Glycation causes the disruption and degradation of both the structure and function of proteins. Glycated proteins produce 50 times more free radicals than their non-glycated counterparts, and their presence causes the emission of signals that induce the production of inflammatory cytokines. As a result of these processes, when sufficient damage occurs, the body becomes more susceptible to illness and disease.

Carnosine, also called L-carnosine, is a naturally-occurring dipeptide—a combination of the two amino acids beta-alanine and histadine. Although it was discovered in Russia in 1900, carnosine has only recently been rediscovered by Western scientists. It has anti-glycation, antioxidative, neurotransmitter, and other properties, and is concentrated in the long-lived tissues of the body including the brain, and cardiac and skeletal muscles.

Orally ingested, carnosine is “the most effective natural inhibitor of protein carbonylation...It reacts [bonds] with and removes the carbonyl groups in glycated proteins [that are imbedded within cellular membranes]. Moreover, carnosine suppresses the multiple pathways that lead to protein carbonylation.”1 It significantly inhibits the protein (inter- and intra-molecular) cross-linking of glycation and especially reduces the formation of advanced glycation end products, AGEs.2 Thus, carnosine both prevents the damaging cross-linking formation of proteins, and also neutralizes/eliminates them after they have formed, thereby restoring normal cellular function.

Carnosine “...rejuvenates cells—helping to keep skin and connective tissue supple and elastic, which gives skin a more youthful, wrinkle-free appearance...”3 In animal experiments, it prevented the development of visible signs of advanced age, and significantly delayed the appearance of skin ulcers and lesions, spinal curvature, unresponsiveness, and inactivity.4 A Russian experiment with age-accelerated mice showed that carnosine-supplemented mice not only appeared much younger than the control group not receiving carnosine, but their maximum life-span increased by 20%. The Russian researchers also demonstrated carnosine’s ability to extend the life-spans of male fruit flies.5 Because carnosine has such a beneficial effect on bodily tissues, it is also useful in the treatment of wound healing.

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The high concentrations of carnosine found in the brain are used to protect this sensitive organ from oxidation, glycation, carbonylation, and the effects of excitotoxins. It is also a powerful chelator of copper and zinc (and heavy metals in general), which have been shown to contribute to the formation of amyloid beta deposits present in Alzheimer’s patients. It also protects the brain against lipid oxidation and the harmful byproducts of alcohol metabolism.6

In vitro (laboratory) research has demonstrated carnosine’s ability to restore the normal appearance to and extend the cellular life-span of aged cells approaching the termination point of their life cycles.7 When carnosine was added to a culture medium containing connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), the cells rejuvenated in appearance and often showed an enhanced ability to continue cell division. Even for aged cells, the carnosine-containing medium increased cellular life-span from 139 days (for control cells) to 423 days—providing a 67% increase in the life-span of carnosine-treated aged cells.8

Carnosine performs important homeostatic (equilibrium/auto-regulating) functions. It down-regulates cellular and enzymatic processes that are excessive, and up-regulates them when they are suppressed. In individuals with abnormally high clotting tendencies, for example, it thins the blood, whereas it thickens the blood in individuals with a low clotting tendency.9 Similarly, it has been shown to suppress a hyper immune reaction in mice, while stimulating immunity in aged mice.10

Carnosine has been found useful in the treatment of many medical conditions, including 1) bacterial infections, 2) cancer, 3) cataracts, glaucoma, intra-ocular pressure, and impaired vision from any cause (by topical application), 4) congestive heart failure, 5) excessive radiation, 6) hyperbaric-induced convulsions, 7) hypertension, 8) immuno-depression, 9) inflammation, 10) ischemic heart damage, 11) polyarthritis, 12) sleep apnea, 13) stomach and duodenal ulcers, 14) stroke prevention, 15) trauma, and 16) wound healing.

The primary dietary source of carnosine is meat. Of the few substances lacking in the diets of vegetarians, carnosine is one of them—which represents a significant vulnerability to this group of people. Also, carnosine levels decline with age. The 63% decrease of carnosine levels in human muscle which occurs between ages 10 to 70 may account for the reduction in muscle mass, strength, and function so typically evident in aging adults.11 It is interesting to note that carnosine muscle levels in animals correlate with their maximum life-spans. Stress, infection, and trauma in humans also decrease its levels. Because carnosine levels decrease with age, daily supplementation is required to maintain its continued benefits.

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