for acute menstrual pain: a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39910730. Women Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Palmitoylethanolamide research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Palmitoylethanolamide (Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)), involving 2,563 total participants. Research covers Pain relief, Anti-inflammatory, Neuroprotection. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Palmitoylethanolamide has been researched for: Pain relief, Anti-inflammatory, Neuroprotection. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
