Benserazide hydrochloride

Benserazide is an inhibitor of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), an enzyme that has dopamine decarboxylase activity. It blocks the conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine by AADC in the peripheral circulatory system. It causes an increase in the amount of L-DOPA reaching the central nervous system and so reduces the required dose. It is often combined with L-DOPA in patients with Parkinson’s disease.