Effectiveness of Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) Compared to a Placebo for Reducing Pain, Duration, and Medication Use during Migraines in Otherwise Healthy Participants-A Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Study.

Migraines are a common neurological disorder that generally affects young to middle-aged adults and females more than males. Various treatment options are available; however, these can cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, alternative treatments with minimal side effects are still being investigated. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a signalling lipid known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Previous prophylactic research has reported PEA supplementation to decrease pain associated with migraines. Upon commencement of migraine symptoms, participants were supplemented with either 600 mg of PEA (Levagen+) or a placebo (maltodextrin). Once a dose was taken, participants recorded a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain every 30 min for 4 h or until the migraine resolved. If the migraine had not resolved 2 h post-dose, participants were instructed to take a second dose. Levagen+ supplementation resolved more headaches after 2- and 8 h, had a lower VAS for pain score at 1.5 and 4 h, and reduced rescue medication use significantly more than a placebo. No adverse events were reported in either group. Overall, PEA was safe and effective in reducing migraine pain, duration, and medication use in an otherwise healthy adult population.

The Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) on the Incidence and Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection-A Double Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are caused by bacteria or viruses, with the most common causes being the common cold and influenza. The high occurrence of URTI means therapies that are effective with minimal side effects are in constant demand. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a signaling lipid previously shown to be effective in improving the incidence of URTIs. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PEA (Levagen+) on URTI incidence, duration, and severity. METHODS: Participants (n = 426) consumed either 300 mg of Levagen+ or a placebo (maltodextrin) twice daily for 12 weeks. Participants completed the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey 24 questionnaire daily upon the commencement of symptoms until symptoms subsided. RESULTS: The Levagen+ group reported fewer URTI episodes (39 vs. 64) compared to the placebo group. The Levagen+ group reported a significant reduction in the median severity score of URTI symptoms for scratchy throat (3 vs. 7) and cough (2 vs. 7) compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show Levagen+ to be safe and effective in reducing the incidence and symptoms associated with URTIs.