PEA mirrors CBD’s biochemical benefits without regulatory issues, Gencor study argues

14 Jan 2022 --- A new Gencor study is touting its Levagen+ product, which contains palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), is a viable alternative to cannabidiol (CBD) – offering the same therapeutic elements minus any of the regulatory issues.

“There is a demand for alternative compounds combining similar effects with a robust safety profile and regulatory approval. PEA is an endocannabinoid-like lipid mediator, primarily known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective properties,” highlights the study.

Using time to advantage
One of the key conclusions of the study is that the therapeutic actions of CBD and PEA overlap in their biochemical impact on humans. 

Nonetheless, the research stresses that “the current science around CBD has been limited to disease states, such as patients suffering from epilepsy and a variety of neurological disorders.” 

“This raises questions on the safety and efficacy of CBD as an ECS (endocannabinoid system) modulator in lifestyle management.” 

Meanwhile, PEA has five decades of scientific literature documenting its therapeutic efficacy, Gencor notes. CBD supporters, however, state the use of cannabis is thought to date back more than 5,000 years. The item has seen growing popularity, particularly as a result of anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.CBD has seen an increase in popularity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Regulatory hurdles
CBD was classified as a novel food in January 2019, but industry is still facing issues surrounding its regulatory framework, including debates on its safety levels. Additionally, companies are still battling ideas conflating CBD with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Despite the challenges, the CBD sector in the UK alone was slated to have a value of almost US$1 billion for 2021. The figure surpassed all expectations, with the UK as the world’s second-largest consumer cannabinoids market after the US, spending more on cannabis extracts domestically than vitamins B and C combined.

According to Gencor however, “unapproved CBD products are still being sold across the globe with a lack of standardization, unapproved health claims and a high rate of mislabeling.” 

“Not only is the currently available scientific data concerning CBD’s efficacy insufficient, there is also ambiguity surrounding its regulatory status and safety in humans that brings inherent risks to manufacturers,” the company states.Levagen+ has been spotlighted as a tool for healthy aging. 

Future applications
The study, published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, notes that numerous studies have highlighted PEA’s ability to assist with pain, eczema, influence, colds and muscle damage. 

In May, Gencor announced its Levagen+ product was shown to be effective in reducing discomfort and improving quality of life in a study. Further research on the item highlights the item could reduce pain in people suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, posing a potential healthy aging solution.

The latest study notes that Levagen+ can also compete with CBD in the mental health sphere, having a role against depression. 

In tapping into the market, Gencor previously teamed up with hemp-derived phytocannabinoid manufacturer CV Sciences to release an immunity-support supplement positioned as an alternative to CBD. 

Edited by Andria Kades