Tyrosine

Scientific Name:  (S)-2-Amino-3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propanoic acid (C9H11NO3).

Other Names:  Tyr, T.

Tyrosine is one of the twenty common amino acids used in the body to synthesize proteins and is considered an essential amino acid due to the fact that it cannot be produced completely by animals and humans.

Forms of Tyrosine:  As a supplement, tyrosine is often used in combination with imipramine, an antidepressant, and prescribed as a pill or powder.

Sources of Tyrosine: Tyrosine cannot be made directly by animals and humans. 

However, it can be produced through the hydroxylation of phenylalanine (if this amino acid is in abundant supply) and by plants and microorganisms from prephenate.

Home Remedies using Tyrosine:

Benefits and Uses of Tyrosine:

Tyrosine hydroxylase (an agent that converts tyrosine to levodopa) is used as an enzyme to limit the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine. 

Tyrosine may also be useful in increasing sex drive. 

It is also beneficial in proper functioning of the thyroid, production of pigmentation, and treating minor ailments such as allergies, headaches, fatigue, narcolepsy, and even drug withdrawal.

Some individuals in the medical field have prescribed tyrosine for a number of ailments, including clinical depression, Parkinson’s Disease, and even obesity. 

It assists with the latter by limiting the supply of neurotransmitters to the brain that communicate “pleasure” from ingesting food, as well as assisting in general appetite suppression. 

Also, in phenylketonuria, where phenylalanine cannot be metabolized into tyrosine, administration of tyrosine directly can replace the ingestion of phenylalanine to allow the body to continue a proper digestive path.

Side Effects of Tyrosine:

Tyrosine may have a negative interaction with MAO inhibitors and might not be a good supplement for individuals with high blood pressure or skin cancer.

Additional Information for Tyrosine:

Tyrosine and tryptophan have both shown success in the treatment of cocaine abuse.  Both have been reported to block the cocaine high achieved and to prevent the severe depression that is symptomatic of withdrawal.