Carnosine

also known as: L-Carnosine, Beta-alanyl-L-histidine

A naturally occurring muscle dipeptide — one of the body's primary intracellular buffers and anti-glycation agents, studied for longevity, neuroprotection, and athletic performance.

A histidine-containing dipeptide synthesized by carnosine synthase, present at millimolar concentrations in skeletal muscle and brain, functioning as a pH buffer, metal chelator, anti-glycation agent, and reactive carbonyl scavenger.

Mechanism of action

Multi-functional: (1) pH buffer in exercising muscle via histidine imidazole ring; (2) chelates pro-oxidant transition metals (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺); (3) scavenges reactive oxygen species and reactive carbonyl species (methylglyoxal, acrolein); (4) inhibits advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation; (5) potential telomere-protective effects in fibroblast cultures.

Primary uses

Antioxidant and anti-aging supplement
Anti-glycation agent research
Neuroprotection studies (Alzheimer's, autism)
Athletic performance (via beta-alanine/carnosine loading)

Typical dosing

500–2000 mg daily (oral)

Limited by serum carnosinase. Beta-alanine at 3.2–6.4 g/day more effectively raises muscle carnosine.

Regulatory status

Sold as a dietary supplement. Not FDA-approved for any medical indication. Beta-alanine supplementation is the more common approach to raising tissue carnosine levels.

References

[review] Boldyrev AA, et al. "Physiology and pathophysiology of carnosine." Physiol Rev, 2013;93:1803-1845.
[review] Hipkiss AR. "Carnosine and its possible roles in nutrition and health." Adv Food Nutr Res, 2009;57:87-154.

Related peptides

Glutathione

A naturally-occurring tripeptide antioxidant central to cellular redox balance, widely used in injectable longevity and wellness protocols despite limited randomized evidence.

NAD+

An essential cellular coenzyme that declines with age; now heavily marketed in IV and injectable longevity protocols despite limited randomized clinical evidence for anti-aging claims.

Epithalon

A synthetic pineal tetrapeptide from the Khavinson group (St. Petersburg) — the only peptide with published data claiming telomerase activation and telomere elongation in human cell models.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.