Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide and bioactive mono-unsaturated lipid mediator belonging to the acylglycerol and N-acylethanolamine families, with structural similarities to endocannabinoids. It is synthesised from oleic acid and ethanolamine, primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, but also in adipose tissue, neurons, and astrocytes. Trace amounts of OEA are naturally present in certain foods such as oatmeal, nuts, and cocoa powder, although dietary concentrations are typically very low (<2 μg/g)

Although considered an endocannabinoid-like compound, OEA does not bind to cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it is recognised as a as a high-affinity agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR α) and has been identified as an inhibitor of ceramidase in cell-based assays

Prescribing Information

• Safety has not been established for use in pregnancy and lactation; avoid use.
• No medicine interactions have been established.
• OEA is a PPAR-α agonist and has been identified as a ceramidase inhibitor; while no clinical drug–drug interactions have been reported, theoretical overlaps may exist with other PPAR-α modulators (e.g., fibrates).