Carnosine

Overview

Carnosine is a protein composed of one molecule each of Histidine and Alanine. Its dietary source is  primarily found in red meat and when digested it is quickly degraded in the body by the carnosinase enzyme. Carnosine levels are concentrated in brain, muscle and the heart. Carnosine declines considerably during the aging process. It is estimated that by the age of 70 there is over a 60% reduction. Carnosine has many health benifits, reducing glycation reactions, an antioxidant protecting brain cells from metal toxicity that can lead to dementia. Carnosine has gained the reputation as a anti-aging substance suggesting supplementation for the prevention of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Aging Process

 Carnosine may retard some aspects of the Aging Process Specifically it may maintain the defense mechanisms of fibroblasts, may inhibit cross-linking and may improve the efficiency of the synthesis of endogenous proteins. The body’s levels of Carnosine decline by up to 63% in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process.  ^[1]

 Carnosine may possess Life Extension properties. In mice it has extended life span by an average of 20%.  ^[2]

 Carnosine may rejuvenate Cells that have reached their  causing the senescent phenotype of old Cells that have reached their Hayflick Limit to revert to their juvenile phenotype state.  This is one of the mechanisms for the possible Life Extension properties of Carnosine.

 Carnosine may inhibit the age-related shortening of Telomeres.  ^[3]

Cardiovascular System

 Carnosine may help to prevent (chemical-induced) Hemolytic Anemia by stabilizing the cell membranes of red blood cells.  ^[4]

 Carnosine may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting (by reducing platelet aggregation).  ^[5]

 Carnosine may lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients.  ^[6]

 Carnosine (if consumed prior to the occurrence of a Stroke) may help to prolong survival in persons who experience an ischemic Stroke (due to its ability to protect the Brain against the toxic effects of Ischemia).  ^[7]

Cells

 Carnosine functions as an Antioxidant in Cell Membranes and prevents lipid peroxidation within Cell Membranes.  ^[8]

 Carnosine may protect Chromosomes from the toxic effects of exposure to excessive Oxygen.  ^[9]

 Carnosine may help to protect Proteasomes from age-related damage and enhances their ability to untertake Proteolysis.  ^[10]

 Carnosine may rejuvenate Senescent Cells that have reached their (causing the senescent phenotype of Senescent Cells that have reached their Hayflick Limit to revert to their juvenile phenotype state).  ^[11]

 Carnosine may simulate the proliferation of Stem Cells.  ^[12]

Digestive System

 Carnosine may help to prevent Ulcers - Gastric and may accelerate the healing of Gastric Ulcers.  ^[13]

Eyes/Vision

 Carnosine eye drops, containing the N-Acetyl-Carnosine (NC) form, applied topically may improve vision in many types of Eyesight Ailments:  ^[14]

 Carnosine concentrates in the Lens of the Eyes where it may help to prevent Cataracts (via its Antioxidant properties).  N-Acetyl-Carnosine (eyedrops applied topically) may significantly improve the condition of (and may reverse) existing Cataracts.  ^[15]

 N-Acetyl-Carnosine (applied topically to the Eyes as a constituent of eye drops) may be useful for the treatment of Glaucoma.  ^[16]

 N-Acetyl-Carnosine (eye drops applied topically) may totally eliminate Eye Fatigue.  ^[17]

 Carnosine (N-Acetyl-Carnosine eyedrops) may alleviate Night Blindness.  ^[18]

 N-Acetyl-Carnosine (eye drops applied topically) may improve Sight (eyesight).  ^[19]

Immune System

 Carnosine may help to prevent Cancer and may facilitate the regression of some types of Cancer (it inhibits the process of in Cancer cells - Cancer cells are highly dependent upon glycolysis to meet their requirement for the energy that helps them to grow and replicate):  ^[20]