Research Area: Neurological Disease
Biological Activity:
Benserazide is a peripherally-acting aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) or DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor. It inhibits this decarboxylation, and since it itself cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, this allows dopamine to build up solely in the brain instead. Adverse effects caused by peripheral dopamine, such as nausea and arrhythmia, are minimized. However, benserazide cannot reduce the centrally-mediated side effects of levodopa, particularly dyskinesia. [1][2]