PABA

Related Terms

4-aminobenzoic acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide, ABAH, Aktipol?, aminobenzoate potassium, BAB, BT-PABA, butyl aminobenzoate, cyclic amino acid, disulphate ester of ursodeoxycholyl-p-aminobenzoic acid, ester oxybenzone, ethyl p-aminobenzoate, ethyl-4-N,N-dimethylaminobenzoate, ethyl dihydroxypropylaminobenzoate, glyceryl paraaminobenzoate, isobutyl p-aminobenzoate, KPAB, K-para-aminobenzoate, monoglyceryl para-aminobenzoate, n-benzyol-l-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid, NBT-PABA, n-butyl-p-aminobenzoate, n-diethyl-methyl-ammonium ethyl bromide-p-[2(n-octyloxy)-benzoyl-]aminobenzoate, N,N-dimethyl-2-ethylhexyl para-aminobenzoate, octyl dimethyl PABA, Pabafil?, PABA-UDCA, padimate O, PAMBA, p-acetamidobenzoic acid, p-acetamidohippuric acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminohippuric acid, para-aminobenzoate, para-aminobenzoate potassium, para aminobenzoic acid, paraaminobenzoic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid, para-aminomethylbenzoic acid, PEG-25 PABAs, Peptide-PABA, Photoplex, POTABA?, potassium para-aminobenzoate, synthetic peptide Bz-Ty PABA, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl n-(s-benzoylthioacetyl)glycylglycyl-p-aminobenzoate, UDCA-PABA, ursodeoxycholic acid-p-aminobenzoic acid, vitamin Bx, vitamin H.
Combination product examples: Cetacaine?, PrimorineTM, RelamineTM, Total Eclipse AB?, ZycoseT.

Background

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a naturally occurring, non-protein amino acid. It was once thought to be a B vitamin, but is now known to be neither a vitamin nor an essential nutrient in humans. Dietary PABA deficiency is not an issue in humans, though PABA can be found in liver, kidney, wheat germ, bran, and yogurt.
PABA is most well-known as a part of some sunscreen products, since it can absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. PABA is also part of many different agents, including those that treat abnormal heart rhythms, bacterial infection, seizures, nausea and vomiting, cancer, mental illnesses, stomach issues, and pain.
PABA is involved in the creation of folic acid in bacteria. It has also been used as a marker in urine to determine the function of the pancreas and bacterial overgrowth. PABA has also been used to assess liver function and identify liver failure.
PABA has shown promise as a potential treatment for melasma (patches of dark skin on the face) and herpetic keratitis (eye inflammation caused by the herpes virus), as well as the prevention of recurring cold sores. PABA has also been studied for Peyronie's disease (painful, abnormal curving of the penis), scleroderma (build-up of scar tissue in the skin), chronic pain, lichen sclerosis (white patches on the skin), pemphigus (autoimmune disorder causing skin blisters), and asthma. There is less evidence to support the use of PABA for dermatomyositis (a muscle disease causing inflammation and skin rash), hair loss, and systemic sclerosis (a connective tissue disease causing skin thickening). Some evidence suggests that PABA may have blood-thinning, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, and anti-tumor effects, as well as its potential coloring benefits for graying hair.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Sun exposure may reactivate herpes simplex virus infection of the mouth. PABA-containing sunscreens may help prevent the recurrence of cold sores, since PABA is known to absorb UV light. Further research in this area would be useful to make firm conclusions.

 B


Sun exposure may reactivate herpes simplex virus infection of the mouth. PABA-containing sunscreens may help prevent the recurrence of cold sores, since PABA is known to absorb UV light. Further research in this area would be useful to make firm conclusions.

 B


Early study in pregnant women suggests that PABA may help prevent melasma, which is thought to worsen with sun exposure. PABA helps block UV light absorption. However, research is limited and further information is needed.

 B


Early study in pregnant women suggests that PABA may help prevent melasma, which is thought to worsen with sun exposure. PABA helps block UV light absorption. However, research is limited and further information is needed.

 B


Potassium PABA may have anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit people with Peyronie's disease. Several studies have found a positive effect from treatment with potassium PABA. However, there are some mixed results. Further study is needed to make firm conclusions on the use of PABA for the management of Peyronie's disease.

 B


Potassium PABA may have anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit people with Peyronie's disease. Several studies have found a positive effect from treatment with potassium PABA. However, there are some mixed results. Further study is needed to make firm conclusions on the use of PABA for the management of Peyronie's disease.

 B


Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, appears to play an important role in the development of asthma. PABA (in the form of PAMBA, para-aminomethylbenzoic acid) may help decrease levels of arachidonic acid, thereby reducing inflammation in people with asthma. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, appears to play an important role in the development of asthma. PABA (in the form of PAMBA, para-aminomethylbenzoic acid) may help decrease levels of arachidonic acid, thereby reducing inflammation in people with asthma. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease that causes blisters and sores on the skin. It is thought that PABA (in the form of PAMBA, para-aminomethylbenzoic acid) may benefit people with this condition and reduce the need for steroids. However, more studies are needed in this area.

 C


Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease that causes blisters and sores on the skin. It is thought that PABA (in the form of PAMBA, para-aminomethylbenzoic acid) may benefit people with this condition and reduce the need for steroids. However, more studies are needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that PAMBA may have anti-tumor effects in people with superficial bladder cancer (SBC), a cancer of the inside lining of the bladder. Improvements have been seen in tumor recurrence and overall survival. However, even with these benefits, further study is needed to make firm conclusions.

 C


Early research suggests that PAMBA may have anti-tumor effects in people with superficial bladder cancer (SBC), a cancer of the inside lining of the bladder. Improvements have been seen in tumor recurrence and overall survival. However, even with these benefits, further study is needed to make firm conclusions.

 C


PABA in the form of n-butyl-p-aminobenzoate (BAB) has been studied for the management of long-term pain. Early research found significant pain relief after injecting BAB in people with cancer-related pain. Further study is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


PABA in the form of n-butyl-p-aminobenzoate (BAB) has been studied for the management of long-term pain. Early research found significant pain relief after injecting BAB in people with cancer-related pain. Further study is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Early evidence suggests that a combination product containing PABA (Pantogar?) may be effective in the treatment of hair loss. Further research on the effect of PABA alone is needed.

 C


Early evidence suggests that a combination product containing PABA (Pantogar?) may be effective in the treatment of hair loss. Further research on the effect of PABA alone is needed.

 C


Actipol?, a PABA-containing solution, has been studied for the treatment of eye pain and inflammation caused by the herpes virus. The solution has been found to be effective for most people. Further studies may provide more useful information on the use of PABA for this condition.

 C


Actipol?, a PABA-containing solution, has been studied for the treatment of eye pain and inflammation caused by the herpes virus. The solution has been found to be effective for most people. Further studies may provide more useful information on the use of PABA for this condition.

 C


Limited research suggests that PABA in the form of potassium para-aminobenzoate (KPAB) may be effective in the treatment of lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory skin disorder. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that PABA in the form of potassium para-aminobenzoate (KPAB) may be effective in the treatment of lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory skin disorder. More research is needed in this area.

 C


PABA in the form of potassium para-aminobenzoate (KPAB) has been studied as a possible treatment for scleroderma, with mixed results. Further high-quality research is needed to determine if PABA may be useful in the treatment of this condition.

 C


PABA in the form of potassium para-aminobenzoate (KPAB) has been studied as a possible treatment for scleroderma, with mixed results. Further high-quality research is needed to determine if PABA may be useful in the treatment of this condition.

 C


PABA is well-known as a part of sunscreen products used for the skin. However, there are few studies on its effectiveness for sun protection. The use of PABA in sunscreen has been reduced due to the reportedly high risk of allergic reactions and cross-sensitivity with other medications. Further studies may help to better understand the sun-protective benefits of PABA.

 C


PABA is well-known as a part of sunscreen products used for the skin. However, there are few studies on its effectiveness for sun protection. The use of PABA in sunscreen has been reduced due to the reportedly high risk of allergic reactions and cross-sensitivity with other medications. Further studies may help to better understand the sun-protective benefits of PABA.

 C


Early research is lacking to support the use of PABA for limb swelling. Although some research suggests that PABA may be effective, more studies are needed to make a firm conclusion.

 C


Early research is lacking to support the use of PABA for limb swelling. Although some research suggests that PABA may be effective, more studies are needed to make a firm conclusion.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
General: Several forms of PABA are available to be taken by mouth. These include: para-aminomethylbenzoic acid (PAMBA), butyl aminobenzoate (BAB), padimate O (octyl dimethyl PABA), potassium para-aminobenzoate (KPAB, POTABA?), N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl PABA, and ursodeoxycholic acid-PABA. Since PABA is mostly eliminated by the kidneys, dosage adjustment may be needed in people who have problems with kidney function.
For asthma, one gram of PAMBA has been taken by mouth.
For cystoid macular edema (fluid build-up causing eye swelling), 75 milligrams of aminaphtone has been taken by mouth three times daily for one month.
For swelling, one tablet of aminaphtone has been taken by mouth every eight hours.
For hair color, PABA has been taken by mouth in doses of 6-48 grams daily for 1-27 months.
For Peyronie's disease, 12 grams of POTABA? has been taken by mouth daily with meals in four divided doses for 8-24 months.
For scleroderma, 8-12.5 grams of KPAB has been taken by mouth daily with meals for 1.25-26.6 months.
For eye pain and inflammation caused by the herpes virus, two drops of Aktipol? have been applied to the eyes 8-10 times daily.
For sun protection, 0.05 milliliters of 5 percent PABA in alcohol or a PABA emulsion plus oxybenzone has been applied to the skin, following a dose of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of 8-methoxypsoralen taken by mouth.
For cancer-related pain, 10 percent BAB has been injected into the spine.
For pemphigus, to be used with standard treatment, 100-200 milligrams of PAMBA has been injected into the muscle daily for 7-26 days.
For cancer, 100 milligrams of PAMBA in combination with standard treatment has been placed into the bladder for two hours, once weekly for six weeks, then once monthly for up to two years.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
PABA may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
PABA may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
PABA may also interact with agents for the blood, agents for the genital and urinary systems, agents for the lungs, agents for the nervous system, agents for the skin, agents for the stomach and intestines, agents that affect the immune system, agents that are applied to the skin, agents that are toxic to the liver, agents that increase sun sensitivity, agents that improve breathing, agents that improve digestion and stomach function, agents that protect against the sun, anesthetics, antacids, anticancer agents, antifolates, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, antivirals, cortisone, cytotoxic agents, dapsone, digestive enzymes, estradiol, fibrotic disease agents, hormonal agents, interferon, methotrexate, para-phenylenediamine, pirenzipine, procaine-penicillin, procainamide, sulfonamides, and tinidazole.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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