5-Aminolevulinic acid (Synonyms: 5-ALA; δ-Aminolevulinic acid; 5-Amino-4-oxopentanoic acid)

Name: 5-Aminolevulinic acid
Brand: MedChemExpress
SKU: HY-W000450
Rating: 5.0 (20 reviews)

Cat. No.: HY-W000450 Purity: 99.92%: Data Sheet
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5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA; δ-Aminolevulinic acid; 5-Amino-4-oxopentanoic acid) is an orally active heme precursor. 5-Aminolevulinic acid promotes aerobic energy metabolism and increases ATP levels by enhancing the activity of cytochrome c oxidase. 5-Aminolevulinic acid enhances LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine production and gene activation, and restores the phagocytic activity and ROS generation capacity of neutrophils. 5-Aminolevulinic acid selectively accumulates protoporphyrin IX in tumor cells; as a photosensitizer and radiosensitizer, it induces ROS burst upon light or X-ray irradiation to inhibit tumor growth. 5-Aminolevulinic acid can be applied to the research of septic shock, melanoma, and cancer radiotherapy.

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

CAS No. : 106-60-5

Size	Stock	Quantity
Solid + Solvent (Highly Recommended)
10 mM * 1 mL in DMSO ready for reconstitution	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
Solution
10 mM * 1 mL in DMSO	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
Solid
10 mg	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
25 mg	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
50 mg	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
100 mg	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
200 mg	Get quote
500 mg	Get quote

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Based on 20 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of 5-Aminolevulinic acid:

5-Aminolevulinic acid-¹³C₂,¹⁵N hydrochloride In-stock
5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride In-stock
5-Aminolevulinic acid-¹³C Get quote

20 Publications Citing Use of MCE 5-Aminolevulinic acid

Cell Imaging/Staining

Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay

Flow Cytometry

In Vivo Efficacy Study

: 5-Aminolevulinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Sci (Weinh). 2019 Jan 20;6(5):1802057. [Abstract]; Fluorescence intensity of PpIX produced by various CAH complexes at varying molar ratios of amine to carboxyl in B16 and A375 melanoma cells, was measured in comparison with that of free 5-ALA (8 μg/mL; 12 h).

: 5-Aminolevulinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Sci (Weinh). 2019 Jan 20;6(5):1802057. [Abstract]; Inhibitory effects of light does and illumination time on cell viability of B16 cells and A375 cells treated with 5-ALA (8 µg/mL; 48 h) or CAH were evaluated by MTT assay.

: 5-Aminolevulinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Sci (Weinh). 2019 Jan 20;6(5):1802057. [Abstract]; CAH specifically induced melanoma cells apoptosis in correlation with elevated intracellular ROS levels. Melanoma cell lines B16 cells and A375 cells were treated with 5-ALA (8 μg/mL; 12 h) or CAH under their optimal PDT conditions. Afterward, the cells were incubated with Annexin V-FITC (green)/PI (red), followed by FACS analysis.

: 5-Aminolevulinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Sci (Weinh). 2019 Jan 20;6(5):1802057. [Abstract]; Cellular ROS levels (green) of B16 cells and A375 cells (treated with 5-ALA (8 μg/mL; 12 h) or CAH) were monitored using DCFH-DA assay with a fluorescent microscope.

: 5-Aminolevulinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Sci (Weinh). 2019 Jan 20;6(5):1802057. [Abstract]; Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured from the mice skin before and 12 h after topically applied with blank cream, 20% w/w 5-ALA cream, 20% CDG2/HA cream and 20% CAH cream with 5 min of light irradiation.

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Biological Activity
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Description

IC₅₀ & Target

Human Endogenous Metabolite

Cellular Effect

Cell Line	Type	Value	Description	References
A-375	IC₅₀	27.24 μM Compound: ALA	Cytotoxicity against human A-375 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition in presence of deferiprone followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human A-375 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition in presence of deferiprone followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 38626642]
A-375	IC₅₀	> 100 μM Compound: ALA	Cytotoxicity against human A-375 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human A-375 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 38626642]
HL-60	IC₅₀	1570 μM Compound: 5-ALA	Cytotoxicity against human HL60 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HL60 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 19007111]
HeLa	IC₅₀	230 μM Compound: 5-ALA	Photosensitization activity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 4 hrs followed by LED light array irradiation followed by further incubation for 24 hrs by MTT assay Photosensitization activity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 4 hrs followed by LED light array irradiation followed by further incubation for 24 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 31398615]
HeLa	IC₅₀	61.84 μM Compound: ALA	Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition in presence of deferiprone followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition in presence of deferiprone followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 38626642]
HeLa	IC₅₀	> 100 μM Compound: ALA	Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 38626642]
MCF7	IC₅₀	1735 μM Compound: 5-ALA	Cytotoxicity against human MCF7 cells after 72 hrs by Hoechst test Cytotoxicity against human MCF7 cells after 72 hrs by Hoechst test	[PMID: 19007111]
MCF7	IC₅₀	64.95 μM Compound: ALA	Cytotoxicity against human MCF7 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition in presence of deferiprone followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human MCF7 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition in presence of deferiprone followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 38626642]
MCF7	IC₅₀	> 100 μM Compound: ALA	Cytotoxicity against human MCF7 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human MCF7 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability preincubated for 4 hrs under dark condition followed by irradiation with blue light at 2.5 J.cm^-2 energy level for 5 mins and measured after 18 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 38626642]
Oocyte	IC₅₀	12.9 μM Compound: DALA	Antagonist activity at human GABAc Rho1 receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes assessed as whole cell current production by two electrode voltage clamp method Antagonist activity at human GABAc Rho1 receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes assessed as whole cell current production by two electrode voltage clamp method	[PMID: 18528996]
U-251	IC₅₀	2665 μM Compound: 5-ALA	Cytotoxicity against human U251 cells after 72 hrs by Hoechst test Cytotoxicity against human U251 cells after 72 hrs by Hoechst test	[PMID: 19007111]
U-251	IC₅₀	2715 μM Compound: 5-ALA	Antiproliferative activity against human U251 cells assessed as PpIX release pretreated 72 hrs before 360-410 nm light photosensitization measured after 48 hrs by Hoechst test Antiproliferative activity against human U251 cells assessed as PpIX release pretreated 72 hrs before 360-410 nm light photosensitization measured after 48 hrs by Hoechst test	[PMID: 19007111]
U-251	IC₅₀	2719 μM Compound: 5-ALA	Antiproliferative activity against human U251 cells assessed as PpIX release after 72 hrs by Hoechst test Antiproliferative activity against human U251 cells assessed as PpIX release after 72 hrs by Hoechst test	[PMID: 19007111]

In Vitro

5-Aminolevulinic acid (hydrochloride) (100 μM; 24 h pre-treatment) significantly enhances LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine (Il1b, Il6, Tnfa) and mitochondrial (mt-Nd1, Pgc1a) genes in GM-CSF-differentiated bone marrow-derived cells from C57BL/6 mice^[2].
5-Aminolevulinic acid (hydrochloride) (0.1-100 μg/mL; 2-24 h) induces time- and concentration-dependent accumulation of porphyrins (predominantly PpIX) in B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells in vitro^[3].
5-Aminolevulinic acid (hydrochloride) (1-100 μg/mL; 24 h prior to X-ray irradiation) enhances X-ray-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner, with significant increases observed at doses as low as 1 μg/mL under high X-ray exposure^[3].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

In Vivo

5-Aminolevulinic acid (10 mg/kg/day; p.o.; daily administration; for 15 consecutive weeks) increases liver mitochondrial COX activity by 1.5-fold, COX IV protein level by 1.6-fold, and liver ATP level by 1.6-fold in female C57BL/6N mice, without inducing toxicity^[1].
5-Aminolevulinic acid (12 mg per mouse; p.o.; daily administration; for 2 consecutive weeks) fully restores the impaired neutrophil phagocytic activity and reactive oxygen species production in 5-ALA-deficient Alas1^± mice to wild-type levels^[2].
5-Aminolevulinic acid (50 mg/kg; topical administration) significantly enhances the tumor inhibitory effect in the mouse B16-BL6 melanoma model, with no systemic toxicity observed^[3].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Clinical Trial

Molecular Weight

131.13

Formula

C₅H₉NO₃

CAS No.

106-60-5

Appearance

Solid

Color

White to light yellow

SMILES

O=C(O)CCC(CN)=O

Structure Classification

Ketones, Aldehydes, Acids

Amino acids

Initial Source

Microorganisms

Shipping

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

Storage

Powder	-20°C	3 years
In solvent	-80°C	6 months
	-20°C	1 month

Solvent & Solubility

In Vitro:

DMSO : 50 mg/mL (381.30 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

Preparing
Stock Solutions

Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg

1 mM	7.6260 mL	38.1301 mL	76.2602 mL
5 mM	1.5252 mL	7.6260 mL	15.2520 mL
10 mM	0.7626 mL	3.8130 mL	7.6260 mL

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

* Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

Molarity Calculator
Dilution Calculator

Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

Concentration _(start) × Volume _(start) = Concentration _(final) × Volume _(final)

This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

Concentration _(start)

Volume _(start)

Concentration _(final)

Volume _(final)

In Vivo:

Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for in vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

Protocol 1

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (19.07 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
Protocol 2

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)
Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (19.07 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
Protocol 3

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% Corn Oil
Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (19.07 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown). If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL Corn oil, and mix evenly.

In Vivo Dissolution Calculator

Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

Dosage

mg/kg

Animal weight
(per animal)

Dosing volume
(per animal)

μL

Number of animals

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Please enter your animal formula composition:

DMSO +

Tween-80 +

Saline

Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.

The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).

Calculation results:

Working solution concentration: mg/mL

Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL DMSO (Stock solution concentration: mg/mL).

The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only. If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).

Method for preparing in vivo working solution for animal experiments: Take μL DMSO stock solution, add μL . μL , mix evenly, next add μL Tween 80, mix evenly, then add μL Saline.

If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.

Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.

Purity & Documentation

Purity: 99.92%

Select Batch:

Data Sheet (272 KB) SDS (396 KB)

COA (242 KB) HNMR (183 KB) RP-HPLC (243 KB) MS (72 KB)

Handling Instructions (2659 KB)

References

[1]. Ogura S, et al. The effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid on cytochrome c oxidase activity in mouse liver. BMC Res Notes. 2011;4:66. Published 2011 Mar 17. [Content Brief]

[2]. Saitoh S, et al. 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) Plays an Important Role in the Function of Innate Immune Cells. Inflammation. 2025;48(4):2588-2599. [Content Brief]

[3]. Takahashi J, et al. 5-Aminolevulinic acid enhances cancer radiotherapy in a mouse tumor model. Springerplus. 2013;2:602. Published 2013 Nov 12. [Content Brief]

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Optional Solvent	Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg	25 mg

DMSO	1 mM	7.6260 mL	38.1301 mL	76.2602 mL	190.6505 mL
	5 mM	1.5252 mL	7.6260 mL	15.2520 mL	38.1301 mL
	10 mM	0.7626 mL	3.8130 mL	7.6260 mL	19.0650 mL
	15 mM	0.5084 mL	2.5420 mL	5.0840 mL	12.7100 mL
	20 mM	0.3813 mL	1.9065 mL	3.8130 mL	9.5325 mL
	25 mM	0.3050 mL	1.5252 mL	3.0504 mL	7.6260 mL
	30 mM	0.2542 mL	1.2710 mL	2.5420 mL	6.3550 mL
	40 mM	0.1907 mL	0.9533 mL	1.9065 mL	4.7663 mL
	50 mM	0.1525 mL	0.7626 mL	1.5252 mL	3.8130 mL
	60 mM	0.1271 mL	0.6355 mL	1.2710 mL	3.1775 mL
	80 mM	0.0953 mL	0.4766 mL	0.9533 mL	2.3831 mL
	100 mM	0.0763 mL	0.3813 mL	0.7626 mL	1.9065 mL

5-Aminolevulinic acid Related Classifications

Help & FAQs

Do most proteins show cross-species activity?
Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

Keywords:

5-Aminolevulinic acid106-60-55-ALA δ-Aminolevulinic acid 5-Amino-4-oxopentanoic acidReactive Oxygen Species (ROS)Inhibitorinhibitorinhibit

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5-Aminolevulinic acid (Synonyms: 5-ALA; δ-Aminolevulinic acid; 5-Amino-4-oxopentanoic acid)

Customer Review

Other Forms of 5-Aminolevulinic acid:

5-Aminolevulinic acid Related Antibodies

20 Publications Citing Use of MCE 5-Aminolevulinic acid

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•Related Screening Libraries:

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Biological Activity

Purity & Documentation

References

Customer Review

5-Aminolevulinic acid Related Antibodies

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Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

5-Aminolevulinic acid Related Classifications

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