L-carnosine is a dipeptide composed of the amino acids β-alanine and histidine. Known for its antioxidant properties, L-carnosine removes free radicals and other related Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) caused by the oxidative stress of glycation. Chronic glycolysis is linked to the progression of many illnesses such as cancer and is a contributing factor in the aging process and age-related chronic diseases.
L-carnosine is highly concentrated in the brain, muscles, skin, and is also common in herbs such as rosemary and sage. It is a strong neuroprotective agent, as the dipeptide promotes the overall health of neurons. Studies suggest that with these properties, L-carnosine can be used as a therapy against devastating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other forms of dementia. The positive affects of L-carnosine on such chronic age-related neurodegenerative diseases include the correction of malfunctioning mitochondria and aβ-amlyiod plaque degradation by reactive oxygen species and AGE removal.
Though L-carnosine can be used as age-related therapy, it is also beneficial to other chronic diseases such as diabetes. Cellular damage to podocytes and mesangial cells, renal cells located in the kidneys, is induced by high glucose conditions. Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure in the western world; however, with the application of L-carnosine, the oxidative damage caused by mitochondrial overproduction can be reversed. Similarly, this molecule has been experimentally observed to reduce and prevent any oxidative damage caused by ulcers, cancers and tumors. This preventative effect is also seen in patients with chemically induced cardiac damage and cataracts.
In addition to its wide range of medical application, L-carnosine is a potent aid in the rejuvenation of connective tissue and skin. Carnosine is naturally produced by the connective tissues in muscles in response to exercise allowing optimal mitochondrial function and ultimately, better athletic performance. The positive effects of L-carnosine on such tissue formation have led to studies including sports health. Furthermore, it is comparable to the fountain of youth by not only reducing and preventing age-related disease but also by relieving the physical appearance of aging. By preventing the collagen-skin crossbridges and increasing the Haylflick limit of the existing cells, L-carnosine promotes cell division and elasticity thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may be used as a topical gel or an oral dietary supplement to fight the effects of aging internally and externally.
References:
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Carnosine on Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Amyloid Pathology, and Cognitive Deficits in 3xTg-AD Mice
L-carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) and carcinine (beta-alanylhistamine) act as natural antioxidants with hydroxyl-radical-scavenging and lipid-peroxidase activities
Dietary regulation of intestinal transport of the dipeptide Carnosine
Carnosine Is Neuroprotective Against Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Mice
Anti-oxidative and anti-genotoxic effects of carnosine on human lymphocyte culture
Glycation of the muscle-specific enolase by reactive carbonyls: effect of temperature and the protection role of carnosine, pyridoxamine and phosphatidylserine
Identification of factors involved in the anti-tumor activity of carnosine on glioblastomas using a proteomics approach
Carnosine inhibits degradation of hyaluronan induced by free radical processes in vitro and improves the redox imbalance in adjuvant arthritis in vivo
Protective effect of carnosine on adriamycin-induced oxidative heart damage in rats