5-Aminolevulinic acid

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a natural compound involved in the production of heme, the essential component of hemoglobin in blood. In medical treatments, ALA is used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy, where it accumulates in specific abnormal cells, such as cancerous or precancerous tissues. When exposed to a particular light, it helps destroy those targeted cells while sparing healthy tissue. ALA-based therapies are valued for their precision and effectiveness in treating certain conditions, especially skin cancers.