L-aspartic acid: a review of multifunctional amino acids

Introduction

L-aspartic acid (chemical form C₄H₇NO₄) is a non-essential amino acid found widely in plants and animals. As a coding amino acid in protein synthesis, it plays a variety of physiological functions in organisms, such as participating in energy metabolism, promoting muscle growth, and improving memory and cognition. In recent years, with the continuous development of science and technology, it has been increasingly widely used in medicine, food, and nutrition.

Chemical property

L-aspartic acid is a white crystal or crystalline powder, that tastes slightly acidic. It is easily soluble in boiling water, slightly soluble in water at 25℃(0.5%), easily soluble in dilute acid and sodium hydroxide solution, but insoluble in ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents. The specific curl is dependent on the solvent in which it is dissolved. It is dextral in acid solution, left-handed in base solution, and dextral in aqueous solution. These chemical properties make it widely used in the fields of biochemistry and medicinal chemistry.¹

Physiological function

1. Participate in energy metabolism

L-aspartic acid is one of the important intermediates of the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), which is involved in the energy metabolism process in cells. It can transport NADH molecules to the mitochondria, which in turn promotes the production of ATP, providing the cells with the energy they need. In addition, the energy metabolism of cells can be affected by regulating mitochondrial function.²

2. Promotes muscle growth

L-aspartic is one of the important raw materials for muscle protein synthesis, which can promote muscle growth and repair. Studies have shown that it can increase the number and diameter of myofibril in muscles and improve muscle strength and endurance. In addition, it can also promote the activity of enzymes such as creatine kinase in muscles, further promoting muscle growth and development.

3. Improve memory and cognition

L-aspartic acid has an important effect on brain function and can improve memory and cognitive function. It can deliver NADH to the brain and maintain normal levels of certain chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to keep the brain in good working order. In addition, it can also promote the growth and differentiation of neurons, further improving the cognitive function of the brain.³

4. Enhance immune function

L-aspartic acid also plays an important role in the immune system and can enhance the body's immune function. It is involved in the production of antibodies and immunoglobulins, which help to recognize and remove pathogens such as bacteria and viruses from the body. In addition, it can also promote the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells and enhance the immune response ability of the body.

5. Remove toxins

L-aspartic has a toxin-removing effect on the body and can remove ammonia and other harmful substances. When ammonia levels in the body are too high, it can be converted into non-toxic urea excreted from the body, thereby protecting the brain, liver, and central nervous system from damage.

Application prospect

1. Medical field

L-aspartic acid has a wide application prospect in the field of medicine. It can be used as an electrolyte supplement, ammonia antidote, liver function promoter, and other pharmaceutical ingredients for the treatment of heart disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other diseases. In addition, it can also be used as a fatigue recovery agent to help athletes and workers recover their physical strength.⁴

2. Food and nutrition

L-aspartic acid also has a wide range of applications in the food and nutrition fields. It can be used as a food additive to increase the nutritional value and taste of food, and can also be used as a nutritional supplement to provide amino acids and energy needed by the human body.⁵

3. Biochemical research

L-aspartic acid also has important application value in biochemical research. It can be used as a biochemical reagent, medium and organic synthesis intermediate, etc., to provide strong support for the research of biochemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Research progress

In recent years, with the continuous development of science and technology, the research of L-aspartic acid has also made remarkable progress. Researchers have successfully achieved efficient synthesis and secretion through genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and other means. At the same time, its physiological functions and application prospects have been further discussed and studied. These research results not only provide strong support for further application but also provide new ideas and methods for research and development in related fields

References

[1].Derissen, J.; Endeman, H.; Peerdeman, A., The crystal and molecular structure of L-aspartic acid. Acta Crystallographica Section B: Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry 1968, 24(10), 1349-1354.

[2].Wang, Y.; Bai, Y.; Zeng, Q.; Jiang, Z.; Liu, Y.; Wang, X.; Liu, X.; Liu, C.; Min, W., Recent advances in the metabolic engineering and physiological opportunities for microbial synthesis of L-aspartic acid family amino acids: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2023, 126916.

[3].Piatkowski, M.; Radwan-Prag?owska, J.; Raclavsky, K., Application of Poly (aspartic acid) and its Derivatives in Medicine and Pharmacy. Asian Journal of Applied Sciences 2015, 3(5).

[4].Tada, Y.; Yano, N.; Takahashi, H.; Yuzawa, K.; Ando, H.; Kubo, Y.; Nagasawa, A.; Uehara, S.; Ogata, A.; Nakae, D., Toxic effects of L-aspartic acid at high dose levels on kidneys and salivary glands in Fischer 344 rats detected in a 90-day feeding study. Food and chemical toxicology 2008, 46(8), 2789-2795.

[5].Henjum, S.; Fr?yland, L.; Haugen, M.; Holvik, K.; L?vik, M.; Sk?lhegg, B. S.; Stea, T. H.; Strand, T. A.; Iversen, P. O., Risk Assessment of Other Substances–L-aspartic Acid. 2018.

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