A palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient marketed by Saanroo (nutraceutical spinoff company of Gencor Pacific) as Levagen+ was found to improve heart rate variability (HRV) in female university students in a clinical study. The findings were published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study evaluated daily supplementation over six weeks in the participants who reported moderate levels of stress at baseline. Compared to the control group, there was a significant increase (+9.70 ± 6.02 ms) in the standard deviation of normal-to-normal (SDNN) intervals, a primary measure of HRV. This finding suggested that PEA may enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stress by supporting balance in the autonomic nervous system.

“This study demonstrates for the first time that PEA may enhance physiological resilience to stress, as indicated by improved heart rate variability (HRV) in our crossover trial participants supplemented with Levagen+ PEA,” said Professor M. Gulrez Zariwala, study author and professor at the University of Westminster’s Center for Nutraceuticals. “Although further work is needed, this research provides a meaningful foundation for the application of PEA supplementation in stress management.”

PEA has been found to modulate the body’s inflammatory response via the endocannabinoid system, and while further research is needed, these preliminary findings suggest that it may also serve as a suitable candidate for stress management.

“The industry has long lacked robust clinical data in female populations, and Saanroo is leading the charge to change that,” said Ramasamy Venkatesh, managing director at Gencor Pacific. “Levagen+ continues to demonstrate powerful health benefits, and this study presents a solution for brands that want to address two of today’s most in-demand consumer needs: stress management and women’s health. We’re proud to see continued research confirming Levagen’s multifaceted benefits.”

Levagen+ uses LipiSperse technology from Pharmako Biotechnologies, which enhances bioavailability and dispersion in the gastrointestinal tract.