L-carnosine (1999, 2009, 2016) & Cataracts

research

See more about cataracts treatment and information.

2016

These researchers point out that l-carnosine is identified as an anti-cataract agent but that there is not much research to support the claim. This study dives into the mechanisms behind the anti-cataract capacity of the nutrient.

Their research evaluated both direct and indirect antioxidant properties. They found that l-carnosine is a strong inhibitor of sugar molecules' ability to bond to proteins or fats unless an enzyme is present. This is called glycation. They also found that l-carnosine has weak antioxidant and metal chelation properties.

Their conclusion is that the benefit of l-carnosine comes from the ability to restrict glycation and likely not due to antioxidant properties. They further concluded that for this reason that l-carnosine could be effective in treating diabetic eye disease.

Researchers: H. Abdelkader, M. Longman, et al,
Published: On the Anticataractogenic Effects of L-Carnosine: Is It Best Described as an Antioxidant, Metal-Chelating Agent or Glycation Inhibitor?, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, August, 2016.

1999

Chinese and Russian researchers completed a preliminary study whose result showed that carnosine gives a pronounced effect on primary senile cataracts, the effective rate being 100%. For mature senile cataracts, the effect rate was 80%.

Researchers: A.M. Wang, et al.

Published: Use of carnosine as a natural anti-senescence drug for human beings. Department of Biochemistry and Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, China, 1999.

2009

Italian researchers report that carnosine may be valuable in preventing and treating cataracts. Carnosine is a dipeptide composed of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine, especially found in muscle and brain tissue.

The researchers tested two forms of carnosine, d- and l-carnosine, on the primary protein that forms lens structure (from cows). The protein cultures were treated with guanidine, a compound that causes cataracts by forming fine alpha-crystallin fibers, known as fibrils. They also found that when they treated the cultures with d- or l- carnosine such fibril formation was inhibited. Adding carnosine to already existing fibrils almost completely dissolved them.

Researchers: F. Attanasio, S. Cataldo, S. Fisichella, S. Nicoletti, V.G. Nicoletti, B. Pignataro, A. Savarino, E. Rizzarelli, University of Catania.

Published: Protective effects of L- and D-carnosine on alpha-crystallin amyloid fibril formation: implications for cataract disease, Biochemistry, July 14, 2009