N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-D-phenylalanine is used for affinity chromatography of proteinases such as the extracellular fibrinogenolytic enzyme of Aspergillus fumigatus. It serves as a primary precursor for the biosynthesis of catecholamines in the body. Also used to antagonize stress-induced analgesia in humans, and also acts as an anti-enkephalinase agent.