L-DOPA
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![Human biosynthesis pathway for trace amines and catecholamines[12][13]
L-Phenylalanine
L-Tyrosine
L-Dopa
Epinephrine
Phenethylamine
p-Tyramine
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
N-Methylphenethylamine
N-Methyltyramine
p-Octopamine
Synephrine
3-Methoxytyramine
AADC
AADC
AADC
PNMT
PNMT
PNMT
PNMT
AAAH
AAAH
COMT
DBH
DBH
In humans, catecholamines and phenethylaminergic trace amines are derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.](/Images/godic/202501/25/Catecholamine_and_trace_amine_biosynthesis3554.png")
![](/Images/godic/202501/25/L-DOPA_synthesis23554.png")
L-DOPA (/ˌɛlˈdoʊpə/ or levodopa /ˌlɛvoʊˈdoʊpə/) (alt., L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is a chemical that is made and used as part of the normal biology of humans, some animals and plants. Some animals and humans make it via biosynthesis from the amino acid L-tyrosine. L-DOPA is the precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline) collectively known as catecholamines. Furthermore, L-DOPA itself mediates neurotrophic factor release by the brain and CNS. L-DOPA can be manufactured and in its pure form is sold as a psychoactive drug with the INN levodopa; trade names include Sinemet, Pharmacopa, Atamet, Stalevo, Madopar, and Prolopa. As a drug, it is used in the clinical treatment of Parkinson's disease and dopamine-responsive dystonia.