Chronic pain is one of the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinsons. Is chronic pain one of your symptoms? Read on.
I have a recommendation based on recent research evidence that identifies a natural treatment for chronic pain that offers the opportunity to celebrate relief from this troublesome symptom.
I am also guessing this is a natural treatment for chronic pain you have likely never even heard about! It is called Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – a hard word to even pronounce – and is available as an over the counter supplement.
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective properties. It is an endocannabinoid-like compound produced naturally in the body and found in a variety of foods.
While PEA is a natural treatment found in food, therapeutic doses needed to celebrate relief from chronic pain usually necessitate PES supplementation which is available from a variety of outlets. As a natural product a prescription from a medical doctor is not necessary, but your doctor of course should always be advised of what supplements you take.
Recent Studies on PEA as a natural Treatment for Chronic Pain
Inflammopharmacology. 2025 Jan;33(1):121-133. Mechanisms and clinical applications of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of neuropathic pain
Mechanisms and clinical applications of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of neuropathic pain
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is emerging as a promising therapeutic agent for neuropathic and other pain-related conditions. This naturally occurring fatty acid has drawn interest because of its ability to regulate pain and inflammation.
Initially identified in food sources, PEA has been the subject of extensive research to elucidate its properties, efficacy, and clinical applications. PEA primarily exerts its effects through interaction with its primary receptor PPAR ?, this interaction influences pain signaling pathways and neuro-inflammatory processes by modulating the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mast cell degranulation, microglial activation, and decrease of oxidative stress.
PEA’s interaction with endocannabinoid receptors decreases the inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production and thereby a descending pain sensation. The pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of PEA are examined in this paper, along with its potential for efficiency when used in in combination additional therapies in a variety of neurodegenerative disease models, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Experimental evidence shows that PEA not only reduces pain and inflammation but also lowers the need for higher dosages of other drugs hence minimizing the risk of drug toxicity.
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Nutrients. 2023 Mar 10;15(6):1350. Palmitoylethanolamide in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Chronic pain is a major source of morbidity for which there are limited effective treatments. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a naturally occurring fatty acid amide, has demonstrated utility in the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Emerging reports have supported a possible role for its use in the treatment of chronic pain, although this remains controversial.
We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of PEA as an analgesic agent for chronic pain. A systematic literature search was performed, using the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science, to identify double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing PEA to placebo or active comparators in the treatment of chronic pain. All articles were independently screened by two reviewers. The primary outcome was pain intensity scores, for which a meta-analysis was undertaken using a random effects statistical model. Secondary outcomes including quality of life, functional status, and side effects are represented in a narrative synthesis.
Our literature search identified 253 unique articles, of which 11 were ultimately included in the narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Collectively, these articles described a combined sample size of 774 patients.
PEA was found to reduce pain scores relative to comparators in a pooled estimate, with a standard mean difference of 1.68 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.31, p = 0.00001). Several studies reported additional benefits of PEA for quality of life and functional status, and no major side effects were attributed to PEA in any study. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that PEA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for chronic pain.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com




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