Pharmacology
DrugBankDescription
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid. In animals it is synthesized from phenylalanine. It is also the precursor of epinephrine, thyroid hormones, and melanin.
Mechanism of Action
Tyrosine is produced in cells by hydroxylating the essential amino acid phenylalanine. This relationship is much like that between cysteine and methionine. Half of the phenylalanine required goes into the production of tyrosine; if the diet is rich in tyrosine itself, the requirements for phenylalanine are reduced by about 50%. The mechanism of L-tyrosine's antidepressant activity can be accounted for by the precursor role of L-tyrosine in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Elevated brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels are thought to be associated with antidepressant effects.
Pharmacodynamics
Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. Tyrosine is critical for the production of the body's proteins, enzymes and muscle tissue. Tyrosine is a precursor to the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. It can act as a mood elevator and an anti-depressant. It may improve memory and increase mental alertness. Tyrosine aids in the production of melanin and plays a critical role in the production of thyroxin (thyroid hormones). Tyrosine deficiencies are manifested by hypothyroidism, low blood pressure and low body temperature. Supplemental tyrosine has been used to reduce stress and combat narcolepsy and chronic fatigue.
Metabolism
In the liver, L-tyrosine is involved in a number of biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis and oxidative catabolic reactions. L-tyrosine that is not metabolized in the liver is distributed via the systemic circulation to the various tissues of the body.
Absorption
L-tyrosine is absorbed from the small intestine by a sodium-dependent active transport process.
Toxicity
L-Tyrosine has very low toxicity. There have been very few reports of toxicity. LD50 (oral, rat) > 5110 mg/kg.
Indication
Tyrosine is claimed to act as an effective antidepressant, however results are mixed. Tyrosine has also been claimed to reduce stress and combat narcolepsy and chronic fatigue, however these claims have been refuted by some studies.
Effect Profile
Curated + 14 ReportsStrong focus with moderate stimulation, mild euphoria, low anxiety/jitters
Tolerance & Pharmacokinetics
drugs.wikiTolerance Decay
Experience Report Analysis
ErowidDemographics
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Reports Over Time
Effect Analysis
ErowidEffects aggregated from 14 experience reports (14 Erowid)
Effect Sentiment Distribution
Confidence Distribution
Positive Effects 3
Adverse Effects 2
Real-World Dose Distribution
62K DosesFrom 34 individual dose entries
Oral (n=31)
Common Combinations
Most co-occurring substances in experience reports
Form / Preparation
Most common forms and preparations reported
Redose Patterns
Redosing behavior across 10 reports