Palmitoylethanolamide: from endogenous cannabimimetic substance to innovative medicine for the treatment of cannabis dependence

Med Hypotheses. 2013 Oct;81(4):619-22. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.07.016. Epub 2013 Jul 26.

Abstract

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide showing some pharmacodynamic similarities with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive compound present in the cannabis plant. Like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, PEA can produce a direct or indirect activation of cannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, it acts as an agonist at TRPV1 receptor. The hypothesis is that PEA has anti-craving effects in cannabis dependent patients, is efficacious in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms, produces a reduction of cannabis consumption and is effective in the prevention of cannabis induced neurotoxicity and neuro-psychiatric disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Amides
  • Arachidonic Acids / chemistry
  • Dronabinol / chemistry
  • Dronabinol / metabolism
  • Endocannabinoids / chemistry
  • Endocannabinoids / pharmacology
  • Endocannabinoids / therapeutic use*
  • Ethanolamines / chemistry
  • Ethanolamines / pharmacology
  • Ethanolamines / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Marijuana Abuse / drug therapy*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Palmitic Acids / chemistry
  • Palmitic Acids / pharmacology
  • Palmitic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / chemistry
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy
  • TRPV Cation Channels / agonists*

Substances

  • Amides
  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Ethanolamines
  • Palmitic Acids
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • TRPV Cation Channels
  • TRPV1 protein, human
  • palmidrol
  • Dronabinol
  • anandamide