What is L-DOPA?
{{DISPLAYTITLE:<small>L</small>-DOPA}} '''Levodopa''', or '''<small>L</small>-DOPA''' is an [[amino acid]]. In the body of [[mammal]]s, it is made from [[Tyrosine]] in a [[process]] named [[synthesis]]. It also occurs in different [[plant]]s. As such it can be used as a [[dietary supplement]]. L-Dopa is the [[precursor]] to the [[neurotransmitter]]s [[dopamine]], [[norepiphedrine]] and [[epiphedrine]], which are part of a group known as [[Catecholamine]]s. L-dopa can also be used as a [[drug]] for diseases such as [[Parkinson's disease]]. The substance used in the drug is usually called ''Levodopa'', and the naturally occurring substance is called ''L-Dopa''. Swedish scientist [[Arvid Carlsson]] first saw that the substance could be used as a drug in 1957. It was first introduced as ''Madopar'', by Hoffmann-La Roche, in 1973, as a treatment for [[Parkinson's disease]]. The [[WHO]] has put it on the [[list of essential medicines]]. Because the drug has [[side-effects]], when taken for a longer period of time, people often try to replace it with other drugs, especially in younger patients. {{biology-stub}} {{Phenethylamines}} [[Category:Amino acids]] [[Category:Drugs]]