Phenethylamines

Listing ID #1751893

Phenethylamine, or phenylethylamine is an organic compound and a natural monoamine , a trace amine, and also the name of a class of chemicals with many members that are well known for their psychoactive and stimulant effects.
Phenylethylamine functions as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It is biosynthesized from the amino acid L-phenylalanine by enzymatic decarboxylation via the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. In addition to its presence in 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 experiences extensive first-pass metabolism by monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), which turns it into . This prevents significant concentrations from reaching the brain when taken in low doses.