Benserazide is a peripheral dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor used in combination with levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Its main role is to prevent the breakdown of levodopa into dopamine outside the brain, allowing more levodopa to reach the central nervous system. This enhances the therapeutic effect of levodopa while reducing peripheral side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and cardiovascular effects. Benserazide itself does not cross the blood–brain barrier and has no direct effect on Parkinson’s symptoms when used alone. It is commonly formulated together with levodopa in fixed-dose combinations.
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