L-Dopa

Overview

L-Dopa is an endogenous, Non-Essential Amino Acid that is usually formed within the body and (rarely) obtained via the diet.

Recent research has cast doubts on the viability of L-Dopa’s health benefits - this is due to recent studies indicating that clinically applicable dosages of L-Dopa (i.e. relatively high dosages may in fact accelerate the progression of Parkinson’s Disease) - the best current advice to people using supplemental L-Dopa for health-enhancement is to minimize their dose to the lowest end of the dosage spectrum

Aging & Life Extension

 L-Dopa may help to prevent and reverse some of the deterioration associated with the Aging Process (by restoring the sensitivity of the Hypothalamus to feedback-inhibition - i.e. it rejuvenates the Hypothalamus). 

 L-Dopa may possess Life Extension potential (it has extended the average life span of mice).  ^[1]

Metabolism

 L-Dopa possesses Antioxidants properties.

 L-Dopa may improve Athletic Performance and Stamina (by stimulating the Central Nervous System). 

Nervous System

 L-Dopa may suppress the Appetite. 

 L-Dopa may stimulate the Central Nervous System (CNS) - L-Dopa causes similar stimulation of the CNS to that provided by Amphetamine - but without the side effects and potential for addiction that is usually associated with Amphetamines. 

 L-Dopa may temporarily minimize the symptoms (but not the cause) of Parkinson's Disease (by functioning as a precursor for the endogenous synthesis of Dopamine):  ^[2]

 Although L-Dopa provides substantial alleviation of the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, it does not ultimately retard the progress of the disease - its effectiveness usually begins to decline after five to seven years.

 Although L-Dopa increases Dopamine levels, it does not rectify the damage to the Dopamine Receptors that is the fundamental cause of Parkinson’s Disease.

Sexual System

 L-Dopa therapy may reinstate Menstruation in some post-menopausal females. 

 L-Dopa may increase Sexual Desire (by stimulating the production of Dopamine).  ^[3]

Hormones

 L-Dopa may stimulate the release of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) from the Hypothalamus.  ^[4]

 L-Dopa may stimulate the release of Human Growth Hormone (hGH) by stimulating the release of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) from the Hypothalamus.  ^[5]