Evidence supporting the use of: D-phenylalanine
For the health condition: Depression
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
D-Phenylalanine (DPA) is a synthetic form of the amino acid phenylalanine, distinct from the natural L-isomer. Its use in supporting or treating depression is based primarily on scientific hypotheses and limited early clinical evidence, rather than a strong tradition of use. DPA is thought to act by inhibiting enzymes such as enkephalinase, which break down enkephalins—endogenous peptides involved in pain relief and mood regulation. By preserving enkephalin levels, DPA may enhance endorphin activity, potentially improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms.
However, the scientific evidence supporting D-phenylalanine’s use in depression is limited and rated as low (2/5). Most studies are small, preliminary, or dated, with a few open-label trials and case reports suggesting mood benefits, but lacking robust, placebo-controlled, large-scale clinical trials. For instance, some research in the 1980s explored DPA’s effects on mood and pain, but results have not been consistently replicated, and DPA is not widely recognized in clinical guidelines for depression.
In summary, while there is a plausible biochemical rationale and some early-stage human and animal studies suggesting a potential antidepressant effect, the overall quality and quantity of scientific evidence is insufficient for strong clinical endorsement. More rigorous, large-scale studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of D-phenylalanine for depression.
Other ingredients used for Depression
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black tea
Indian frankincense
bасора
caffeine
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnosine
l-glycine
l-methionine
l-phenylalanine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic acids
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
sceletium
selenium
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
tongkat ali
almond fruit
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
whey protein
zinc
suma
gastrodia
mugwort
alpinia galangal
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
cistanche
dodder
morinda
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
St. John's Wort
yerba mate
hypothalamus
cocoa
thyroid substance
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
Angelica
Apigenin
Albizia
Agmatine
Agarwood
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Algal protein
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Broussonetia
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Biopterin
Butea monosperma
Beef liver
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
bacoside
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Biogenic amine
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
Crocin
Clary sage
Catalpol
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Chocolate
Creatine
Curcuma
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
cola nut
Canscora
Cannabichromene
Docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
DHEA
Devil's Club
Dopamine
Egg
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Estrogen
Folinic Acid
Folic Acid
Flavonoids
Fragrant Rosewood
Fish
Fatty acids
Frankincense
Guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Griffonia simplicifolia
Glutamate
Glycine
Gastrodin
jasmine
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Rose
Spikenard
Shellfish
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by D-phenylalanine
Addictions (general remedies for)Depression
Pain (general remedies for)
