Phenylalanine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition. Phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid that is a precursor of melanin, dopamine, noradrenalin (norepinephrine), and thyroxine.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The supposed antidepressant effects of L-phenylalanine may be due to its role as a precursor 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 antivitiligo activity is not well understood. It is thought that L-phenylalanine may stimulate the production of melanin in the affected skin
- Primary indication
- L-phenylalanine may be helpful in some with depression.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C9H11NO2 · 165.1891 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1997 · United States, 1971
- Also known as
- L-Phenylalanine
- Code names
- FEMA NO. 3585
- Brand names
Resolves to
COLNVLDHVKWLRT-QMMMGPOBSA-NSMILESN[C@@H](CC1=CC=CC=C1)C(O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Phenylalanine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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