Regulatory confusion over cannabinoids (CBD) has opened up the space for
alternatives, within which Gencor has released Levagen, a
palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient touted as having
anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. The company also utilizes a
novel delivery method coined LipiSperse that increases the
bioavailability of its PEA ingredient and allows for applications such
as shots and chews. “This opens up the market and allows consumers to be
more familiar with PEA. It can add value to products within the sports
nutrition space,” Mariko Hill, Product Development Executive at Gencor
tells NutritionInsight, at Vitafoods, Geneva, earlier this month.
Palmitoylethanolamide powder
PEA is produced in the body as a biological response and as a repair
mechanism for inflammation. It is a simple fatty acid amide that is
structurally related to the endogenous cannabinoid transmitter,
anandamide (AEA). AEA is associated with regulating pain and the more
AEA in the bloodstream, the less discomfort a person may feel. PEA has
numerous clinical studies demonstrating its potential as an effective
and safe anti-inflammatory, analgesic and tissue-protective nutrient.
CBD was early this year classified as an unauthorized novel food and
regulatory limitations may curb NPD, especially in the pain relief
relating to sports nutrition space, according to Hill. This is where
Gencor’s Levagen PEA comes in as an alternative, which can eliminate
regulatory hurdles, she says. “This leaves space for an alternative like
PEA, more specifically our brand ingredient Levagen, which acts on
those receptors that boost energy and have anti-inflammatory
properties,” Hill notes.
However, this does not mean that PEA is just an alternative. In
places where cannabinoids face no regulatory issues, PEA can be used in
combination with CBD to boost health benefits. In places where CBD is
allowed, PEA can work synergistically with it, as they target those same
pathways,” Chase Shryoc, Gencor’s Vice President of Sales and Business
Development, tells NutritionInsight.
“PEA is a fatty acid and an endogenous module, which can be found in
every cell in the body. It is an endocannabinoid receptor agonist,
which means that it works in the endocannabinoid system, similar to CBD.
CBD binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptor sites, while Levagen PEA
indirectly activates those same receptors and has that same effect, but
from a different direction,” Shyroc explains.
Hill adds that although PEA is an alternative, people should look at
it as a completely different product to CBD. “It works synergistically
because it is an endocannabinoid and is actually produced in the body
endogenously as well. Supplementation can then offset that balance
within the body and you can also use it in combination with CBD, but
since CBD is still a novel food that may present challenges.”
Gencor is using a new delivery method called LipiSperse, that can
boost Levagen’s properties. LipiSperse is a novel system tailored to
increase the dispersion of crystalline lipophilic agents in aqueous
environments. Cold water dispersible (CWD) powders have an equilibrium
established between the LipiSperse on the powder surface and the
LipiSperse in the solution, according to the company.
“So there is a Levagen standalone and one supported by LipiSperse,
which we call Levagen+, a cold-water dispersible powder. This delivery
technology increases the bioavailability and functionality of the
ingredient. We also did a PEA study in which Levagen+ is showing 1,8
higher absorption to standalone PEA,” Hill notes. The new delivery
method allows for a broader spectrum of applications for the ingredient.
Levagen for osteoarthritis
Adding to the list of benefits for the ingredient, a new study has
found that Levagen may have a beneficial effect on knee osteoarthritis
and support healthy aging. The study published in the
Inflammopharmacology Journal, aimed to examine the safety, tolerability
and efficacy of PEA when dosed at 300mg and 600mg per day on symptoms of
knee osteoarthritis.
“Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint related concerns
caused by the breakdown of articular cartilage and remodeling of joint
tissues driven by inflammatory mediators,” says R.V. Venkatesh, Managing
Director at Gencor. “The results of this study demonstrated the effects
of Levagen and its ability to not only reduce pain but its ability to
reduce anxiety levels, according to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales
(DASS).”
The eight-week, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study
also concluded that Levagen may be a novel treatment for attenuating
pain and reducing other associated symptoms of knee osteoarthritis at
both 300mg and 600mg per day.
“PEA is unique due to its several fast-acting therapeutic effects,”
notes Shryoc. “The study recipients reported a gradual reduction of
WOMAC pain scores in just one week with further significant reductions
at week 4 and 8. In addition to joint health, Levagen can also aid in
restful sleep and recovery.”
According to the company, there are additional clinical studies
taking place with Gencor’s Levagen which are expected to be released
later this year. Gencor is also putting additional research into
Levagen+.
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