N,N-Dimethylphenethylamine (N,N-DMPEA) is a substituted phenethylamine that is used as a flavoring agent. It is an alkaloid that was first isolated from the orchid Pinalia jarensis.[1][a] Its aroma is described as "sweet, fishy". It is mainly used in cereal, cheese, dairy products, fish, fruit and meat.[3] It is also being used in pre-workout and bodybuilding supplements with claims of a stimulant effect.[4]
There is also evidence suggesting that N,N-DMPEA acts as a TAAR1agonist in humans,[5] and as a 5-HT1Aligand in rats. Some less conclusive research also indicated that it had interaction with MAO-B, most likely as an enzyme substrate and not an inhibitor.[6]
N,N-DMPEA is a positional isomer of methamphetamine. Instead of the methyl group attached to the alpha position of phenylethylamine, it's attached to the nitrogen group. Both substances have the chemical formula C10H15N.
^"The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)". www.fao.org. Retrieved 2019-01-14. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) is an international expert scientific committee that is administered jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).