L-Carnosine Background

L-Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring dipeptide discovered over 100 years ago by Gulewitsch and Amiradžibi at the University of Charkow, Ukraine[1].

Its name derives from the Latin "caro, carnis" meaning meat, as it was first isolated from minced meat extract[1].

This endogenous compound is highly concentrated in muscle and brain tissues, synthesized in the body from beta-alanine and histidine[5].

Since its discovery, L-carnosine has been the subject of extensive research, revealing its potential as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent[2].

L-Carnosine Systemic Applications

L-Carnosine demonstrates remarkable versatility in systemic applications, ranging from cardiovascular protection to metabolic regulation[2].

It has shown efficacy in ameliorating conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders[2].

L-Carnosine's multimodal mechanism of action includes detoxification of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, down-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators, inhibition of aberrant protein formation, and modulation of peripheral and brain immune systems[1].

Recent studies have also highlighted its potential in reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, potentially modulating cardiometabolic risks associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and lipid peroxidation[6].

L-Carnosine for Brain and Cognition

L-Carnosine has shown promising effects on cognitive function, particularly in enhancing memory and learning abilities in older adults[3].

A study demonstrated that daily L-carnosine supplementation for 3 months resulted in better verbal episodic memory performance and decreased connectivity in specific brain networks compared to a placebo group[3].

Research indicates that L-Carnosine may have neuroprotective properties, potentially improving cognitive performance in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetic encephalopathy[7].

L-Carnosine administration has been found to ameliorate cognitive impairment in animal models by reducing neuronal oxidative stress damage and promoting the expression of neuroprotective factors[7].

L-Carnosine for Eye and Vision

L-Carnosine has demonstrated significant benefits for eye health, particularly in preventing and managing cataracts[4].

Studies have shown that N-acetylcarnosine, a derivative of L-carnosine, can improve best corrected visual acuity and glare sensitivity in patients with cataracts[4].

L-Carnosine and its derivatives can pass through the aqueous and lipid components of the eye, preventing DNA strand breaks and potentially slowing cataract progression[4].

Research suggests that L-carnosine eye drops could provide a non-invasive treatment option for cataract patients, potentially reducing the need for surgical interventions[8].

Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) has protective functions additional to anti-oxidant and free-radical scavenging roles. It extends cultured human fibroblast life-span, kills transformed cells, protects cells against aldehydes and an amyloid peptide fragment and inhibits, in vitro, protein glycation (formation of cross-links, carbonyl groups and AGEs) and DNA/protein cross-linking. Carnosine is an aldehyde scavenger, a likely lipofuscin (age pigment) precursor and possible modulator of diabetic complications, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. 

Source: Carnosine, a protective, anti-ageing peptide?

Relevant quotes:

"Carnosine is perhaps the most important antioxidant for eye health. Your eyes are high energy organs that use large amounts of CoQ10." - Jigsaw Health

"L-carnosine and N-acetyl-L-carnosine have demonstrated a reduction in opacification of the lens when used as a direct instillation to the eye." - Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO[8]

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous dipeptide and an over-the-counter food supplement with a well-demonstrated multimodal mechanism of action that includes the detoxification of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the down-regulation of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, the inhibition of aberrant protein formation, and the modulation of cells in the peripheral (macrophages) and brain (microglia) immune systems." - From "Unveiling the Hidden Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine, a Naturally Occurring Dipeptide" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9143376/)

"Carnosine's pharmacodynamic profile is multimodal and combines the systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities with its anti-aggregant and neuroprotective efficacy in the central nervous system." - From "The therapeutic potential of carnosine: Focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10333684/)

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Antioxidant activity[1][2]

2. Anti-inflammatory effects[1][2]

3. Neuroprotection[2][7]

4. pH buffering in muscles[5]

5. Anti-glycation[5]

Related benefits:

1. Improved cognitive function and memory[3][7]

2. Enhanced eye health, particularly for cataract prevention and management[4][8]

3. Potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases[2][7]

4. Support for cardiovascular health[2][6]

5. Potential anti-aging effects[5]

Source Information:

L-Carnosine is not derived from a specific plant source but is synthesized in the body from beta-alanine and histidine[5]. There are no plant-based sources of carnosine[5].

Citations:

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9143376/

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10333684/

[3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2015.00219/full

[4] https://www.healio.com/news/optometry/20151007/antioxidant-eye-drops-provide-another-option-for-cataract-patients

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnosine

[6] https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/12/1696/7471578?login=false

[7] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/rej.2022.0002

[8] https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/l-carnosines-effects-cataract-development

[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8300828/

[10] https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=1316f5dd500e83ddf3f15f053f3d14902612a842