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Carnosine

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Introduction

Carnosine is made by muscles in the body and has been used to improve muscle function. It can be taken as a pill or powder. Carnosine can also be applied as a cream or used as eye drops.

Dosages

500 milligrams 1 to 2 times daily.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

Diabetes—may ease dry feet in patients with diabetes A1, A2
Diabetic Neuropathy—may improve glucose control and kidney function B1
Schizophrenia—may reduce negative symptoms and improve cognition C1, C2

Not Enough Data to Assess

GlaucomaD1
Gulf War illness E1
Obsessive compulsive disorderF1
Sleep disorders G1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take carnosine and use carnosine cream on the skin for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:

People with genetic problems that impact metabolism should talk to their doctors before taking carnosine. It may interfere with metabolism.

References►

A. A. Diabetes

A1. Federici A, Federici G, et al. An urea, arginine and carnosine based cream (Ureadin Rx Db ISDIN) shows greater efficacy in the treatment of severe xerosis of the feet in Type 2 diabetic patients in comparison with glycerol-based emollient cream. A randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial. BMC Dermatol. 2012 Sep 25;12:16.

A2. Federici A, Federici G, Milani M. Use of a urea, arginine and carnosine cream versus a standard emollient glycerol cream for treatment of severe xerosis of the feet in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, 8 month, assessor-blinded, controlled trial. Curr Med Res Opin. 2015 Jun;31(6):1063-9.

B. B. Diabetes Neuropathy

B1. Elbarbary NS, Ismail EAR, et al. The effect of 12 weeks carnosine supplementation on renal functional integrity and oxidative stress in pediatric patients with diabetic nephropathy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Pediatr Diabetes. 2018 May;19(3):470-477.

C. C. Schizophrenia

C1. Chengappa KN, Turkin SR, et al. A preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnosine to improve cognition in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 2012 Dec;142(1-3):145-152.

C2. Ghajar A, Khoaie-Ardakani MR, et al. L-carnosine as an add-on to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Psychiatry Res. 2018 Apr;262:94-101.

D. D. Glaucoma

D1. Mutolo MG, Albanese G, et al. Oral Administration of Forskolin, Homotaurine, Carnosine, and Folic Acid in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Changes in Intraocular Pressure, Pattern Electroretinogram Amplitude, and Foveal Sensitivity. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2016 Apr;32(3):178-183.

E. E. Gulf War Illness

E1. Baraniuk JN, El-Amin S, et al. Carnosine treatment for gulf war illness: a randomized controlled trial. Glob J Health Sci. 2013 Feb 4;5(3):69-81.

F. F. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

F1. Arabzadeh S, Shahhossenie M, et al. L-carnosine as an adjuvant to fluvoxamine in treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder: A randomized double-blind study. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2017 Jul;32(4).

G. G. Sleep Disorders

G1. Mehrazad-Saber Z, Kheirouri S, et al. Effects of l-Carnosine Supplementation on Sleep Disorders and Disease Severity in Autistic Children: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2018 Jul;123(1):72-77.

Last reviewed May 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 4/21/2020

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