Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a mild alkaloid stimulant produced naturally in the body from the amino acid phenylalanine. It is also one of the bioactive constituents of Aphanizomen flos-aquae. In fact, AFA contains the highest concentration of PEA of any natural source identified to date.Because it modulates brain cell function by releasing neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine), PEA has been used to address low mood, healthy blood pressure, and conditions related to mental focus and acuity.* Two studies of note address PEA’s impact on emotional affect and explore the association between PEA and exercise’s mood enhancing effects.*

• Sabelli H, Fink P, Fawcett J, Tom C (1996) Sustained antidepressant effect of PEA replacement. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 8(2):168-71 Read Abstract
• Szavo A, Billett, E, Turner J (2001) Phenylethylamine, a possible link to the antidepressant effects of exercise? Journal of Sports Medicine, 35, 342-343 Read Abstract