Ethanolamine

Ethanolamine, also known as monoethanolamine (MEA), is a naturally occurring organic chemical compound that contains both a primary amine and a primary alcohol group. It is a fundamental molecular building block for life, serving as a crucial component in the formation of cellular membranes and as a precursor to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), a major phospholipid. Beyond its common use as a pharmaceutical excipient for buffering or emulsion preparation, Ethanolamine has demonstrated various biological activities. Research indicates its potential to stimulate mammalian cell growth, induce cytoprotective autophagy, and extend lifespan in certain organisms by increasing PE levels, suggesting anti-aging properties. Its metabolism by gut microbiota has also been implicated in inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation. Ethanolamine is currently being investigated in clinical trials as an intervention in tablet form for conditions such as immune thrombocytopenia.

Other names

2-Aminoethan-1-ol2-AminoethanolMonoethanolaminebeta-Aminoethanolbeta-hydroxyethylaminebeta-Aminoethyl alcoholGlycinolOlamineEthylolamine2-HydroxyethylamineColamine