Carnosine May Protect Brain Health

By VRP Staff

A new study reviewed the protective properties of L-carnosine on brain degeneration.

Carnosine is a di-peptide made up of the two amino acids, beta-alanine and L-histidine. It is found in the body in highest concentrations in the brain, skeletal muscles and heart muscle. Carnosine has numerous beneficial properties including its ability to act as an antioxidant, free radical scavenger, immune-modulator, anti-inflammatory, heavy metal chelator and pH-buffering substance. These properties make carnosine important for anti-aging, as it can prevent damaging cross-links from forming between proteins, as well as eliminate cross-links that have previously formed, thus restoring normal cellular membrane function. In addition, carnosine has the unusual ability to modulate some cellular processes, increasing reactions that are deficient and decreasing reactions that are overactive. For example, carnosine has been shown to suppress excess immune reactions in immature mice and to stimulate protective immune reactions in aged mice.

In this new study, investigators reviewed carnosine’s activity on the brain. In reviewing the medical literature, they concluded that carnosine can improve microcirculation as well as rejuvenate cultured cells. The researchers stated that carnosine is “an essential factor for preventing neurodegeneration and accumulation of senile features.” Additionally, recent studies indicate that carnosine is effective in patients who have had a stroke as well as patients with Parkinson’s disease.

The study authors stated, “We conclude that carnosine can be recommended for patients under oxidative stress as a natural remedy having high efficiency and no side effects.”

Reference:

Boldyrev AA, Stvolinsky SL, Fedorova TN, Suslina ZA. Carnosine As a Natural Antioxidant and Geroprotector: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Trials. Rejuvenation Res. 2009 Dec 17. Published Online Ahead of Print.