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 (Hanson, 2005). phenylethylamine functions as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (Sabelli, 1976). Neurotransmitters help send and receive signals in the brain.
Figure 1. Molecular Structure of Phenylethylamine
Chemical Properties
Phenethylamine is an amine, consisting of a benzene ring and an aminoethyl group. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. Phenethylamine is soluble in water, ethanol, and ether. Similar to other low-molecular-weight amines, it has a fishy odor. Upon exposure to air, it forms a solid carbonate salt with carbon dioxide. Phenethylamine is strongly basic and forms a stable crystalline hydrochloride salt with a melting point of 217 °C. Phenethylamine is also a skin irritant and possible sensitizer.
Abundance
Phenethylamine is found throughout nature, in both plants and animals. It is the end product of phenylalanine in the putrefaction of tissue. Phenylethylamine is created by a reaction in foods through microbial fermentation, or by foods breaking down or spoiling.One of its most popularized occurrences has been as a major component of chocolate (most commonly found naturally in chocolate.). It is biosynthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine by enzymatic decarboxylation.
Figure 2. Chocolate
Function & Benefit
Phenylethylamine affects mood by changing the chemical makeup of the brain and inducing a "high" feeling resembling that of love and passion. Phenylethylamine changes levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This affects several areas of the brain and the hormones released. These hormones help elevate mood, balance blood pressure and increase heart rate. This effect led to labeling cocoa as an aphrodisiac, or a substance that improves sexual drive. These facts continuously encourage theories that involve PEA in mental illness. Its levels in urine may be decreased in people diagnosed as being depressed. Its levels may be increased in people diagnosed as being paranoid schizophrenics. Maybe it is also increased in people under extreme stress. The human trials were initially an attempt to provoke some psychological change, and indeed some clinicians have reported intense headaches generated in depressives following PEA administration. But then, others have seen nothing. The studies evolved into searches for metabolic difference that might be of some diagnostic value. And even here, the jury is still out.
Substitute phenylethylamine, or phenylethylamine created from a chemical reaction, has many uses in pharmacology, including as a stimulant and antidepressant. Since the 1950's substitute phenylethylamine has been used to assist with the creation of many drugs that increase brain production of phenylethylamine.
Chemistry of Love
Phenylethylamine is known as the "love drug" and is thought be be the reason why chocolate is said to be an aphrodisiac. It is a chemical that mimics the brain chemistry of a person in love, so when levels of phenylethylamine are high in the body it relieves depression from unrequited love. This is one of the reasons so many women love chocolate - it really is a mood elevator!
Figure 3. Chemistry in Love
In the 1980's phenylethylamine became popular due to research by Michael Liebowitz that claimed chocolate was loaded with phenylethylamine. This caused a media sensation and started the "chocolate theory of love" by creating a buzz around the idea of chocolate and phenylethylamine.
A chemical related to amphetamines and raises blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The results is that we feel more alert and gives us a sense of well being and contentment. It is believed to work by making the brain release b-endorphin, an opioid peptide which is the driving force behind the pleasurable effects.
Refferences
Hanson, Glen R., Peter J. Venturelli, Annette E. Fleckenstein, 2005, "Drugs and society (Ninth Edition)", Jones and Bartlett Publishers
Sabelli HC, Mosnaim AD, Vazquez AJ, Giardina WJ, Borison RL, Pedemonte WA., 1976, "Biochemical plasticity of synaptic transmission: a critical review of Dale's Principle", PubMed
Liebowitz, Michael, R., 1983, “The Chemistry of Love”, Boston: Little, Brown, & Co Email : citraanesia@yahoo.com or anez_piluz@chem.its.ac.id
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar