Phenethylamine – Function & Diseases
Phenethylamine
Phenethylamine ( PEA ) is the parent substance of the catecholamines such as adrenaline , noradrenaline or dopamine . It is often held responsible for triggering feelings of happiness. It is both widespread in the plant kingdom and as a hormone in the human body.
What is phenethylamine?
Phenethylamine is considered the parent compound for the catecholamines, which are widely distributed in the body as neurotransmitters or hormones . The active ingredients adrenaline, noradrenaline or dopamine are derived from the parent substance PEA. The correct chemical name of phenethylamine is 2-phenylethylamine .
In the plant, this compound acts as a precursor to the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Therefore, this active ingredient is widespread in the plant kingdom. In addition to the important catecholamines acting in the human body, such as dopamine, adrenaline or noradrenaline, many psychedelic hallucinogens are also derived from phenethylamine. Phenethylamine has been recognized as an endogenous hormone that is responsible for creating feelings of pleasure and happiness.
As a chemical molecule, it consists of an aromatic phenyl ring with an ethylamine side chain. Phenethylamine is a colorless liquid with a fishy odor and boiling point at 200 degrees. The compound is poorly soluble in water. It is particularly common in bitter almond oil and cocoa beans. It was also found in the brain and urine .
Function, effect & tasks
Phenethylamine is an endogenous hormone that creates feelings of desire and happiness. In the state of highest happiness, increased concentrations of PEA are found in the body.
The starting point for the biosynthesis of phenethylamine is the amino acid phenylalanine . It has been found that the release of PEA can be both physical and psychological. Studies have shown, for example, that exercise leads to an increase in the concentration of phenethylamine in the body. After endurance training, runners get into a state of intoxication, which can be attributed to the high concentrations of phenethylamine. Feelings of happiness are also triggered when falling in love.
It was found that people in love also have a higher concentration of PEA in their bodies. The body is also put into a state of intoxication here, which causes the famous tingling in the stomach. At the same time, however, rational thinking is also restricted, which leads to a certain carelessness or even “blindness”. However, the effects of phenethylamine do not last forever. After a period of four years, you get used to the increased values. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms that lead to a depressive mood. The effect of PEA is therefore similar to that of a drug and the biochemical processes are also similar.
According to some statements, the oral intake of PEA should not lead to any effect, because the active ingredient is broken down very quickly by monoamine oxidase (MAO). Other authors speak of short-term effects that manifest themselves in an increase in blood pressure . The sudden occurrence of migraines when eating phenethylamine-containing foods is also partially explained by the increase in blood pressure.
PEA can bind carbon dioxide. The increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood not only increases blood pressure but also increases blood sugar levels and stimulates breathing . Toxic effects on the circulatory system can also occur at very high levels of phenethylamine. However, the effect varies from person to person.
Formation, Occurrence, Properties & Optimal Values
As already mentioned, phenethylamine is very common in the plant kingdom, where it serves as a precursor to certain alkaloids. A lot of phenethylamine has been found mainly in bitter almond oil or cocoa. The happiness-bringing effect of chocolate is said to be due to PEA. At least an increased concentration of dopamine, which can form from phenethylamine, could be determined.
However, it remains to be seen whether this effect can be attributed to the consumption of chocolate. PEA breaks down very quickly when ingested. However, the basic chemical structure of the catecholamines, including the PEA, allows this group of active ingredients to appear as neurotransmitters, which characterizes them as psychotropic substances. However, the trace amounts of PEA found in the brain or urine are unlikely to come from the diet. The body itself produces phenethylamine from phenylalanine.
Diseases & Disorders
Increased concentrations of phenethylamine can have a toxic effect. Increased stimulation of the circulation is possible, which can lead to cardiovascular problems. In addition, increased phenethylamine concentrations are responsible for the development of migraines.
Furthermore, it has been observed that greatly increased phenethylamine concentrations in the blood can result in delayed histamine catabolism . Histamine accumulates in the body. The increased histamine concentration has a toxic effect. Among other things , shortness of breath , reddening of the skin , hives , nausea , vomiting , headaches and diarrhea occur . The symptoms are reminiscent of fish poisoning. The high phenethylamine concentration responsible for the delayed breakdown of histamine can usually not be produced by an increased intake of phenethylamine because it is broken down quickly by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and would only be increased for a short time.
However, MAO inhibitors limit the action of the enzyme, causing phenethylamine levels to increase. For example, therapies that include administration of MAO inhibitors can also lead to severe side effects if used improperly. Phenethylamine has an antidepressant effect. However , PEA is not suitable for the treatment of depression because of its rapid degradability by monoamine oxidase.
However, administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors increases the body’s concentration of PEA. MAO inhibitors can therefore be used to treat depression. During this treatment, however, an additional intake of PEA is contraindicated. Due to the lack of degradation of phenethylamine, its concentration would increase and possibly lead to significantly higher concentrations. As a result, there would be an increase in blood pressure, headaches and possibly histamine poisoning.
Hello! I am Lisa Newlon, and I am a medical writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I have a Master’s degree in Medicine, and my deep understanding of medical terminology, practices, and procedures has made me a trusted source of information in the medical world.