Methionine is an amino acid commonly found as a component in total parenteral nutrition. A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body functions.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The mechanism of the possible anti-hepatotoxic activity of L-methionine is not entirely clear. It is thought that metabolism of high doses of acetaminophen in the liver lead to decreased levels of hepatic glutathione and increased oxidative stress. L-methionine is a precursor to L-cysteine. L-cysteine itself may have antioxidant activity. L-cysteine is also a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione. Antioxidant activity of L-methionine and metabolites of L-methionine appear to account for its possible anti-hepatotoxic activity. Recent research suggests that methionine itself has free-radical scavenging activity by virtue of its sulfur, as well as its chelating ability.
- Primary indication
- Used for protein synthesis including the formation of SAMe, L-homocysteine, L-cysteine, taurine, and sulfate.Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C5H11NO2S · 149.211 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1996 · United States, 1971
- Also known as
- (S)-methionine · L-Methionine
- Brand names
Resolves to
FFEARJCKVFRZRR-BYPYZUCNSA-NSMILESCSCC[C@H](N)C(O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Methionine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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