MOLECULE

L-Asparagine

L-Asparagine, also known as Asn or aspartamic acid, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as asparagine and derivatives. Asparagine and derivatives are compounds containing asparagine or a derivative thereof resulting from reaction of asparagine at the amino group or the carboxy group, or from the replacement of any hydrogen of glycine by a heteroatom. L-Asparagine is a drug which is used for nutritional supplementation, also for treating dietary shortage or imbalance. L-Asparagine is a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa). L-Asparagine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, L-asparagine participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, L-asparagine and L-glutamic acid can be biosynthesized from L-aspartic acid and L-glutamine through the action of the enzyme asparagine synthetase [glutamine-hydrolyzing]. In addition, L-asparagine can be converted into L-aspartic acid through the action of the enzyme isoaspartyl peptidase/l-asparaginase. In humans, L-asparagine is involved in aspartate metabolism. L-Asparagine is an odorless tasting compound. Outside of the human body, L-Asparagine is found, on average, in the highest concentration within a few different foods, such as white lupines, wheats, and oats and in a lower concentration in sacred lotus, parsnips, and pineapples. L-Asparagine has also been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as colorado pinyons, opium poppies, lentils, green beans, and watermelons. This could make L-asparagine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. L-Asparagine is a potentially toxic compound. An optically active form of asparagine having L-configuration. L-Asparagine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.