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PubChem
| Name: | Phenylalanine |
|---|---|
| PubChem Compound ID: | 10012270 |
| Description: | An essential aromatic amino acid that is a precursor of MELANIN; DOPAMINE; noradrenalin (NOREPINEPHRINE), and THYROXINE. |
| Molecular formula: | C9H11NO2 |
| Molecular weight: | 166.195 g/mol |
DrugBank
Identification
| Name: | Phenylalanine |
|---|---|
| Name (isomeric): | DB00120 |
| Drug Type: | small molecule |
| Description: | An essential aromatic amino acid that is a precursor of MELANIN; DOPAMINE; noradrenalin (NOREPINEPHRINE), and THYROXINE. |
| Synonyms: |
(S)-alpha-Amino-beta-phenylpropionic acid
|
| Category: | Micronutrient, Dietary supplement, Essential Amino Acids |
| CAS number: | 63-91-2 |
Pharmacology
| Indication: | L-phenylalanine may be helpful in some with depression. It may also be useful in the treatment of vitiligo. There is some evidence that L-phenylalanine may exacerbate tardive dyskinesia in some schizophrenic patients and in some who have used neuroleptic drugs. |
|---|---|
| Pharmacology: | Used by the brain to produce Norepinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain; keeps you awake and alert; reduces hunger pains; functions as an antidepressant and helps improve memory. |
| Mechanism of Action: |
The mechanism of L-phenylalanine's putative antidepressant activity may be accounted for by its precursor role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Elevated brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels are thought to be associated with antidepressant effects.
The mechanism of L-phenylalanine's possible antivitilig... show more » |
| Absorption: | Absorbed from the small intestine by a sodium dependent active transport process. |
| Biotransformation: | Hepatic. L-phenylalanine that is not metabolized in the liver is distributed via the systemic circulation to the various tissues of the body, where it undergoes metabolic reactions similar to those that take place in the liver. |
| Toxicity: | L-phenylalanine will exacerbate symptoms of phenylketonuria if used by phenylketonurics. L-phenylalanine was reported to exacerbate tardive dyskinesia when used by some with schizophrenia. |
| Affected organisms: | Humans and other mammals |
Targets
Transporters
