Picolinic acid

Picolinic acid is a naturally occurring pyridine carboxylate and a catabolite of the amino acid tryptophan, produced in the body via the kynurenine pathway[1][2][3][6]. It functions as a bidentate chelating agent for divalent and trivalent metal ions such as zinc, chromium, manganese, copper, iron, and molybdenum[3][4][6]. Picolinic acid plays an important role in zinc transport and absorption in the human body[1][2][3]. As an endogenous metabolite, it has been implicated in neuroprotective, immunological, anti-proliferative effects and may modulate immune responses by enhancing interferon-gamma-induced nitric oxide synthase expression in macrophages[7][8]. Therapeutically investigated as an anti-infective and immunomodulator with antiviral activity (in vitro/in vivo), it can disrupt viral replication by binding to zinc finger proteins involved in viral packaging. Potential indications include acne vulgaris, herpes labialis infections (cold sores), venereal disease, and possibly other inflammatory or infectious conditions[2].

Other names

2-pyridinecarboxylic acidα-picolinic acid