5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride
Based on 20 publication(s) in Google Scholar
5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA; δ-Aminolevulinic acid; 5-Amino-4-oxopentanoic acid) hydrochloride is an orally active heme precursor. 5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride promotes aerobic energy metabolism and increases ATP levels by enhancing the activity of cytochrome c oxidase. 5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride enhances LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine production and gene activation, and restores the phagocytic activity and ROS generation capacity of neutrophils. 5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride can be applied to the research of septic shock, melanoma, and cancer radiotherapy.
For research use only. We do not sell to patients.
- Purity: 99.61%
- CAS No.: 5451-09-2
- Formula: C5H10ClNO3
- Molecular Weight:167.59
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Storage:
4°C, sealed storage, away from moisture
* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture)
To place orders, for customer services and technical support, please contact: MedChemExpress USA
Tel: 609-228-6898 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
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Biological Activity
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Chemical Information
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Solvent & Solubility
- Purity & Documentation
- References
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Help & FAQs
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Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) 5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride
More- Nature. 2025 Jul;643(8070):192-200. [Abstract]
- Adv Sci (Weinh). 2019 Jan 20;6(5):1802057. [Abstract]
- Cell Death Dis. 2021 Oct 25;12(11):999. [Abstract]
- Pharmacol Res. 2021 Aug:170:105701. [Abstract]
- Genome Biol. 2022 Dec 15;23(1):259. [Abstract]
- EMBO Mol Med. 2023 Mar 8;15(3):e16959. [Abstract]
- Br J Pharmacol. 2026 Jun;183(11):2695-2719. [Abstract]
- PLoS Biol. 2024 Jun 27;22(6):e3002672. [Abstract]
- Mar Drugs. 2025 Mar 28;23(4):146. [Abstract]
- Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2025 Dec 30;218:106934.
- Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2026 May:172:111209. [Abstract]
- J Inorg Biochem. 2023 Oct:247:112340. [Abstract]
- Asian J Androl. 2025 Jul 1;27(4):454-463. [Abstract]
- Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2025 Aug:54:104726. [Abstract]
- Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2025 Jun:53:104599. [Abstract]
- Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2024 Jun:47:104093. [Abstract]
- Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2023 Jun:42:103612. [Abstract]
- Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2022 Dec:40:103053. [Abstract]
- Lasers Med Sci. 2021 Dec;36(9):1873-1881. [Abstract]
- bioRxiv. 2024 Apr 3:2023.06.02.542933. [Abstract]
Customer Validation & Images
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Cell Imaging/Staining
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Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay
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Flow Cytometry
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Cell Imaging/Staining
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In Vivo Efficacy Study
Biological Activity
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Human Endogenous Metabolite |
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.
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Cell Line:B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells
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Concentration:0.1-100 μg/mL
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Incubation Time:2， 4， 8， 12， 24 h
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Result:Induced time- and concentration-dependent accumulation of porphyrins (predominantly PpIX) in B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells in vitro, with levels reaching ~9×10-8 μg/cell at 10 μg/mL after 24 h and ~5×10-7 μg/cell at 100 μg/mL after 24 h.
Hydrochloride of 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].
Hydrochloride of 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.
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Animal Model:C57BL/6N mice (female, 6 weeks old)[1]
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Dosage:10 mg/kg/day
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Administration:p.o.; daily; 15 weeks
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Result:Increased hepatic mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity to 1.5-fold higher than control levels (P < 0.05).
Increased hepatic COX IV protein levels to 1.6-fold higher than control levels.
Increased hepatic ATP levels to 1.6-fold higher than control levels.
Caused no mortality or significant body weight changes.
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Animal Model:Alas1± mice with Innate immune dysfunction (male, 22-28 weeks, generated by crossbreeding to BDF1 (F1 hybrid of C57BL/6 and DBA2))[2]
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Dosage:12 mg per mouse daily
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Administration:p.o.; daily; 2 weeks
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Result:Partially restored peripheral blood neutrophil phagocytic activity to near wild-type levels after 1 week of administration.
Fully restored peripheral blood neutrophil phagocytic activity to wild-type levels after 2 weeks of administration.
Fully restored peripheral blood neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to wild-type levels after 2 weeks of administration.
Chemical Information
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CAS No. 5451-09-2
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Appearance Solid
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Molecular Weight 167.59
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Formula C5H10ClNO3
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Color White to off-white
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SMILES
O=C(O)CCC(CN)=O.[H]Cl
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Synonyms
5-ALA hydrochloride; δ-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride; 5-Amino-4-oxopentanoic acid hydrochloride
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Structure Classification
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Initial Source
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Shipping
Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
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Storage
4°C, sealed storage, away from moisture
* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture)
Publications (20)
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Journal Impact Factor
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Most Recent
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Nature
2025 Jul;643(8070):192-200. PMID: 39695227 -
Adv Sci (Weinh)
Robust Photodynamic Therapy Using 5-ALA-Incorporated Nanocomplexes Cures Metastatic Melanoma through Priming of CD4+CD8+ Double Positive T Cells. [Abstract]2019 Jan 20;6(5):1802057. PMID: 30886812
5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride 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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Cell Death Dis
2021 Oct 25;12(11):999. PMID: 34697294 -
Pharmacol Res
Dihydroartemisinin overcomes the resistance to osimertinib in EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer. [Abstract]2021 Aug:170:105701. PMID: 34087353 -
Genome Biol
G-quadruplexes sense natural porphyrin metabolites for regulation of gene transcription and chromatin landscapes. [Abstract]2022 Dec 15;23(1):259. PMID: 36522639 -
EMBO Mol Med
A whole-genome scan for Artemisinin cytotoxicity reveals a novel therapy for human brain tumors. [Abstract]2023 Mar 8;15(3):e16959. PMID: 36740985 -
Br J Pharmacol
The neuronal ALAS2/5-ala axis mitigates chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity via the BACH1/NRF2 pathway. [Abstract]2026 Jun;183(11):2695-2719. PMID: 41652971 -
PLoS Biol
2024 Jun 27;22(6):e3002672. PMID: 38935621 -
Mar Drugs
Xanthocillin X Dimethyl Ether Exhibits Anti-Proliferative Effect on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Depletion of Mitochondrial Heme. [Abstract]2025 Mar 28;23(4):146. PMID: 40278267 -
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Fish Shellfish Immunol
Dietary 5-aminolevulinic acid induces strain-specific effects on shell color and innate immunity in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) through divergent porphyrin metabolism. [Abstract]2026 May:172:111209. PMID: 41690531 -
J Inorg Biochem
Influence of cholesterol on kinetic parameters for human aromatase (P450 19A1) in phospholipid nanodiscs. [Abstract]2023 Oct:247:112340. PMID: 37544101 -
Asian J Androl
The addition of 5-aminolevulinic acid to HBSS protects testis grafts during hypothermic transportation: a novel preservation strategy. [Abstract]2025 Jul 1;27(4):454-463. PMID: 39589201 -
Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther
Ferroptosis promotes 5-aminolevulinate acid-based photodynamic therapy in cervical cancer. [Abstract]2025 Aug:54:104726. PMID: 40680910 -
Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther
The efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in inducing cell death in multidrug-resistant Trichophyton mentagrophytes: An in vivo and in vitro study. [Abstract]2025 Jun:53:104599. PMID: 40258452 -
Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther
In Vitro Modeling of Recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Assessment of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy. [Abstract]2024 Jun:47:104093. PMID: 38641030 -
Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther
5-ALA-PDT induced ferroptosis in keloid fibroblasts via ROS, accompanied by downregulation of xCT, GPX4. [Abstract]2023 Jun:42:103612. PMID: 37220842 -
Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther
Enhancement of the cytotoxic effect of dihydroartemisinin in high-risk human papillomavirus-infected cells by aminolevulinic acid via the Bax/Bcl-2-caspase pathway. [Abstract]2022 Dec:40:103053. PMID: 35932961 -
Lasers Med Sci
Study on the mechanism of photodynamic therapy mediated by 5-aminoketovalerate in human ovarian cancer cell line. [Abstract]2021 Dec;36(9):1873-1881. PMID: 33392781 -
bioRxiv
An efficient behavioral screening platform classifies natural products and other chemical cues according to their chemosensory valence in C. elegans. [Abstract]2024 Apr 3:2023.06.02.542933. PMID: 37333363
Solvent & Solubility
DMSO : 250 mg/mL (1491.74 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)
H2O : 16.67 mg/mL (99.47 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C)
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 (sealed storage, away from moisture). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
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 (sealed storage, away from moisture). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)
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.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: ≥ 2.08 mg/mL (12.41 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.08 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (20.8 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.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)
Solubility: ≥ 2.08 mg/mL (12.41 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.08 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (20.8 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.
For the following dissolution methods, please prepare the working solution directly:
It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions and use them promptly within a short period of time.
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.
Add each solvent one by one: PBS
Solubility: 100 mg/mL (596.69 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic
Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:
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Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL
This product has good water solubility, please refer to the measured solubility data in water/PBS/Saline for details.
Purity & Documentation
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Data Sheet (278 KB)
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SDS (393 KB)
- English - EN (393 KB)
- Français - FR (393 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (393 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (393 KB)
- Español - ES (393 KB)
- Swedish - SV (393 KB)
- Italian - IT (393 KB)
- Korean - KR (393 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (393 KB)
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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
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 (sealed storage, away from moisture). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
| Optional Solvent | Concentration Solvent Mass | 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | 25 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2O / DMSO | 1 mM | 5.9669 mL | 29.8347 mL | 59.6694 mL | 149.1736 mL |
| 5 mM | 1.1934 mL | 5.9669 mL | 11.9339 mL | 29.8347 mL | |
| 10 mM | 0.5967 mL | 2.9835 mL | 5.9669 mL | 14.9174 mL | |
| 15 mM | 0.3978 mL | 1.9890 mL | 3.9780 mL | 9.9449 mL | |
| 20 mM | 0.2983 mL | 1.4917 mL | 2.9835 mL | 7.4587 mL | |
| 25 mM | 0.2387 mL | 1.1934 mL | 2.3868 mL | 5.9669 mL | |
| 30 mM | 0.1989 mL | 0.9945 mL | 1.9890 mL | 4.9725 mL | |
| 40 mM | 0.1492 mL | 0.7459 mL | 1.4917 mL | 3.7293 mL | |
| 50 mM | 0.1193 mL | 0.5967 mL | 1.1934 mL | 2.9835 mL | |
| 60 mM | 0.0994 mL | 0.4972 mL | 0.9945 mL | 2.4862 mL | |
| 80 mM | 0.0746 mL | 0.3729 mL | 0.7459 mL | 1.8647 mL | |
| DMSO | 100 mM | 0.0597 mL | 0.2983 mL | 0.5967 mL | 1.4917 mL |
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride Related Classifications
HY-N0305 Related Classifications
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