p-aminobenzoic acid


p-aminobenzoic acid

 (PAB) (PABA) [ah-me″no-ben-zo´ik] a substance required for the synthesis of folic acid by many organisms; it is included in the B vitamin complex, although it is not an essential nutrient for humans. It is synthesized by many bacteria; sulfonamides act by blocking its synthesis; it also absorbs ultraviolet light, specifically UVB rays, and is used as aminobenzoic acid as a topical sunscreen.

p-a·mi·no·ben·zo·ic ac·id (PABA),

(ă-mē'nō-ben-zō'ik as'id), 4-aminobenzoic acid, a factor in the vitamin B complex, required for biosynthesis of folate; neutralizes the bacteriostatic effects of the sulfonamides because it furnishes an essential growth factor for bacteria; elevated concentrations of the sulfonamides interfere with use of this agent and of folates; used as an ultraviolet screen in lotions and creams. It is produced in a test of pancreatic function. Synonym(s): paraaminobenzoic acid, vitamin Bx

p-ami·no·ben·zo·ic acid

(PABA) (ă-mē'nō-ben-zō'ik as'id) A factor in the vitamin B complex, a part of all folic acids and required for its formation; neutralizes the bacteriostatic effects of the sulfonamides because it furnishes an essential growth factor for bacteria, with the use of which sulfonamides interfere; used as an ultraviolet screen in lotions and creams.