But sometimes I bury the lead. I normally stay away from eurekalert.org (I'm not sure why. I guess I thought it was some advertising site). ANYWAY, eurekalert.org had more details on a report I could just get an abstract on before:
Abstract version:
Ultra-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide: An Efficacious Adjuvant Therapy for Parkinson's Disease pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/283...
"Palmitoylethanolamide, an endogenous fatty acid amide signalling molecule well-known for its ability to promote the resolution of neuroinflammation and exert neuroprotection, has shown potential therapeutic action in such animal models [2,3]. In our research, we show that ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA), slows down disease progression and disability when used as add-on therapy in advanced PD patients.
30 patients with diagnosed PD (mean age of 73) receiving L-DOPA daily and other PD medications in some cases were assessed monthly over 3 consecutive months. Thereafter, um-PEA (Normast®, a food for special medical purposes) was given at 1200 mg daily for 3 months, followed by 600 mg/day for up to 12 months. The MDS-UPDRS questionnaire was used to assess motor and non-motor symptoms. Patients underwent clinical assessment at months 1, 3, 6 and 12. PD medications were maintained during the period of um-PEA treatment.
um-PEA add-on therapy to L-DOPA led a significant and progressive reduction of total score in Non-Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living, decreasing from 9.7 ± 1.18 at baseline to 4.5 ± 0.69 at month 12.
Moreover, one year um-PEA adjuvant therapy brought about a significant and progressive reduction in the average Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living total score, from 12.7 ± 1.37 at baseline to 7.6 ± 1.06 at month 12.
In addition, average total motor complication score diminished from 8.8 ± 0.8 at baseline to 4.2 ± 0.48 after 12 months of um-PEA adjuvant therapy.
The addition of um-PEA treatment also induced a significant and progressive reduction of motor complications that went from 8.8 ± 0.8 at baseline to 4.2 ± 0.48 at the end of um-PEA therapy.
None of the participants reported side effects attributable to um-PEA.
In conclusion, um-PEA represents a safe and efficacious adjuvant treatment in patients with advanced PD receiving L-DOPA therapy, by providing clinically meaningful improvements in non-motor and motor aspects of daily living, as well as motor symptoms and motor complications of the disease. Moreover, our findings demonstrate the translatability of um-PEA action in PD from rodent to man. "
What I don't get is the "slowed down" part. According to these numbers the UPDRS are improving, not getting worse slower. I will try and get more information.
Written by
Bolt_Upright
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Great find, Bolt! An actual human study, albeit uncontrolled. Still far better than the usual invalid pretreatment type animal model. Perhaps did not want to come off as making exaggerated claims and therefore they downplayed the improvement.
This also tested well in a trial for sciatica relief:
The expensive Normast brand emphasizes their "ultra micronized" feature. Palmitoylethanolamide is a fatty acid, a type of substance that the body knows how to absorb, so I question whether this actually makes any difference. Wikipedia entry:
The best deal I could find on an encapsulated version of Palmitoylethanolamide is here. $.16 per 400 milligram dose. iHerb actually had a chem lab test it for authenticity and contamination.
I saw a comment on a PEA report page somewhere, by what seemed like a person in the business, complaining that everybody was pushing UM when UM had not really been compared to regular PEA, it was just that they used UM in a study (and the study using UM was funded by a company that makes UM PEA).
But then, this article makes a good case for UM: Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide reduces inflammation an a Th1-mediated model of colitis journals.sagepub.com/doi/10...
So... when I look at the iHerb it is $59 for 365 300 mg capsules. One serving is 600 mg, 2 capsules per serving. I am taking 1200 mg a day, so that is 91 days for $59 or $20 a month. Good price. Not UM.
So... I have the UM powder but have not used it yet.
I got this: Life Extension Comfort MAX – Honokiol & Pea for Nerve Support & Discomfort Relief for $33 amazon.com/gp/product/B0777...
It has a 600 mg AM pill and a 600 mg PM pill, and the PM pill also has 180 mg of Honokiol.
In the evening I also add one of my Swanson Magnolia Bark capsules that are 200 mg and 90% Honokiol and Magnolol, which is only $7 for 30. swansonvitamins.com/swanson...
This gets me PEA and Honokiol-Magnolol for $40 a month.
Not UM though. I might have to work the UM powder into this equation, but I don't think it will save me any money (and will be more of a hassle).
I hope I don't jinx myself here, but I am sleeping a lot better. That Honokiol insomnia may be a short term issue.
Thank you so much for all this super info BoltHope you don’t mind but just want to ask why you take honokiol? What is the purported benefit? I don’t know about this one or about magnolia bark either.
Honokiol and Magnolol are both components of Magnolia Bark. Please see this thread: A New Rabbit Hole: Magnolia Bark Extract healthunlocked.com/cure-par...
I have the UM PEA powder from Amazon. $50 for 100 grams: USA LAB Tested Bulk Ultra-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide Powder 99% Pure (100 Grams) amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJ...
I will start trying this tomorrow. I keep seeing reports that UM makes a difference.
Hey! A trial for PEA testing microbiome and intestinal permeability: Effect of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) Compared to a Placebo on the Gut Microbiome in an Adult Population – A double blind, randomised controlled trial. anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registr...
I tried it for a few months with no clear benefit in the end, so I stopped as it was $60 a month. I possibly didn’t test it properly as I used to change a lot of things at once. It was just PEA though- I don’t know about the UM part.
I think I should look into it again. - it sounds promising.
I have the UM PEA powder from Amazon. $50 for 100 grams: USA LAB Tested Bulk Ultra-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide Powder 99% Pure (100 Grams) amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJ...
I will start trying this tomorrow. I keep seeing reports that UM makes a difference.
For me, I am mimicking the studies using 1200 (600 twice a day), (although I may never drop to 600 a day. That logic eludes my High School educated brain).
I just received the one from Amazon. Have you noticed any difference? How much are you taking in tsp measure.? On the package it says 1/2 tsp is 800. 1 tsp is 1200. Not quite sure how that works. Study was 600 twice a day. I’m trying to figure out how that translates to tsp measure. What are you taking?
So... I am taking the Life Extensions brand that gives you two 600 mg doses a day. The evening dose have 200 mg of Honokiol in it. And then I also take about a quarter of a teaspoon of the UM powder in some peanut butter in the morning. My plan is to keep up that dose of powder in the peanut butter (along with Nigella Sativa, Ceylon Cinnamon, and Licorice Root Extract) and am switching my capsules to Gold Heatl PEA + Luteolin as it is micronized (The Life Extensions was not micronized).
I have not been diagnosed with PD. I have REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and a sore neck and sore left shoulder and left leg and what feels like a piece of duck tape stuck to my lower back. I also have some involuntary movements.
I take a lot of things and yes I think I am feeling better. The soreness is diminishing and the involuntary movements are diminishing (I think).
Thank you . How would you interpret the dosing on the package? 1/4 tsp=400, 1/2 tsp = 800, 1 tsp = 1200? Not sure if I should give my husband 1/2 tsp or 3/8 tsp twice a day. Asking your thought on the matter. :). Thanks
I am no expert, but I am not concerned. I imagine we would see similar or worse of we looked at data sheets for any of our supplements. In fact, kudos to Elevation Terpenes for their transparency. Thanks for raising the issue.
They did a small open label study with PEA in 2017. 600 mg twice a day for 3 months and then 600 mg (I think 300 twice a day) for 9 months. They reported that it slowed progression, but looking at the data I could find, it looks like it reversed progression. I am still trying to confirm that.
For me, I am mimicking the studies using 1200 (600 twice a day), (although I may never drop to 600 a day. That logic eludes my High School educated brain).
Edit 06-14: I am an idiot. Answered a question about PEA with an answer about MB. DOH!
Good question. I noticed MB boosts NRF2, and NRF2 boosts the circadian rhythm, and the circadian rhythm peaks at about 2 PM, so I started taking my 10 mg of MB in the morning.
I ordered Normast (PEA-um) and got it a couple of days ago. Hubby will start tomorrow. How long does it take to notice any positive results, Bolt? Normast is expensive!!
I know it extends C/L bioavailability, and his knee pain he was complaining about is gone, no complaints anymore. He is on the second umPEA box plus LutiMax (a powder of Luteolin and Rutin combined).
We have been using this for about 2 months; but for neurological pain. Not much help there, not sure if it helps with PD. I have been using a calendar to keep a mini log of when symptoms are exacerabated. The biggest connection I find so far is stress. By the end of work week he usually hits a wall, also if he get really emotionally stressed (easy when you are 100% Italian), I will notice a worsening of symptoms. When he does daily exercise, QiGong and some breathing he is better. Trying a few new supplements to reduce glutamate toxicity.
PEA + Luteolin micronized for higher bioavailibilty that's what the label states from XGold Health. I think he has scarring on his nerves near L5/S1 as that is where he had two adjacent pars fractures that have been broken for 40 years. I see that some other folks use this brand. Looking into proceedure to remove scarring. Like curcumin I think he may not notice it helps until he stops.
The conversation started by Bolt_Upright regarding fisetin is very positive. Looking for a brand with good bioavailabilty. Sometimes I make American ginseng tea, mix ingrediants from capsules with MCT oil and mix it well, if he chugs it very little residue is left in cup. That may work.
My HwP is using PEA +Luteolin from X Gold Health bought from Amazon. 120 capsules, each 630mg micronized PEA I believe, (not UM), we pay in Australian dollars $61.61 for 120 capsules (60 days), would be less in USD.
Thanks, BU, for correcting my reading of the dose on the label - my HwP has been taking half the dose I thought he was taking. I wonder why the trials drop the PEA dose to 600mg after a few months and why, given the safety profile, they don't maintain 1200mg indefinitely.
I am. Currently I am using Life Extension Comfort MAX – Honokiol & Pea for Nerve Support & Discomfort Relief amazon.com/gp/product/B0777...
It is not micronized.
I also have some ultra micronized USA LAB Tested Bulk Ultra-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide Powder 99% Pure (100 Grams) amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJ... that I have not tried yet.
Hi Bolt, the PEA that I think is the UM version (Elevation Terpenes) has arrived. I am not sure if you’ve started taking it yet - but if so, any suggestions on how to take the powder? I am also struggling to get his daily cinnamon in - as it too, is obviously a powder. My husband is not really a fan of smoothies. Maybe I can mix the two together in applesauce or something?Thank you so much for all the wonderful information you post!
I have some Licorice Root Extract that has a little spoon that says it is 600 mg (for LRE).
So I just use my LRE spoon and put a spoon of LRE and a spoon of PEA onto a tablespoon and just put it in my mouth.
So you could just use 1 and a half 1/4 spoons twice a day, or 1/4 spoon 3 times a day.
The PEA tastes fine by itself. I like having it with the Licorice Root Extract as the LRE sticks to the roof of my mouth so maybe having the PEA stuck in my mouth is a good thing.
I just did a search and they say PEA is better with food or some milk. I will start having a spoon of peanut butter after the PEA.
I have not been keeping up with my cinnamon, but when I do, I just eat that too. I am simple like that.
If you want to get sciencey and figure out exactly what size scoop gets you 600 mg, you can get this $13 scale: (Upgraded) AMIR Digital Kitchen Scale, 500g Mini Pocket Jewelry Scale, Cooking Food Scale, Back-Lit LCD Display, 2 Trays, 6 Units, Auto Off, Tare, PCS, Stainless Steel, Batteries Included amazon.com/gp/product/B01HC... I only use the scale to figure out the correct scooper.
Thank you! I can try to see if the scales we have for our dog food are sensitive enough - and then, like you said - figure out the right scooper! We will give it a go! Thank you,again! 🙏🏼
My order of PEA by Elevation Turpenes has recently arrived……..with no import duty to pay…….yay. Doesn’t say anywhere on the packet that it’s ultra micronised though.I first gave it to my HWP in water - that was a mistake, it just doesn’t mix at all, just sits on the top, no matter how much I try to stir it in!
I now give it to him mixed in a little yoghurt. That way I can also get him to take cinnamon as well. Like your husband, mine is not a fan of smoothies.
Which one did you order? I have the UM version (Elevation Terpenes) and the Life Extension Comfort MAX – Honokiol & Pea. The life extension is not UM but has Honokiol and is super convenient, but the Elevated Turpenes is slightly less expensive and is UM.
I just took my first 600mg Normast pill. I’m going to take 1 pill twice a day for two months unless it makes things worse. I’ll report back shortly. Anybody aware of any contraindications as a result of taking umPEA the last few weeks since we locked onto this as a possible therapeutic? I have PD and general neuropathy.
I think it really is great Mr. B. Every PD and PD+ sufferer should read the paper. The supplement appears to help lots of allied conditions although sadly not HD as of the date of publishing. We should run it past our PHPs first tho. I’m doing that tomorrow night in my case.
This is an excellent review. I bookmarked it and will follow the instructions with adding umPEA and Lut following C/L ingestion on a empty stomach. The paper refers to umPEALut supplement, but I haven't found it. However, I have umPEA and Luti Max (two separate supplements).
Do you know if luteolin ,which is in supplement you mention , is the same as taking lutein, which is what they used in study?
I found lutein supplements that also have Zeaxanthin in it.
Any thoughts?
My hwp has been taking the umPEA for about 1 month. Definitely has helped his foot and toe pain. Would like to follow the paper which showed results in Parkinson’s symptoms.
Are there any side effects of taking this? I take lots of supplements and I'm on c/l .1 25-100 every 8hrs. I appreciate your advice and your help. Looking forward to your response. Just read this tonight. Again thank you
Side effects to taking UM-Palmitoylethanolamide? Not that I know of. I take at least 600 mg a day. I use the UM version that is a powder (it is cheaper): amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJ... (per my scale 1/2 tsp = about 600 mg).
First, this UM powder is $50 for 100 grams. At 600 mg a day, that is about 150 days for $50. The study did 1200 mg for 3 months then switched to 600 mg after 3 months. amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJ...
As to if it is working, I will have to recycle my answer from this morning on whether broccoli sprouts are working (if I may):
Is something helping? I think something is helping:
When I started this journey in April of 21 I was having RBD evens about 1 out of 3 nights. I was falling out of bed, yelling, throwing pillows, and hitting the wall. Not a lot, but those things were on the menu. We feared for my cat's safety in bed with me. My 90 day average of events is now at 16%. The evens are much milder. No falling out of bed or punching walls or throwing things. I'll move slightly and maybe say a word. My cat sleeps in the crook of my arm.
My should pain used to go all the way down my arm. Now it is just in the shoulder and not all the time. My neck is still stiff, but better than it used to be. My random movements are way down. I don't usually get dizzy when I stand anymore and I don't lose my balance when I lean over anymore.
The worst people to take PD advice from is people in their honeymoon phase. A lot of times these people seem to have everything figured out, Five years later you find out they did not have it figured out.
The best people to experiment with for PD treatments are people in the honeymoon phase. Theoretically they have suffered less damage and if an intervention can stop progression, maybe the damage will heal over time. This can provide evidence for people further down the path that just because a protocol is not reversing symptoms, maybe it is stopping progression and stopping progression is the fist step in the long game.
I think I am better than I was a year ago. I'm not sure why, but I think it is something or some combination of things in my stack that are helping.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Normast is expensive!!
How I manage my symptoms, hoping to slow down progression of Parkinson's Disease.
The Effect of Curcumin on Idiopathic Parkinson Disease: A Clinical and Skin Biopsy Study
Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation to slow Parkinson's disease 
Can stress trigger Parkinson's disease?
