4-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

4-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is an organic compound with the formula C₇H₇NO₂. It consists of a benzene ring substituted with amino and carboxyl groups at the para position. PABA occurs naturally in foods such as liver, yeast, mushrooms, and whole grains. It is essential for folate biosynthesis in bacteria and plants but not humans; humans must obtain folate directly from their diet because they cannot convert PABA into folate themselves. Historically used as a sunscreen agent due to its UV absorption properties, topical use has declined because of allergic reactions. The potassium salt form is approved for treating certain fibrotic skin conditions like Peyronie’s disease. While sometimes marketed as part of the vitamin B complex (“vitamin Bx”), it is not considered an essential nutrient for humans.[1][2][3][5] Note: PABA itself is not considered a therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme; rather, it is a small molecule/compound that serves primarily as a metabolic intermediate or pharmaceutical ingredient.[1] If you are seeking information on molecular targets relevant to drugs acting on pathways involving PABA—such as bacterial dihydropteroate synthase involved in folate synthesis—please specify further. If you need structured data about enzymes that interact with PABA (e.g., bacterial dihydropteroate synthase), please clarify your request.

Other names

para-aminobenzoic acidp-aminobenzoic acidaminobenzoic acid4-Abz-OH4-carboxyanilinpara-aminobenzoatep-carboxyaniline

Inhibits abnormal collagen formation in fibrotic skin disorders (as potassium salt)[2][3][4]