PABA: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Vitamin B10
Scientific name(s)
Para-aminobenzoic acid
Family or group:
Amino acids
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
UV exposure ✪✪✪✪✪
PABA was once widely used as an active ingredient in sunscreens for its effectiveness in blocking UVB rays, thereby helping prevent skin damage caused by sun exposure. PABA is an FDA-approved sunscreen.
Posologie
Topical
Peyronie's Disease ✪✪✪✪✪
PABA is administered exogenously in fibrotic diseases such as dermatomyositis, pemphigus, Peyronie's disease, and scleroderma. Fibrosis could be caused by a long-term imbalance of serotonin and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in tissues. MAO requires significant tissue oxygenation to function properly. PABA may enhance MAO activity by increasing tissue oxygenation. a PABA is FDA-approved for the treatment of Peyronie's disease.
Posologie
Oral
Hair beauty ✪✪✪✪✪
PABA is reputed for darkening gray hair, although specific studies are lacking to fully validate these effects.
Posologie
Oral
Properties
Dermatological effect
Para-aminobenzoic acid was first discovered as a remedy for depigmentation in laboratory mice fur. PABA, when used orally, can darken gray hair, although its precise mechanism on melanin metabolism remains unknown. When applied topically, PABA serves as a sunscreen filter, blocking ultraviolet UVB rays and providing protection against UVA at high concentrations. This photoprotective action preserves epidermal cells.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 12 g
The oral dosage of PABA for inflammatory myopathies, pemphigus, and scleroderma is 12 g per day in 4 to 6 doses. For Peyronie's disease, a dose of 12 g per day in four divided doses with meals has been used for 8 to 24 months. PABA sunscreens are available in concentrations from 1% to 15%.
