PABA: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Vitamin B10
Scientific name(s)
Para-aminobenzoic acid
Family or group:
Amino acids
Indications
Scoring 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 to prevent skin damage caused by sun exposure. PABA is an FDA-approved sunscreen.
Posologie
Topical application
Peyronie's disease ✪✪✪✪✪
PABA is administered exogenously in cases of fibrotic diseases such as dermatomyositis, pemphigus, Peyronie's disease and scleroderma. Fibrosis may be caused by a long-term imbalance of serotonin and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity at the tissue level. MAO requires substantial tissue oxygenation to function properly. PABA may enhance MAO activity by increasing tissue oxygenation. PABA is authorized by the FDA for the treatment of Peyronie's disease.
Posologie
Oral administration
Hair beauty ✪✪✪✪✪
PABA is reputed to darken gray hair, although specific studies are lacking to fully validate these effects.
Posologie
Oral administration
Properties
Dermatological effect
Para-aminobenzoic acid was first discovered as a remedy for depigmentation of the coats of laboratory mice. Orally administered PABA can darken gray hair, although its precise mechanism on melanin metabolism remains unknown. When applied topically, PABA serves as a sunscreen filter, blocking UVB radiation and providing protection against UVA at high concentrations. This photoprotective action preserves epidermal cells.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 12 g
The oral dosage of PABA for inflammatory myopathies, pemphigus, and scleroderma is 12 g per day given 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 of 1% to 15%.
