Carnosine

• β -alanyl -L-histidine
• (S) -2 - (3- Aminopropanoylamino ) - 3 - (3H -imidazol- 4-yl ) propanoic acid

Colorless crystals

Fixed

260 ° C

> 14,930 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, mouse, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Carnosine ( β -alanyl -L-histidine ) is a dipeptide composed of the amino acids β -alanine and histidine.

Description

Carnosine is in high concentrations in human muscle and brain tissue present. With birds find safe instead the methyl derivative anserine.

Clinical studies have shown that carnosine for humans suffering from autism, can be an effective supplement. It affects areas of the brain responsible for hearing, speech, movement and socialization from. However, carnosine cause that corticosterone increases. This allows to explain the hyperactivity, which can be observed on administration of high doses.

The response of carnosine with ROS ( reactive oxygen species ) was tested. It can intercept this as well ( as scavengers) such as α - β -unsaturated aldehydes, which are formed during the peroxidation of fatty acids of the cell membrane during oxidative stress. It can chelate various metal ions and prevent glycation.

However some studies on the beneficial effect of N-acetyl -carnosine with respect to the disease cataract have not been checked. Britain's Royal College of Ophthamologists explained that neither safety nor effectiveness has been adequately demonstrated to be responsible for the use.