Drug Groups

approved; nutraceutical

Description

The 4-carboxyaldehyde form of vitamin B 6 which is converted to pyridoxal phosphate which is a coenzyme for synthesis of amino acids, neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine), sphingolipids, aminolevulinic acid. [PubChem]

Indication

Pyridoxal is one of the natural forms available of vitamin B6, therefore, it is used for nutritional supplementation and for treating dietary shortage or imbalances.

Pharmacology

Pyridoxal principally in the form of the coenzyme pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, is involved in a wide range of biochemical reactions, including the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen, the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemogloblin, sphingomyelin and other sphingolipids, and the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Toxicity

Oral LD₅₀ Rat: 2150 mg/kg, Oral LD₅₀ Mouse: 1800 mg/kg

Affected Organisms

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