Beta-Phenethylamine
See: Phenethylamine (PEA).
Also known as beta-phenethylamine or 2-phenethylamine. PEA is a biogenic amine synthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine. Although it’s found in a number of foods, chocolate is the best-known source of dietary PEA. PEA was once thought to be the reason people are “chocoholics (due to its mood-elevating properties); but it’s too rapidly metabolized to be very effective.
Phenethylamine is the “parent” molecule for a number of biologically active “substituted phenethylamines,” including several neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine), ephedrine, amphetamine/methamphetamine and mescaline.
Phenethylamine (PEA)
Also known as beta-phenethylamine or 2-phenethylamine. PEA is a biogenic amine synthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine. Although it’s found in a number of foods, chocolate is the best-known source of dietary PEA. PEA was once thought to be the reason people are “chocoholics (due to its mood-elevating properties); but it’s too rapidly metabolized to be very effective.
Phenethylamine is the “parent” molecule for a number of biologically active “substituted phenethylamines,” including several neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine), ephedrine, amphetamine/methamphetamine and mescaline.
Hoodia gordonii
Hoodia is a cactus-like plant used by the San people in the Kalahari to stave off hunger, which is why it’s currently used in a number of weight loss supplements as an appetite suppressant. It’s one of those ingredients that looks great on paper, but has yet to realize its potential, thanks to poor quality control and the use of counterfeit material by unscrupulous manufacturers.
Despite the outrageous hype and unsubstantiated claims. Hoodia does show some promise. Scientists have isolated the molecule apparently responsible for Hoodia’s appetite suppressing characteristics. This molecule, called P57, is now under development by a company called Phytopharm, which recently reported plans to seek GRAS status with the FDA in late 2009.
See Paul’s “Hoodia Appetite Suppressant” review for more information
Phaseolus vulgaris
The botanical name for white kidney beans. Phaseolus vulgaris extracts contain “Phaseolamin”, an inhibitor of alpha-amylase – the enzyme responsible for digesting dietary starches. In theory, phaseolamin-containing “carb-blockers” can help with weight loss by limiting the carb calories absorbed from foods. An early study on a commercial supplement, “Phase 2”, showed a non-significant trend for weight loss…a couple of follow up studies have been more promising, although the results have not been overwhelming.
See Paul’s review “Carb Blockers – Do Carb Blockers Really Prevent the Absorption of Carbohydrates?” for more information.
Saw Palmetto
Common name for the American Dwarf Palm, or Serenoa repens. Extracts of the fruit are used as an alternative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and other conditions, such as chronic prostatitis. Saw palmetto can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
Saw palmetto extracts are available in supplemental form. In Europe, Saw palmetto extracts are sold as a medication, Permixon. It may also be combined with other herbal BPH remedies, such as stinging nettle and Pygeum africanum.
See the review “Saw Palmetto for Prostate Health” for more information.
