Compound Monograph
5-Aminolevulinic acid
5-Aminolevulinic acid is an endogenous amino acid and the first committed precursor in the biosynthesis of heme and chlorophyll.
Where Does It Come From?
5-Aminolevulinic acid is a naturally occurring (and made in the body) amino acid (tetrapyrrole precursor). It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that is the first committed precursor in the biosynthetic pathway leading to porphyrins, including heme in animals and chlorophyll in plants. Medically it is used in photodynamic therapy and as an optical imaging agent: when administered, it is taken up and converted to the photosensitiser protoporphyrin IX, which accumulates in certain cells and allows them to be visualised or destroyed with light.
Toxicity & Safety
A principal consideration with administered ALA is photosensitivity, since the protoporphyrin IX it generates makes skin and eyes sensitive to bright light for a period after dosing. Its clinical use is supervised for this reason.