Phenylethylamine

The group of phenethylamine [|derivatives] is referred to as the phenethylamines. [|Substituted phenethylamines], [|substituted amphetamines] , and [|substituted methylenedioxyphenethylamines] (MDxx) are a series of broad and diverse classes of compounds derived from phenethylamine that include [|stimulants] , [|psychedelics] , and [|entactogens] , as well as [|anorectics] , [|bronchodilators] , [|decongestants] , and [|antidepressants] , among others.
 * Phenylethylamine** or **phenethylamine** (PEA) is a [|natural] [|monoamine] [|alkaloid], [|trace amine] , and also the name of a class of chemicals with many members well known for [|psychoactive drug] and [|stimulant] effects. [|[1]] Studies [|[2]] suggest that phenylethylamine functions as a [|neuromodulator] or [|neurotransmitter] in the [|mammalian] [|central nervous system] . It is [|biosynthesized] from the [|amino acid] [|phenylalanine] by [|enzymatic] [|decarboxylation] . Besides mammals, phenethylamine is found in many other organisms and foods such as [|chocolate] , especially after [|microbial] [|fermentation] . It is sold as a [|dietary supplement] for purported [|mood] and [|weight loss] -related [|therapeutic benefits] ; however, [|orally] ingested phenethylamine is usually [|inactive] because of extensive [|first-pass metabolism] by [|monoamine oxidase] (MAO) into [|phenylacetic acid] , preventing significant [|concentrations] from reaching the [|brain] . [|[3]] [|[4]]

Phenylethylamine is a natural monoamine alkaloid. A group of phenylethylamines are a series of broad class of compunds that include stimulants, psychedelics, and entactogens. It consists of a benzene ring and aminoethyl group. At room temperature phenylethylamine is a colorless liquid, and is solube in water, ethanol, and ether. Even though it is colorless, it has a fishy odor. However, when exposed to air it becomes a solid carbonate salt with carbon dioxide.