Phenethylamine
2-Phenylethylamine
Also known as: 2-Phenylethylamine, PEA, β-Phenylethylamine, Phenylethylamine, Phenethylamine HCl
Evidence Strength: LIMITED
This ingredient is classified as unclassified risk (GIRI score: 5.5/10). The classification is based on mechanistic and clinical evidence: phenethylamine acts as a central nervous system stimulant by promoting the release….
Safety Profile
Common Adverse Effects
- Nausea
- headache
- dizziness
- anxiety
- insomnia
Serious Adverse Effects
- Hypertension
- tachycardia
- arrhythmia
- seizures
Contraindications
- Hypertension
- cardiovascular disease
- seizure disorders
- anxiety disorders
- People taking MAO inhibitors
Interactions
| Drug / Nutrient | Interaction Mechanism | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| MAO inhibitors | increased risk of hypertensive crisis — avoid combination. Antidepressants: potential for serotonin syndrome — use with caution. Stimulants: additive effects — monitor cardiovascular status. | Monitor |
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Chemical Class
- Monoamine alkaloid
- Biological Class
- Trace amine
- Natural Source
- Endogenous in humans, Theobroma cacao (cacao beans)
- Scientific Name
- 2-Phenylethylamine
- Chemical Formula
- C8H11N
- CAS Number
- 64-04-0
Mechanism of Action
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
| Indication | Evidence Level | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| General | Moderate | Clinical evidence for phenethylamine is limited, with most studies focusing on its effects in combination with other compounds. Some small-scale studies suggest mood-enhancing and cognitive benefits, but these findings are not consistent across all research. The lack of large, high-quality randomized controlled trials limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about its efficacy and safety. |
Pharmacokinetics
Recommended Dosage
| Condition / Use | Typical Dose |
|---|---|
| Mood enhancement | 250-500 mg per day. Cognitive support: 100-300 mg per day. Weight loss: 100-500 mg per day. |
Dosage ranges are based on clinical studies and commonly used supplement formulations. Individual requirements may vary.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 1 high-quality study (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Phenethylamine is a naturally occurring monoamine alkaloid and trace amine derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Phenethylamine may pose risks for individuals with cardiovascular conditions due to its stimulant properties. It should be used cautiously in those with a history of seizures or psychiatric disorders. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid its use due to insufficient safety data. Regulatory agencies have flagged concerns over its use in high doses or in combination with other stimulants.
- USA/FDA — Approved
The available scientific evidence for Phenethylamine indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 16/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 1 high-quality study (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 06 მარ 2026, 12:00
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWTetradecylamine: A Newly Identified Biogenic Amine Compound from the Venom of Vespa affinis. ↗Sriburin S et al.. Tetradecylamine: A Newly Identified Biogenic Amine Compound from the Venom of Vespa affinis.. Biology (Basel). 2026. PMID:41744625.PMID 41744625 ↗Journal Biology (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41744625/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPrediction of Charged Small Molecule Conformations in Solution Using a Balanced ML/MM Potential. ↗Williams CD et al.. Prediction of Charged Small Molecule Conformations in Solution Using a Balanced ML/MM Potential.. J Chem Inf Model. 2026. PMID:41641956.PMID 41641956 ↗Journal J Chem Inf ModelYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41641956/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPlasma non-targeted metabolomics unveils the metabolic signatures of trans-right ventricle in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with atrial septal defect. ↗Qian X et al.. Plasma non-targeted metabolomics unveils the metabolic signatures of trans-right ventricle in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with atrial septal defect.. Clin Chim Acta. 2026. PMID:41577026.PMID 41577026 ↗Journal Clin Chim ActaYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41577026/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWReal-time capture of domain movements during copper amine oxidase catalysis by mix-and-inject serial crystallography. ↗Murakawa T et al.. Real-time capture of domain movements during copper amine oxidase catalysis by mix-and-inject serial crystallography.. Nat Commun. 2025. PMID:41413268.PMID 41413268 ↗Journal Nat CommunYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41413268/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWMolecular Identification and Biogenic Amine Production Capacity of Enterococcus faecalis Strains Isolated from Raw Milk. ↗Wiu015bniewski P et al.. Molecular Identification and Biogenic Amine Production Capacity of Enterococcus faecalis Strains Isolated from Raw Milk.. Int J Mol Sci. 2025. PMID:41226519.PMID 41226519 ↗Journal Int J Mol SciYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41226519/
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Systematic review HIGH evidence YELLOWReview of Selected 2-Phenylethylamine Derivatives and Opioids, Systematic Review of Their Effects on Psychomotor Abilities and Driving Performance: Psychopharmacology in the Context… ↗u017beu0142abowski K et al.. Review of Selected 2-Phenylethylamine Derivatives and Opioids, Systematic Review of Their Effects on Psychomotor Abilities and Driving Performance: Psychopharmacology in the Context of Road Safety.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025. PMID:41155669.PMID 41155669 ↗Journal Pharmaceuticals (Basel)Year 2025Study type Systematic reviewEvidence strength HIGH evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41155669/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWMicro-Scale Arrays Fabricated on Parafilm and Polymethyl Methacrylate Towards Differential Colorimetric Analysis of Amines via Shape Transformation of Ag Nanoprisms. ↗Bahavarnia F et al.. Micro-Scale Arrays Fabricated on Parafilm and Polymethyl Methacrylate Towards Differential Colorimetric Analysis of Amines via Shape Transformation of Ag Nanoprisms.. Anal Sci Adv. 2025. PMID:41146858.PMID 41146858 ↗Journal Anal Sci AdvYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41146858/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAn Ultrasound-Assisted Pistacia terebinthus L. Extract to Incorporate Into Fermented Sausage. ↗Benli H et al.. An Ultrasound-Assisted Pistacia terebinthus L. Extract to Incorporate Into Fermented Sausage.. Food Sci Nutr. 2025. PMID:40895152.PMID 40895152 ↗Journal Food Sci NutrYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40895152/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWFunctional and structural insights into a thermostable (S)-selective amine transaminase and its improved substrate scope by protein engineering. ↗Patti S et al.. Functional and structural insights into a thermostable (S)-selective amine transaminase and its improved substrate scope by protein engineering.. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025. PMID:40796981.PMID 40796981 ↗Journal Appl Microbiol BiotechnolYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40796981/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWInfluence of NHu22efN and OHu22efN hydrogen bonds in the aggregation of flexible molecules: A combined experimental and computational study. ↗Torres-Hernu00e1ndez F et al.. Influence of NHu22efN and OHu22efN hydrogen bonds in the aggregation of flexible molecules: A combined experimental and computational study.. J Chem Phys. 2025. PMID:40788050.PMID 40788050 ↗Journal J Chem PhysYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40788050/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Phenethylamine. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a moderate safety concern. Caution is advised, particularly at high doses or in sensitive populations.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Moderate classification for Phenethylamine
A score of 5.5 places this ingredient in the Moderate band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
1 jurisdiction has active restrictions or advisories. Regulatory signals are recorded as Safety Signals and raise the S component.
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.