[Ricardo]

Palmitoylethanolamide (Normast) for Neuropathy?

by Ricardo on Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:14 am

I came across this research paper recently that suggests that the chemical palmitoylethanolamide may be useful in the treatment of neuropathy.

http://benthamscience.com/cdtcnsnd/E-Pub-Ahead-of-Schedule.htm#41

(I've included the entire abstract of the article at the end of this posting.)

From what I can gather, the substance is available overseas as a dietary supplement sold under the brand name Normast. It also can be ordered by people here in the U.S., although I've read reports that it sometimes can be difficult for orders from the U.S. to be completed successfully.

It sounds like an interesting and potentially useful supplement. However, I'm curious if anyone has any experiences with it, or knows more about it.

I have to admit that I have my doubts about it because it doesn't seem to have been tested in controlled clinical trials, and because it seems to be available from only one company. The second point usually is a serious red flag to me if something is a supplement and hasn't been tested extensively in controlled clinical trials.

Here is some more about the substance at Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmitoylethanolamide

And here is the full text of that abstract:

Journal and Date:
CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2012 Jan 10.

Title:
Palmitoylethanolamide Restores Myelinated-Fibre Function in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Painful Neuropathy.

Authors:
Truini A, Biasiotta A, Di Stefano G, Cesa SL, Leone C, Cartoni C, Federico V, Petrucci MT, Cruccu G.

Abstract:
We assessed the effect of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on pain and nerve function in patients with chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy, in 20 patients undergoing thalidomide and bortezomib treatment for multiple myeloma. All patients were evaluated before and after a two-month treatment with PEA 300 mg BID using pain and warmth thresholds; blinded examiners measured motor and sensory nerve fibre function and laser-evoked potentials. Although no variables returned to normal values, pain and all neurophysiological measures-assessing Aα, Aβ, and Aδ fibres- significantly improved (P < 0.05). In contrast, warmth thresholds, assessing unmyelinated afferents, remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Although a placebo effect might play a role in the reported pain relief, the changes in neurophysiological measures indicate that PEA exerted a positive action on myelinated fibre groups. PEA, possibly by moderating mast cell hyperactivity, relieved conduction blocks secondary to endoneural edema. In a severe condition such as painful neuropathy associated with multiple myeloma and chemotherapy, a safe substance such as PEA provides significant restoration of nerve function.

[Jack]

Re: Palmitoylethanolamide (Normast) for Neuropathy?

by Jack on Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:53 am

Hello,

It works for my pain, I think now 80% less pain using the compound PEA (Normast) in combination with Pelvilen Forte (400 mg PEA and 40 mg Trans-Polydatin), without any side effects! Google "Painkiller Normast."