IPAM (Indolepropionamide)

IPAM (Indolepropionamide)

IPAM (Indolepropionamide)

IPAM (Indolepropionamide)

Indolepropionamide (IPAM / 3-Indolepropionamide) is a synthetic lipophilic indole derivative engineered as a potent, non-enzymatic free radical scavenger and mitochondrial protective agent. Structurally related to indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and an inverse of melatonin, IPAM penetrates lipid bilayers to directly neutralize hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-), halting lipid peroxidation cascades and protecting mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes.

Original price was: $44.00.Current price is: $30.80.

In stock

Quantity Discounted Price
4 - 6 $42.24
7 - 9 $41.36
10 + $40.48

What is IPAM (Indolepropionamide)?

Indolepropionamide (known chemically as IPAM, 3-Indolepropionamide, or 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanamide) is a lipophilic indole derivative and potent non-enzymatic antioxidant. Structurally engineered by replacing the terminal carboxyl group of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) with a carboxamide functional group, IPAM exhibits enhanced cell membrane permeability and high stability across variable physiological pH ranges.

Unlike conventional antioxidants that can undergo auto-oxidation or generate pro-oxidant radical intermediates upon electron transfer, Indolepropionamide scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) through stable addition and hydrogen-donation reactions that yield non-toxic end products.  To learn more about different compounds and how they interact with antioxidants in cellular assays, visit our post on Antioxidant Compound Comparisons.

Batch-verified for high analytical purity at Modern Aminos, IPAM (Indolepropionamide) is supplied as a standardized reference material for cell culture and biochemical research. Laboratories investigating mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress attenuation, and lipid membrane protection evaluate IPAM alongside complementary redox and neuro-protective standards available on the site, such as S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione (SAG), CoQ10, and Methylene Blue.

Chemical and Molecular Data

Compound Name Indolepropionamide (IPAM / 3-Indolepropionamide)
Quantity / Formats Offered High-Purity Dry Reference Powder / Solid Unit Material
Chemical Structure Indole Ring with 3-Propionamide Side Chain
Synonyms / Alt Names 3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)propanamide, IPAM, Indole-3-propionamide
CAS Number 5814-93-7
Chemical Formula C11H12N2O
Molecular Weight 188.23 g/mol
IUPAC Name 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanamide
InChIKey
OTVHXWFANORBAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES Code C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=CN2)CCC(=O)N

What are the Mechanisms of Action?

The biochemical pathways and cellular targets include:

  • Direct Hydroxyl & Peroxynitrite Radical Scavenging: IPAM acts as an electron-rich donor that rapidly neutralizes highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (OH) and peroxynitrite anions (ONOO). By quenching these radicals before they interact with cellular macromolecular structures, IPAM prevents oxidative DNA strand breaks and protein nitration.  In rotifer assays, Indolepropionamide has been shown to extend lifespan by up to 300%.
  • Inhibition of Metal-Catalyzed Lipid Peroxidation: Due to its lipophilic indole core, IPAM readily intercalates into phospholipid bilayers. It halts the propagation phase of lipid peroxidation by neutralizing lipid peroxyl radicals (LOO), protecting plasma and mitochondrial membrane integrity against heavy-metal-induced degradation.
  • Mitochondrial Membrane & Respiratory Chain Protection: Within the mitochondrial matrix, IPAM quenches excess superoxide (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated by Complexes I and III. This preserves mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and prevents cytochrome c release into the cytoplasm.

What do Preclinical & Academic Studies Show for Indolepropionamide?

When evaluating research efficacy and published scientific literature for Indolepropionamide (IPAM):

  • Neuroprotective & Antioxidant Kinetics (PubMed): Comparative pharmacological assays cataloged on PubMed (PMID: 10588828) demonstrate that indole-3-propionic derivatives prevent oxidative-stress-induced neuronal cell death and amyloid fibril accumulation significantly more effectively than classical endogenous antioxidants.
  • Mitochondrial ROS Neutralization & Lipid Protection (PMC): Comprehensive biomedical reviews archived in PMC (PMC8540866) document IPAM’s capacity to partition into lipid membranes, protect electron transport chain complexes, and preserve cellular viability during severe oxidative stress.
  • Chemical Profiling & Identification (PubChem): Official structural characterization maintained on PubChem verifies the molecular mass (188.23 g/mol), propionamide side chain geometry, and HPLC retention profile of CAS 5654-95-5.

How does Indolepropionamide compare to other compounds?

To evaluate antioxidant mechanisms, membrane transport, and radical scavenging efficacy, researchers compare Indolepropionamide against alternative reference standards available at Modern Aminos:

Comparative Analysis: IPAM vs. IPA vs. SAG vs. Methylene Blue

Indolepropionamide (IPAM) is a lipophilic, non-enzymatic free-radical scavenger that intercalates into lipid membranes to neutralize hydroxyl radicals (OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO). In comparative laboratory assays, IPAM differs distinctly from Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA) (an ionized PXR receptor ligand), S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione (SAG) (an intracellular GSH donor), and Methylene Blue (a catalytic mitochondrial electron shuttle).

Compound / Reference Chemical Class & Structure Primary Mechanism of Action Key Distinguishing Feature
Indolepropionamide (IPAM) Lipophilic Indole-3-Propionamide Derivative Non-enzymatic scavenging of OH and ONOO; halts lipid peroxidation chains Neutral -CONH2 amide group provides high lipid membrane permeability without generating pro-oxidant intermediates
Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA) Indole-3-Monocarboxylic Acid (Tryptophan Metabolite) Free-radical scavenging + Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) activation Carboxylate anion (-COO) at physiological pH; regulates gut mucosal tight junctions (ZO-1, Occludin) via PXR
S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione (SAG) S-Acetylated Tripeptide Thioester Cell-permeable GSH precursor; cleaved by intracellular esterases Bypasses extracellular γ-GT cleavage to directly restore intracellular and mitochondrial reduced GSH pools
Methylene Blue Phenothiazine Autoxidizable Electron Cycler Catalytic electron shuttle bypassing ETC Complexes I/III to reduce Cytochrome c Acts catalytically to boost Complex IV activity and ATP yield rather than being consumed as a sacrificial scavenger

Detailed Comparison Breakdown

1. Indolepropionamide (IPAM) vs. Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA)

  • Chemical Charge & Membrane Permeability: IPAM replaces the terminal carboxylic acid group of IPA with a neutral carboxamide group (-CONH2). While IPA ionizes into a negatively charged carboxylate (-COO) at physiological pH (pH 7.2–7.4), IPAM remains uncharged, yielding a significantly higher octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) and superior passive diffusion across hydrophobic cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier.
  • Target Pathways: Both molecules neutralize OH radicals without forming reactive pro-oxidant intermediates. However, IPA uniquely acts as an agonist for the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), upregulating mucosal tight-junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin) and phase II detoxification enzymes. IPAM operates almost exclusively as a lipophilic, membrane-intercalating radical scavenger and lipid peroxidation inhibitor.

2. Indolepropionamide (IPAM) vs. S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione (SAG)

  • Mode of Antioxidant Action: IPAM is a direct, non-enzymatic radical quencher that does not require intracellular enzymatic conversion to function. SAG, by contrast, acts as an intracellular pro-drug for reduced glutathione (GSH).
  • Enzymatic Dependence: SAG must be cleaved by cytosolic and mitochondrial esterases to yield free GSH, which then serves as an obligate substrate for enzymatic cascades (Glutathione Peroxidase, GPx, and Glutathione S-Transferase, GST). IPAM neutralizes ROS/RNS directly via hydrogen donation and addition reactions without consuming intracellular enzyme reserves.

3. Indolepropionamide (IPAM) vs. Methylene Blue

  • Redox Stoichiometry vs. Catalytic Cycling: IPAM functions stoichiometrically as a sacrificial antioxidant—each molecule quenches reactive species directly within lipid bilayers. Methylene Blue functions catalytically as an autoxidizable electron shuttle. At low nanomolar concentrations, Methylene Blue accepts electrons from reduced NADH and transfers them directly to cytochrome c, bypassing dysfunctional ETC Complexes I and III to increase Cytochrome c Oxidase (Complex IV) activity and ATP production.
  • Nitric Oxide Pathway Interference: Methylene Blue directly inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), dampening cGMP signaling. IPAM does not inhibit sGC or iNOS enzymes, focusing its protective effects on preventing peroxynitrite (ONOO)-mediated nitrative protein damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Modern Aminos a reliable place to buy IPAM (Indolepropionamide)?

Yes, Modern Aminos is a highly trusted vendor for high-purity research chemicals and reference compounds. Every batch of Indolepropionamide (IPAM) undergoes strict third-party analytical testing (including HPLC and Mass Spectrometry) to verify minimum 98%+ chemical purity, correct molecular weight (188.23 g/mol), exact amide structure fidelity, and complete absence of heavy metals or synthesis impurities.

2. What is Indolepropionamide (IPAM) and how is it classified?

IPAM (Indolepropionamide) is a synthetic amide derivative of indole-3-propionic acid. It is classified chemically as a lipophilic indole derivative and non-enzymatic antioxidant designed for cellular bioenergetics and free-radical research.

3. How does IPAM function as a lipophilic antioxidant?

IPAM partitions into lipid membranes and intracellular compartments, donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH) and peroxynitrite anions (ONOO) without forming reactive pro-oxidant intermediates.

4. How does IPAM differ from Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA)?

IPAM replaces the carboxylic acid group of IPA with a neutral carboxamide group. This structural change enhances lipophilicity and membrane permeability, allowing rapid intracellular uptake across lipid bilayers.

5. What role does IPAM play in mitochondrial membrane stabilization?

In mitochondrial assays, IPAM quenches excess reactive oxygen species generated during electron transport, protecting mitochondrial inner membrane lipids against peroxidation and preserving membrane potential (ΔΨm).

6. How does IPAM attenuate lipid peroxidation in cell culture models?

By neutralizing lipid peroxyl radicals (LOO) within phospholipid membranes, IPAM halts the self-propagating chain reaction of lipid autoxidation, preventing cell membrane destabilization and MDA/4-HNE byproduct formation.

7. How does Modern Aminos verify the chemical purity and mass identity of IPAM?

Modern Aminos uses High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to confirm purity profiles exceeding 98% and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to verify exact molecular mass (188.23 g/mol) and structural identity prior to batch release.

8. What are the proper storage and handling parameters for IPAM reference standards?

IPAM (Indolepropionamide) reference material should be stored tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment (15°C to 25°C) or refrigerated for long-term preservation. Protect from direct heat, light, and humidity to maintain solid-state chemical stability.

Disclaimer: All compounds and research materials provided by Modern Aminos are strictly for laboratory and research professional use only. They are not approved for human or animal use nor consumption by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products should not be used for any form of in vivo experimentation or for any other non-laboratory purpose. Any violation or indication of human or animal use will result in immediate removal from being able to purchase products in the future. By purchasing these products, you acknowledge that they will be used exclusively within a controlled and qualified research environment.

The products offered by Modern Aminos are intended strictly for laboratory research purposes only and are sold exclusively to qualified professionals, institutions, and entities. These products are not for human consumption, veterinary use, or any other application involving living organisms, including but not limited to diagnostic, therapeutic, or recreational purposes.

By purchasing this product, you confirm that:

  • You are a qualified professional or entity with the necessary knowledge, training, and facilities to handle chemical reagents safely and appropriately.
  • You will use this product in full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Prohibited Uses

  • This product is not to be used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in compounding or manufacturing drugs for human or veterinary use.
  • It is strictly prohibited to use this product for administration to humans or animals under any circumstances.
  • Modern Aminos does not condone or permit the use of its products for the development, testing, or production of illegal substances.

Regulatory Compliance

Modern Aminos does not claim that this product is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any purpose. The statements regarding this product have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Liability Statement

The buyer assumes full responsibility for ensuring the safe handling, storage, and use of this product. Modern Aminos is not liable for any damages, direct or indirect, resulting from improper handling, storage, or unauthorized use of this product. Furthermore, Modern Aminos reserves the right to refuse sales to any individual or entity suspected of misusing its products.

If you have questions about the safe and lawful use of this product, consult a qualified professional with expertise in laboratory research. By proceeding with this purchase, you agree to these terms and conditions.

0