Palmitoylethanolamide powder is an endogenous cannabinoid found in brain, liver, and other mammalian tissues. It is a weak ligand of the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors, it has been found to inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) ((IC50 = 5.1 μM). Modulates mast cell activation. Palmitoylethanolamide powder exhibits anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant and immunosuppresant activity. It is a N-(long-chain-acyl)ethanolamine, an endocannabinoid and a N-(saturated fatty acyl)ethanolamine. It derives from a hexadecanoic acid. Palmitoylethanolamide powder acts by binding to an unidentified cannabinoid receptor that is similar to CB2. It also acts as a selective activator of the GPR55 receptor.

Palmitoylethanolamide powder, (also called palmitoylethanolamine or N-2 hydroxyethyl palmitamide), is one of the most important endogenous painkilling and anti-inflammatory compounds and has been shown to effective for both acute and chronic pain.Because the substance acts as a natural painkiller, it is an excellent alternative for conventional medications that might cause side effects.

Palmitoylethanolamide powder has been used for many decades in the Netherlands and Europe, but since the 1990s interest in the U.S. has surged. It is classified as a “food for medical purposes” in Europe and as a diet supplement in the U.S.