Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a very well-known lipid mediator with an exciting history. It is a food component that is primarily associated with inflammation and the immune system. It is also a proven therapeutic agent for the disorders like eczema, pain and other neurological disorders. PEA itself is not an endocannabinoid since it doesn’t bind to cannabinoid receptors, i.e. CB1 and CB2. However, scientific studies have shown that it affects the Endocannabinoid system by increasing another endocannabinoid neurotransmitter activity, anandamide. This article will review the history of PEA and its specific vital effects on the body.

History of Palmitoylethanolamide:

Wars have a deep connection with medical discoveries. It is oft-quoted that necessity is the mother of invention, which is the sole reason behind this link between wars and medical findings. We will try to make it easy with the example of PEA.

Yes, PEA is also the discovery that took place in World War 2. Two doctors found out that giving dried eggs to the children prevented them from rheumatic fever and other malnutrition based diseases. This fact made them curious.

Further studies led them to the idea that the egg yolks were responsible for this anti-inflammatory effect. The next step was to separately distinguish the substance in the egg yolks accountable for these therapeutic effects. Scientists found out that this magical ingredient was lipid.

In the early ’70s, scientists went for this product’s clinical trials that further strengthened their hypothesis. The final results were astounding as the product reduced the fever, sore throat, respiratory infections, and headache. To add to the amazement, it is essential to know that researchers couldn’t record any side-effect during this process. 

Source of PEA:

The primary nutritional source of PEA is egg yolk and peanuts. Your body is capable of producing this chemical from fats. Moreover, you can intake it through medicines too.

How does it work?

To understand the relation of PEA with its inflammation-balancing action, you must have an introduction of mast cells. In case of some injury to the body, mast cells release histamine. Histamine is the inflammatory agent that causes swelling as a reaction to the injury. PEA works with the mast cells and regulates their control to balance the inflammatory effect.

The body produces PEA in response to viral infections and injuries to counteract the resulting inflammation.

PEA and the immune system:

Now, we will look at how PEA regulates the immune system of the body. Influenza causing and other viruses give rise to the immune response in the body. Sometimes, the immune response does more harm than good as it keeps on producing an immune response. Such an immune response gives rise to excessive inflammation in the body that can cause severe complications.

Palmitoylethanolamide is an anti-inflammatory agent as it suppresses the uncontrolled immune system. Besides this, it treats influenza and the common cold.

Conclusion:

Its effects on the immune system and inflammation help treat many viral diseases without posing the body to any side-effect. Moreover, it prevents the body from the incidence and severity of respiratory viral infections. It is the perfect choice for people who often need to fight against such complications.