Human Endogenous Metabolite
DL-Alanine does not have a specific pharmacological target as it is a racemic mixture of amino acids. It is an important neurotransmitter that regulates the activity of the central nervous system. The L-form is a proteinogenic amino acid, while the D-form is present in trace amounts in mammals. It is used to study amino acid metabolism and neurotransmission.

In vitro, DL-Alanine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. It is used in cell culture as a nutrient and to study amino acid metabolism. Its activity is studied in various cell types to investigate its effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell viability.

In vivo, DL-Alanine is an important neurotransmitter that regulates the activity of the central nervous system. It is also a non-polar, aliphatic amino acid with various metabolic functions. The L-enantiomer is incorporated into proteins, while the D-enantiomer may have distinct physiological roles.

In vitro enzyme assays with DL-Alanine typically involve studying alanine transaminase (ALT), alanine dehydrogenase, or other amino acid-metabolizing enzymes. The racemic mixture is used as a substrate to measure enzyme activity and to determine stereospecificity. Standard assays involve incubating with enzyme preparations and measuring products by spectrophotometric or chromatographic methods.

In vitro cell culture experiments with DL-Alanine involve supplementing cell culture media with the amino acid. Cells are cultured with DL-alanine, and endpoints include assessment of cell viability, proliferation, and metabolic changes. It is used to study the effects of alanine on cellular metabolism and its role as a nutrient.

In vivo animal experiments with DL-Alanine are not commonly performed as the compound is a research chemical. If used, it would be to study the metabolism of D- and L-amino acids in animal models or to investigate the effects of alanine on the central nervous system. Its primary significance is in research as a tool for studying amino acid metabolism and neurotransmission.

The pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of DL-Alanine reflect the behavior of L-alanine, which is a naturally occurring amino acid. L-alanine is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, distributed throughout the body, and utilized in protein synthesis or gluconeogenesis. It has a short plasma half-life. The D-enantiomer may be metabolized differently.

DL-Alanine has a low toxicity profile as an amino acid derivative. It is not considered a hazardous substance. It is stable and incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. For research use, standard laboratory safety practices are sufficient. It has a melting point of 297°C (decomposition) and is readily soluble in water.

[1]. Mixed ligand complexes of benzimidazole and pyrimidine hydroxy azo dyes with some transition metals and glycine, dl-alanine or dl-leucine. Talanta. 1998 Aug;46(4):491-500.

[2]. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using dl-alanine for ESR dosimetry applications. Radiation Physics and Chemistry. Volume 81, Issue 3, 2012: Pages 301-307.

[3]. Biosynthesis of Self-Dispersed Silver Colloidal Particles Using the Aqueous Extract of P. peruviana for Sensing dl-Alanine. Isrn Nanotechnology, 2014, 2014:1-7.

[4]. Taste stimuli: a behavioral categorization. Science. 1968 Aug 16;161(3842):708-10.

[5]. Terahertz absorption spectra of L-, D-, and DL-alanine and their application to determination of enantiometric composition. Applied Physics Letters, 2005, 86(5): 053903.

[6]. Gustatory reaction time to various sweeteners in human adults. Physiol Behav. 1985 Sep;35(3):411-5.

[7]. Study on teratogenicity of DL-alanine in SD rats. Journal of Food Safety and Quality. 2021, 2095-0381.

Alanine is an α-amino acid formed by introducing an amino substituent at the 2-position of propionic acid. It is an important metabolite functionally related to propionic acid. It is the conjugate base and conjugate acid of alanine salts, and also a tautomer of alanine zwitterions. Alanine is a non-essential amino acid, existing in high concentrations in its free state in blood plasma. It is produced from pyruvate via transamination. It participates in the metabolism of sugars and acids, enhances immunity, and provides energy for muscle tissue, the brain, and the central nervous system. DL-alanine has been reported to exist in fruit flies, European aspen, and other organisms with relevant data. Alanine is an essential small-molecule amino acid for humans and one of the most commonly used amino acids in protein synthesis, participating in the metabolism of tryptophan and vitamin pyridoxine. Alanine is an important energy source for muscles and the central nervous system, enhances the immune system, aids in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids, and has a cholesterol-lowering effect in animals. (NCI04) DL-alanine is a racemic mixture of alanine (a non-essential α-amino acid). Alanine is one of the most common amino acid residues in protein synthesis, participating in the metabolism of tryptophan and vitamin pyridoxine. Furthermore, alanine is an important energy source for muscles and the central nervous system. It enhances the immune system, aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates and organic acids, and has a cholesterol-lowering effect in animals. Alanine is a non-essential amino acid, existing in large quantities in the plasma in a free state. It is produced from pyruvate via transamination. Alanine participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates and acids, enhances immunity, and provides energy for muscle tissue, the brain, and the central nervous system. See also: alanine (note moved to); D-alanine (note moved to). Pharmaceutical Indications For protein synthesis. Mechanism of Action L-alanine is a non-essential amino acid, existing in large quantities in the plasma in a free state. It is produced from pyruvate via transamination. It participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates and acids, enhances immunity, and provides energy for muscle tissue, the brain, and the central nervous system. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are the energy source for muscle cells. During prolonged exercise, BCAAs are released from skeletal muscle. Their carbon skeleton is used as fuel, while their nitrogenous portion is used to synthesize another amino acid—alanine. Alanine is then converted into glucose in the liver. This energy production pathway is known as the alanine-glucose cycle, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar balance in the body.

---

DL-Alanine is a racemic mixture of alanine used in biochemical research. It is an important neurotransmitter that regulates central nervous system activity and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. The compound is not a drug and has no therapeutic indications. It is available for laboratory research use only.

C3H7NO2

89.09

89.047

302-72-7

D-Alanine;338-69-2;L-Alanine;56-41-7;DL-Alanine-13C-1;102029-81-2;DL-Alanine-13C-3;131157-42-1;DL-Alanine-d3;53795-94-1;DL-Alanine-15N;71261-64-8

602

White to off-white solid powder

1.2±0.1 g/cm3

212.9±23.0 °C at 760 mmHg

272-275ºC

82.6±22.6 °C

0.1±0.9 mmHg at 25°C

1.460

-0.68

2

3

1

6

61.8

0

CC(C(=O)O)N

QNAYBMKLOCPYGJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C3H7NO2/c1-2(4)3(5)6/h2H,4H2,1H3,(H,5,6)

2-aminopropanoic acid

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

H2O: 50 mg/mL (561.23 mM)
DMSO: < 1 mg/mL

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

---

Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

View More

Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

---

Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

View More

Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

---

Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

---

 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)