Carnosine (B-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally-occurring di-peptide
(a combination of two amino acids), found in muscle, brain and other animal
and human tissues. Carnosine is a powerful antioxidant and an anti-glycation
agent. Glycation is a process whereby unstable protein and sugar molecules
build up in the brain causing a browning of brain matter. It also appears
to enhance wound healing; reduce lactic acid accumulation; promote muscle
recovery; and enhances muscle contraction. Carnosine is found in high
concentrations in skeletal muscles and thus the focus of research has
been on athletic performance. It appears to be a powerful antioxidant.
Research has implicated carnosine in a variety of physiological processes.
Its most widely researched function is as a "broad-spectrum"
antioxidant, able to interact with several free radical species including
singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and both peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals.
Carnosine is also able to inhibit radical-induced cellular damage caused
by iron, copper and zinc. It appears to help activate the enzymes responsible
for generating muscle contractions (myofibrillar-ATPase) and act as an
intramuscular buffering agent to prevent accumulation of lactic acid.
Among athletes, muscle carnosine levels are highest in those with high
anaerobic demands (rowers and track sprinters), but levels are also elevated
in endurance athletes (marathoners) when compared to untrained subjects.
There are a number of potential therapeutic actions of carnosine, including
antihypertensive effects; immunomodulation; wound healing and anti-tumor/chemopreventive
effects
Current research shows that in animal and test-tube experiments, carnosine
inhibits oxidation of LDL-cholesterol and reduces development of breast
cancer (in rats). High doses of carnosine may also possess some immune-stimulating
activity as shown by animal experiments in which survival time in x-ray
irradiated mice was increased by about 50% following carnosine intake
(50-200mg/kg.day – a very large dose). It also appears to promote
wound healing as shown by animal experiments in which 6-20mg/kg/day for
2 weeks reduced the size and depth of gastric ulcers and accelerated regeneration
of the damaged tissue.
Calculating the pool of muscle dipeptides (mainly carnosine) accounts
for about 10%-40% of the pH-buffering capacity of muscle tissue. Therefore,
during intense exercise, carnosine may play an important role in preventing
the reduction in pH caused by lactic acid accumulation – and thereby
improving exercise performance. Animal studies in racehorses have shown
that muscle carnosine concentrations are higher in muscles with a high
percentage of fast-twitch glycolytic fibers and lower in muscles with
predominantly slower twitch oxidative fiber types. In addition to its
potential effects on anaerobic metabolism (lactic acid), carnosine may
enhance oxidative (aerobic) metabolism by increasing the efficiency of
mitochondria to produce cellular energy.
Dietary Sources: The average daily intake of carnosine
from foods is probably in the range of 50-250mg (based on a diet containing
at least one serving, 3-4 ounces, of beef, pork or chicken).
Dosage: Oral doses of 1-3 grams per day have been used
with success in managing immune system function in cancer patients.
Side Effects: Rodent experiments have suggested that
carnosine is extremely safe – no adverse toxic effects are noted
even at doses up to 500mg/kg body weight (about 35 grams for an average-sized
man).
(Source: www.supplementwatch.com)
Research Overview
Research on carnosine shows the following effects:
1. Protects superoxide dismutase against oxidation
2. Prevents the accumulation of age-related free radicals
3. May protect against the oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer’s
4. Protects neuronal and endothelial cells from damage
5. Has anti-glycating properties
6. Improves memory in Alzheimer’s
7. Improves cognition in Alzheimer’s
8. Protect against malondialdehyde toxicity
9. Provide protection to cells and molecules from free radical damage
10. Delays aging in human cells
11. Protects against toxic aldehydes and thus offers protection from diabetes
complications, inflammatory ailments, and alcohol-related liver disease
12. Affects protein metabolism
13. Affects cellular homeostasis
14. Prevents development of senility features
15. Reduces lipid peroxide production
16. Aids in wound healing
17. Enhances the immune system
Carnosine
Abstracts (47)
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