UM-Palmitoylethanolamide can slow down Parkinson's disease 2017

[Bolt_Upright]

I know, it is only 19 days since I posted on this topic: healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

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...

More details: UM-Palmitoylethanolamide can slow down Parkinson's disease eurekalert.org/news-release...

"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.

[SilentEchoes]

Great info!

[park_bear]

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:

eliemtx.com/wp-content/uplo...

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:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmi...

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.

iherb.com/pr/lake-avenue-nu...

Amazon has a bulk powder available here. The cost is about the same as the foregoing:

amazon.com/Palmitoylethanol...

[Bolt_Upright in reply to park_bear]

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).

That said, it might just be sour grapes.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Bolt_Upright]

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...

[park_bear in reply to Bolt_Upright]

They did not compare the UM version to the regular version.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to park_bear]

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.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to park_bear]

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.

[glenandgerry in reply to Bolt_Upright]

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.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to glenandgerry]

Honokiol and Magnolol are both components of Magnolia Bark. Please see this thread: A New Rabbit Hole: Magnolia Bark Extract healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

[glenandgerry in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Once again, many thanks Bolt, much appreciated.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to park_bear]

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.

[park_bear in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Let us know how it goes. I have got the regular version on order so I will stick with that for now.

[Bear1927 in reply to park_bear]

I had improvements while using Normast

[Bolt_Upright]

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...

[Astra7]

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.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Astra7]

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.

[glenandgerry in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Just ordered some. Hope the import duty isn't too much!

[glenandgerry in reply to glenandgerry]

Thanks Bolt. What dosage have you started on?

[Bolt_Upright in reply to glenandgerry]

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).

[Turnipbarrow in reply to Bolt_Upright]

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?

Thanks.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Turnipbarrow]

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).

[Turnipbarrow in reply to Bolt_Upright]

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

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Turnipbarrow]

I would get this cheap scale and figure out how much is really in a level half teaspoon: amazon.com/gp/product/B01HC...

I have this one. Super easy to use.

[Turnipbarrow in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Ty. Ordered it.

[Pixelpixie in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Does it bother any of you that there are some dangerous ( though low) heavy metals inc arsenic, in this?

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Pixelpixie]

Do you have some info on heavy metals in PEA that you could share please?

[Pixelpixie in reply to Bolt_Upright]

it’s listed on the label of ingredients. The amounts may be so minuscule but I’ve no expertise as to assess risk

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Pixelpixie]

Ah... amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJ...

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.

PEA Data Sheet

[Pixelpixie in reply to Bolt_Upright]

we’ve got enough issues. Just being protective and prepared

[jeffmayer]

Maybe I'm thick I wish people would speak in a language we can understand

[Bolt_Upright in reply to jeffmayer]

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.

[JAS9 in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Hey, Bolt, anything new about this? I'd be very interested in if it reverses, not so much if it just slows PD. Thanks.

[ghoegap]

Any thoughts on dosage ? 600mg a day to start or 1,200mg as I think was done in some studies?

[Bolt_Upright in reply to ghoegap]

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).

[Turnipbarrow in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Does it matter what time of day? I got the scale and 600mg is 1/4 plus 1/8 tsp.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Turnipbarrow]

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.

[JAS9 in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Sorry, what is MB? A particular brand of PEA?

[JCRO in reply to JAS9]

Methylene Blue. Lots written on here last 2-3 weeks. Best not to take with C/L. Bolt started one or more of the threads. 🤣

[JAS9 in reply to JCRO]

Thanks

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Turnipbarrow]

I don't think it matters what time you take PEA. I am still taking 600 in the morning and 600 at night.

[Despe]

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!!

[JCRO in reply to Despe]

Any changes seen since using the Normast? I’m only three pills in.

[Despe in reply to JCRO]

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).

[Sydney75]

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.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Sydney75]

Thank you. Which PEA are you using? And how much?

[Hidden in reply to Sydney75]

For neurological pain have you considered a vagus nerve stimulator? Which PEA are you using? Thank you

[Sydney75 in reply to Hidden]

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.

[goldengrove]

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.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to goldengrove]

$32 in America: Palmitoylethanolamide 630 mg + Luteolin Standardized 98%- Micronized PEA 99% Highly Purified and Bioavailable - Supports Pain Relief, Nervous Systems, Anti-Inflammatory Supplement- 120 Veggie Capsules amazon.com/Palmitoylethanol...

Says 630 mg for 2 capsules. That's a good price. Not UM, but micronized. Thanks!

[goldengrove in reply to Bolt_Upright]

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.

[Millbrook in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Thanks everyone. Just ordered this micronised one with luteolin since the UM PEA is out of stock

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Millbrook]

There is this too: USA LAB Tested Bulk Ultra-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide Powder 99% Pure (100 Grams) amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJ...

[kstavert]

So, are you trying this ?????

[Bolt_Upright in reply to kstavert]

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.

[Shorebird]

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!

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Shorebird]

You are so welcome!

So, per the package, 1/4 teaspoon is 400 mg.

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.

[Shorebird in reply to Bolt_Upright]

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! 🙏🏼

[glenandgerry in reply to Shorebird]

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.

I really hope it will help his nerve pain too.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to glenandgerry]

I mix mine in a spoon of peanut butter with a bit of honey with cinnamon, licorice root, and ground nigella sativa.

[gaga1958 in reply to Shorebird]

I don't know if its good enough but i take my ceylon cinnamon in a gummie form from Amazon. 2,000mg in 2 gummies by Horbaach.

[Hidden]

I ordered it Bolt. I’m so grateful to you for introducing me to this.

youtu.be/wPoHFIrIHC0(Not working as expected?)

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Hidden]

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.

[Hidden in reply to Bolt_Upright]

I hope this one is a good choice?

PEA

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Hidden]

That looks like a good choice also.

[Millbrook in reply to Hidden]

I ordered this too.

[Hidden in reply to Millbrook]

Fingers crossed Millbrook! Little help here and a little help there, it adds up! 🌸

[JCRO in reply to Hidden]

I think the latest update from those taking the UM PEA was a month ago. Any update, any glimmers of good news, or back to the PD drawing board?

[Despe in reply to Millbrook]

youngnutra.com/products/mir...

I have also found this. Hi, Millbrook!

[JCRO]

This review was published a few weeks ago in May 2022: mdpi.com/2218-273X/12/5/667...

P9 makes good reading re PD. I think! 😉

[Bolt_Upright in reply to JCRO]

That is a great paper JCRO!

[JCRO in reply to Bolt_Upright]

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.

[JCRO]

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.

[Despe in reply to JCRO]

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).

[Turnipbarrow in reply to Despe]

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.

Thsnks!

[Smittybear7 in reply to Despe]

Where do you get them and how much does it cost? How much do you take?

[Despe in reply to Smittybear7]

Normast is the name. Search it. I believe it's an Italian sup.

[Smittybear7]

Thank you for the information. How do you get involved with that?

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Smittybear7]

I'm sorry, how do you get involved with what?

[Smittybear7]

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

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Smittybear7]

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).

I also take the micronized version: amazon.com/gp/product/B09B1...

Basically I take at least one or the other, and sometimes both.

[Astra7 in reply to Bolt_Upright]

Do you think it’s helpful? I stopped as it was so pricey and there is only do much you can take, but at a better price it might be worth revisiting.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to Astra7]

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.

This is my current stack (I am not a doctor. I have a High School degree): rbd-pd-protocols.blogspot.c...

[dadcor]

Anybody, some observations on the effect of taking um-PEA? Update please..?