Compound Monograph
Oleamide
Oleamide is a fatty acid amide of oleic acid that accumulates in cerebrospinal fluid and is linked to sleep.
Where Does It Come From?
Oleamide is a naturally occurring (and made in the body) fatty acid amide. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Oleamide is the primary amide of oleic acid and an endogenous fatty acid amide. It is best known as a sleep-related signalling lipid: it accumulates in the cerebrospinal fluid during sleep deprivation and has been shown to induce sleep in animal studies. It interacts with several systems, including cannabinoid and serotonin signalling, and is part of the broader family of fatty acid amides that the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase regulates. (Note: the record title also lists “N-oleoyl ethanolamine,” but the chemical structure given corresponds to oleamide, the simple amide of oleic acid.)
Toxicity & Safety
Oleamide is a naturally occurring lipid and has not been characterised as notably toxic. It is studied mainly as a biological signalling molecule rather than as a consumer product, and human safety data from supplementation are limited.