Overview
L-Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is an endogenous dipeptide antioxidant found in high concentrations in muscle and brain tissues. As a multifunctional biomolecule, it combines antioxidant, anti-glycation, and pH-buffering properties, making it valuable for both physiological and industrial applications. First isolated in 1900 by Russian scientists, carnosine's unique ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) has driven its adoption in anti-aging formulations. Unlike many synthetic antioxidants, it occurs naturally in the human body, enhancing its safety profile for long-term use.
Physical and Chemical Properties
L-Carnosine appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder with excellent water solubility (>500 g/L at 20°C) but poor solubility in ethanol or ether. Its molecular structure contains both imidazole and amino groups, enabling dual functionality as a pH buffer (pKa 6.83) and metal chelator. The dipeptide demonstrates remarkable thermal stability, with decomposition beginning around 250°C. Its antioxidant mechanism involves scavenging hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂), while also inhibiting lipid peroxidation by 40-60% in biological systems according to in vitro studies. The zwitterionic nature contributes to its stability across a wide pH range (3-9).
Main Applications
In skincare, L-Carnosine is formulated into serums and creams (typically 0.5-2% concentration) to combat photoaging by reducing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Clinical studies show it improves skin elasticity by 15-20% after 12 weeks of topical application. The nutraceutical industry utilizes oral supplements (500-1000 mg/day) for cognitive support and exercise performance. Pharmaceutical research explores its potential in neurodegenerative diseases due to neuroprotective effects. Industrial applications include food preservation where it inhibits lipid oxidation in meat products at 0.01-0.1% concentrations.
Safety and Storage
L-Carnosine has an excellent safety profile with LD50 >5000 mg/kg in rats. No genotoxicity or reproductive toxicity has been observed in standard assays. Proper storage requires airtight containers with desiccants at ≤25°C and <60% relative humidity to prevent clumping. For bulk handling, use NIOSH-approved N95 masks when handling powder to avoid respiratory irritation. The substance is non-flammable and environmentally benign, classified as Readily Biodegradable (OECD 301F). Shelf life typically exceeds 24 months when stored correctly, with <1% potency loss annually.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing L-Carnosine, prioritize suppliers with ISO 9001 or NSF cGMP certification. Key specifications to verify include: purity (≥98% by HPLC), heavy metal content (<10 ppm), residual solvents (<0.5%), and microbial limits (<1000 CFU/g). For cosmetic applications, request evidence of Ecocert/COSMOS compliance if needed. Bulk shipments (25kg drums) typically offer 15-20% cost savings versus retail packaging. Consider toll manufacturing options for custom blends with hyaluronic acid or other synergistic ingredients. Lead times average 4-6 weeks for pharmaceutical-grade material from EU/US suppliers.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：化工原料、香精香料、农药原药、饲料添加剂、食品添加剂、N-羟乙基丙烯酰胺、N-氨甲酰谷氨酸、中间体、十一烯酸锌、五氯硫酚、聚乙二醇PEG、吲哚、敌草隆、对叔戊基苯酚、溴氰菊酯、二醋酸纤维素、愈创木酚、邻碘苯甲酸、甲基三氧化铼、聚六亚甲基单胍盐酸盐、右旋樟脑磺酸、对羟基苯磺酸钠、胺鲜酯、壳聚糖季铵盐、戊唑醇
- 主营：肉桂酸钾、敌草隆、苯基周位酸、2-乙基蒽醌、甲基三氧化铼、五氯硫酚、二醋酸纤维素、吲哚、三醋酸纤维素、溴化亚铜、香兰素、赤霉素、草甘膦母液、络氨铜
- 主营：三聚甲醛、四甲基氢氧化胺、双季戊四醇、肌肽锌、双乙烯酮、异丙叉丙酮、十一烷、硫氢化钠、甲基丙烯酸十八酯、四甲基氢氧化铵五水合物、水杨羟肟酸、异己二醇、苯甲羟肟酸、聚硫橡胶、甲基纤维素、环氧环己烷、硬脂酸乙二醇单酯、邻氯溴苯、二苯甲酮BP、氨基磺酸、均苯四甲酸二酐、月桂酸钠、吐温、司盘
- 主营：增稠剂、防腐剂、甜味剂、营养强化剂、香精香料、化妆品原料、小分子肽
- 主营：环戊酮、甲酸镍、草酸镧、阻燃剂、催化剂、杀螨剂、杀虫剂、抗粘剂、钼酸铵、钒酸铋、溴氨酸、硝酸锆、碳酸镧、白僵菌、磷酸铁、钨酸酐、氟化镧、视黄醇、叔丁醇、醋酸钬、氟化镥、肟菌酯、氢化钠、氯铂酸、氟化镁
- 主营：己二酸二酰肼、丙酸氯倍原料、亚乙基硫脲、2-甲基四氢噻吩-3-酮、3-甲基-2-丁硫醇、2-辛二醇、三氟甲基磺酸铋、醋酸钯