L-Carnosine, with the CAS number 305-84-0, is a naturally occurring dipeptide composed of L-histidine and β-alanine linked by a peptide bond, also known as β-Alanyl-L-histidine. Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₄N₄O₃, and its molecular weight is 226.23 g/mol. Widely distributed in animal tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart, and brain, it exhibits unique antioxidant, anti-aging, and physiological regulatory properties, making it widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food supplements, and biochemistry research.
Physically, L-Carnosine appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder or needle-like crystals. It has a melting point of approximately 251-253℃ (decomposition) and is soluble in water and hot ethanol, slightly soluble in cold ethanol, and insoluble in non-polar solvents. It is optically active, with a specific rotation [α]²⁰/D of +21.0° to +24.0° (in water, c=2). It has low hygroscopicity and remains stable under normal temperature and pressure when stored properly, ensuring convenient handling and storage.
Chemically, it contains peptide bonds, imidazole groups, amino groups, and carboxyl groups—the key functional groups that determine its biological activities. The imidazole group endows it with strong antioxidant capacity, enabling it to scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and protect cells from oxidative damage. It is stable under neutral and weakly acidic conditions but may hydrolyze under strong acid, strong alkali, or high-temperature environments, releasing L-histidine and β-alanine.
Its core applications cover multiple fields. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as a raw material for preparing drugs targeting oxidative stress-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes complications. It also helps alleviate muscle fatigue and promote tissue repair. In cosmetics, it is added to skin care products to resist aging, improve skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles by inhibiting collagen degradation.
In the food industry, it acts as a nutritional supplement and antioxidant, added to health products and functional foods to enhance nutritional value and extend shelf life. In biochemistry research, it is used as a biochemical reagent for studying cell aging, oxidative stress, and protein modification. Safety-wise, it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), non-toxic and non-irritating under normal handling. It should be stored in a sealed, cool, dry, and dark environment at 2-8℃, away from strong oxidants, moisture, and high temperatures to prevent hydrolysis and degradation. With its versatile applications and excellent biological activities, it is an important raw material in multiple high-value fields.
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