Compound Monograph
Isobutylamides
Isobutylamides are a class of pungent alkamides best known from Echinacea, where they produce the characteristic tingling sensation on the tongue.
Sources · 2
Where Does It Come From?
Isobutylamides are naturally occurring alkamides (fatty acid amides), found in Purple coneflower and Other Echinacea species. They are well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Isobutylamides are a group of related alkamides — unsaturated fatty acids joined to an isobutylamine (or related amine) group — that are characteristic constituents of Echinacea. They are largely responsible for the tingling, numbing sensation felt when chewing echinacea root or tincture. These compounds are of interest as markers of Echinacea quality and have been studied for interactions with cannabinoid receptors and for immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, though the clinical relevance of these laboratory findings is not firmly established.
Toxicity & Safety
Isobutylamides occur in a long history of traditional Echinacea use and are generally regarded as well tolerated at dietary and supplemental intakes. A detailed safety profile for the isolated compounds has not been thoroughly characterized.
