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Details

Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Molecular Formula C8H11N
Molecular Weight 121.1796
Optical Activity NONE
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of PHENETHYLAMINE

SMILES

NCCC1=CC=CC=C1

InChI

InChIKey=BHHGXPLMPWCGHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1S/C8H11N/c9-7-6-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5H,6-7,9H2

HIDE SMILES / InChI

Description

β-phenylethylamine (2-phenylethylamine) is a small amine containing alkaloid synonymous with phenethylamine and the acronym PEA; in the human body it has a neuromodulator/neurotransmitter role and is known as a trace amine due to its low quantity relative to other bioactive amino acids. PEA was characterized as a substrate for type B monoamine oxidase. PEA functions by activating trace amine receptors (including TAAR1 and TAAR2) thereby regulating monoamine turnover. Ring-substituted phenethylamines, commonly known as 2Cs, are designer drugs that are emerging as new drugs of abuse. PEA administration may be therapeutic in selected depressed patients.

CNS Activity

Originator

Approval Year

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency
0.3 µM [EC50]
0.43 nM [EC50]

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Primary
Unknown

PubMed

Sample Use Guides

In Vivo Use Guide
Early research shows that taking 10-60 mg of phenethylamine by mouth per day along with 5 mg of the antidepressant selegiline (Anipryl, Eldepryl) twice per day for 4 weeks relieves depression in 60% of people. Of the people who respond to initial treatment with phenethylamine plus selegiline, 86% show continued depression relief when treated for up to 50 weeks. Excretion study of phenethylamine in man: single oral dose of 300 mg. Rats: 20, 40, 100 mg/kg ip or 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg iv
Route of Administration: Other
In Vitro Use Guide
1 uM phenethylamine alters monoamine transporter function in vitro