A muscle dipeptide built on an unusual beta-alanine residue.
Also known as: beta-alanyl-L-histidine
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Carnosine is a dipeptide of beta-alanine and histidine that is concentrated in skeletal muscle and brain tissue. Its imidazole side chain contributes to intracellular pH buffering and to binding reactive carbonyls and metal ions. It is sold as a supplement and studied in muscle and aging biology; this page is educational only.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthesized in muscle and brain from beta-alanine and histidine
Primary research or clinical context: Sold as a dietary supplement; studied in muscle and aging biology
Structure and buffering
Carnosine (β-Ala-His) pairs beta-alanine, whose amino group is on the beta carbon, with histidine. The histidine imidazole ring has a pKa near physiological pH, letting carnosine act as a proton buffer in fast-twitch muscle where acidity rises during intense activity. Beta-alanine availability limits how much the body can make.
Research interest and availability
Carnosine is studied for antioxidant-like carbonyl scavenging and metal chelation, and beta-alanine is a common precursor supplement. Carnosine itself is sold over the counter. This summary describes the dipeptide's chemistry for educational purposes and does not claim any specific health benefit.
FAQ about Carnosine
What is Carnosine?+
Carnosine is a dipeptide of beta-alanine and histidine that is concentrated in skeletal muscle and brain tissue. Its imidazole side chain contributes to intracellular pH buffering and to binding reactive carbonyls and metal ions. It is sold as a supplement and studied in muscle and aging biology; this page is educational only.
Is Carnosine an approved medicine?+
Carnosine is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Sold as a dietary supplement; studied in muscle and aging biology. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Carnosine?+
Carnosine is commonly described as approximately 2 amino acids (Dipeptide).