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Context, anatomy, and key evidence

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dipeptide

Carnosine

Published evidence · coverage incomplete
Anatomical contextAnatomy connections are not mapped yet.

No body region is highlighted until this profile has a supported anatomical connection. This does not mean the peptide has no biological effects.

Read published mechanism findings ↓

At a glance

What is it—and why does it matter?

In this material system, L-carnosine (abbreviated Car) is used as a functionalizing ligand on ZnO nanoparticles within the ZnO@Car@DNA-BAC nano-platform. This Ki is from a cell-based assay in PEPT1-expressing LLC-PK1 cells and reflects those assay conditions. The study used randomization and a placebo control: 299 participants received either placebo or carnosine in capsule form at a daily dose of 2 g. A serum stability/half-life measurement by RP-HPLC reported T1/2 = 0.08333 hr for CHEMBL242948 in human serum at 0.5 mM.

Sources for this introduction: [1] [2] [3] [4]

This published profile is a reference in progress. Findings retain their source context; missing topics are marked below.

What is it?

A molecule, not a product name.

Identity

In this material system, L-carnosine (abbreviated Car) is used as a functionalizing ligand on ZnO nanoparticles within the ZnO@Car@DNA-BAC nano-platform.

Sources[3]pubmedDNA network-encapsulated carnosine/ZnO nano-complexes for enhanced antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility.The system is engineered by cross-linking DNA with N,N'-Bis(acryloyl)cystamine (BAC) and incorporating L-carnosine (Car) functionalized ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), enabling targeted therapeutic release triggered by bacterial nucleases.
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “The system is engineered by cross-linking DNA with N,N'-Bis(acryloyl)cystamine (BAC) and incorporating L-carnosine (Car) functionalized ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), enabling targeted therapeutic release triggered by bacterial nucleases.”

    DNA network-encapsulated carnosine/ZnO nano-complexes for enhanced antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility. · Abstract

    pubmed:42349667:bbb6adc03bfe:bbb6adc03bfe

How does it work?

Target, response, and disposition.

Mechanism

The activation constant (KA) for CHEMBL242948 against human cloned hCA II was reported as 35.0 uM in vitro.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Carbonic anhydrase 2 (CHEMBL205) Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of Human cloned isozyme carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) Assay format: single protein format Standard result: KA = 35.0 uM Document: CHEMBL1135283
Reported result
KA = 35.0 uM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Carbonic anhydrase 2 (CHEMBL205) Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of Human cloned isozyme carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) Assay format: single protein format Standard result: KA = 35.0 uM Document: CHEMBL1135283”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 129393

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Mechanism

A PEPT2 (SLC15A2) transport assay reported an inhibition constant (Ki) of 66000.0 nM for CHEMBL242948 against Gly-Sar uptake in PEPT2-expressing LLC-PK1 cells.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Solute carrier family 15 member 2 (CHEMBL3325) Assay: TP_TRANSPORTER: inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake in PEPT2-expressing LLC-PK1 cells Assay format: cell-based format Standard result: Ki = 66000.0 nM pChEMBL value: 4.18 Document: CHEMBL2074359
Reported result
Ki = 66000.0 nM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Solute carrier family 15 member 2 (CHEMBL3325) Assay: TP_TRANSPORTER: inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake in PEPT2-expressing LLC-PK1 cells Assay format: cell-based format Standard result: Ki = 66000.0 nM pChEMBL value: 4.18 Document: CHEMBL2074359”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 11003236

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Mechanism

A carbonic anhydrase activation assay reports an activation constant (KA); here CHEMBL242948 showed KA = 1.3 uM against human cloned hCA I in vitro.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Carbonic anhydrase 1 (CHEMBL261) Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of Human cloned isozyme carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I) Assay format: single protein format Standard result: KA = 1.3 uM Document: CHEMBL1135283
Reported result
KA = 1.3 uM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Carbonic anhydrase 1 (CHEMBL261) Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of Human cloned isozyme carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I) Assay format: single protein format Standard result: KA = 1.3 uM Document: CHEMBL1135283”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 129392

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Mechanism

In an in vitro microsome assay, carnosine activated bovine carbonic anhydrase IV with KA = 18.0 uM.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of carbonic anhydrase IV (bCA IV), purified from bovine lung microsomes Assay format: microsome format Standard result: KA = 18.0 uM
Reported result
KA = 18.0 uM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of carbonic anhydrase IV (bCA IV), purified from bovine lung microsomes Assay format: microsome format Standard result: KA = 18.0 uM”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 129394

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Mechanism

In an in vitro assay, carnosine activated human carbonic anhydrase II with KA = 35.0 uM.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of Human cloned isozyme carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) Assay format: single protein format Standard result: KA = 35.0 uM
Reported result
KA = 35.0 uM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of Human cloned isozyme carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) Assay format: single protein format Standard result: KA = 35.0 uM”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 129393

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Mechanism

A carbonic anhydrase IV activation assay using bovine lung microsomes reported an activation constant (KA) of 18.0 uM for CHEMBL242948.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Carbonic anhydrase 4 (CHEMBL281) Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of carbonic anhydrase IV (bCA IV), purified from bovine lung microsomes Assay format: microsome format Standard result: KA = 18.0 uM Document: CHEMBL1135283
Reported result
KA = 18.0 uM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Carbonic anhydrase 4 (CHEMBL281) Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of carbonic anhydrase IV (bCA IV), purified from bovine lung microsomes Assay format: microsome format Standard result: KA = 18.0 uM Document: CHEMBL1135283”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 129394

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Mechanism

Ki is reported from a cell-based transporter inhibition assay in a specific expression system; generalizability to other systems is uncertain.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: TP_TRANSPORTER: inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake in PEPT2-expressing LLC-PK1 cells Assay format: cell-based format Standard result: Ki = 66000.0 nM pChEMBL value: 4.18
Reported result
Ki = 66000.0 nM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: TP_TRANSPORTER: inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake in PEPT2-expressing LLC-PK1 cells Assay format: cell-based format Standard result: Ki = 66000.0 nM pChEMBL value: 4.18”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 11003236

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Mechanism

In an in vitro assay, carnosine activated human carbonic anhydrase I with KA = 1.3 uM.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of Human cloned isozyme carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I) Assay format: single protein format Standard result: KA = 1.3 uM
Reported result
KA = 1.3 uM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Tested in vitro for activation of Human cloned isozyme carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I) Assay format: single protein format Standard result: KA = 1.3 uM”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 129392

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Mechanism

This Ki is from a cell-based assay in PEPT1-expressing LLC-PK1 cells and reflects those assay conditions.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: TP_TRANSPORTER: inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake in PEPT1-expressing LLC-PK1 cells Assay format: cell-based format Standard result: Ki = 8000000.0 nM
Reported result
Ki = 8000000.0 nM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: TP_TRANSPORTER: inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake in PEPT1-expressing LLC-PK1 cells Assay format: cell-based format Standard result: Ki = 8000000.0 nM”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 11003292

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Pharmacokinetics

In human serum at 0.5 mM, carnosine’s reported half-life was 0.08333 hr (RP-HPLC).

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Half life in human serum at 0.5 mM by RP-HPLC analysis Assay format: cell-free format Standard result: T1/2 = 0.08333 hr
Reported result
T1/2 = 0.08333 hr
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Half life in human serum at 0.5 mM by RP-HPLC analysis Assay format: cell-free format Standard result: T1/2 = 0.08333 hr”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 10944099

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Pharmacokinetics

A serum stability/half-life measurement by RP-HPLC reported T1/2 = 0.08333 hr for CHEMBL242948 in human serum at 0.5 mM.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Serum (CHEMBL613426) Assay: Half life in human serum at 0.5 mM by RP-HPLC analysis Assay format: cell-free format Standard result: T1/2 = 0.08333 hr Document: CHEMBL2046390
Reported result
T1/2 = 0.08333 hr
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: Serum (CHEMBL613426) Assay: Half life in human serum at 0.5 mM by RP-HPLC analysis Assay format: cell-free format Standard result: T1/2 = 0.08333 hr Document: CHEMBL2046390”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 10944099

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

What has been studied?

What the evidence says.

Comparative evidence

The study used randomization and a placebo control: 299 participants received either placebo or carnosine in capsule form at a daily dose of 2 g.

Sources[2]pubmedEffects of carnosine supplementation on physical endurance: a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.We conducted a placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 299 participants were randomized to consume either placebo or carnosine-containing capsules (2 g per day).
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “We conducted a placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 299 participants were randomized to consume either placebo or carnosine-containing capsules (2 g per day).”

    Effects of carnosine supplementation on physical endurance: a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. · METHODS

    pubmed:42308284:9a47f0d9d57e:9a47f0d9d57e

Study findings

In SH-SY5Y cells, carnosine reduced oxygen glucose deprivation-induced cell death with EC50 = 3000.0 nM (MTT assay; 16 hrs hypoxia then 24 hrs normoxia).

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Neuroprotective activity in human SH-SY5Y cells assessed as reduction in oxygen glucose deprivation-induced cell death incubated for 16 hrs under hypoxic condition followed by incubation for 24 hrs under normoxic condition by MTT assay Assay format: cell-based format Standard result: EC50 = 3000.0 nM pChEMBL value: 5.52
Reported result
EC50 = 3000.0 nM
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Neuroprotective activity in human SH-SY5Y cells assessed as reduction in oxygen glucose deprivation-induced cell death incubated for 16 hrs under hypoxic condition followed by incubation for 24 hrs under normoxic condition by MTT assay Assay format: cell-based format Standard result: EC50 = 3000.0 nM pChEMBL value: 5.52”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 16787608

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Study findings

In a Caco-2 cell assay, carnosine inhibited SARS-CoV-2–induced cytotoxicity by 94.34% at 10 uM after 48 hours.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Antiviral activity determined as inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 induced cytotoxicity of Caco-2 cells at 10 uM after 48 hours by high content imaging Assay format: organism-based format Standard result: Inhibition = 94.34 %
Reported result
94.34 % inhibition
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Antiviral activity determined as inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 induced cytotoxicity of Caco-2 cells at 10 uM after 48 hours by high content imaging Assay format: organism-based format Standard result: Inhibition = 94.34 %”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 18831132

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Study findings

In a copper-induced human LDL peroxidation assay, carnosine inhibited malonaldehyde production by 22.47% at 200 uM after 4 hrs.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Effect on copper-induced human LDL peroxidation assessed as inhibition of malonaldehyde production at 200 uM after 4 hrs Assay format: assay format Standard result: Activity = 22.47 %
Reported result
22.47 % inhibition
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Effect on copper-induced human LDL peroxidation assessed as inhibition of malonaldehyde production at 200 uM after 4 hrs Assay format: assay format Standard result: Activity = 22.47 %”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 1939410

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Study findings

HPLC-based quantification of 4-hydroxy-trans-2,3-nonenal scavenging reported Activity = 88.8% for CHEMBL242948 at 1 mM after 24 hrs relative to control.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: NON-PROTEIN TARGET (CHEMBL3879801) Assay: Antioxidant activity assessed as 4-hydroxy-trans-2,3-nonenal scavenging activity at 1 mM after 24 hrs by HPLC relative to control Assay format: assay format Standard result: Activity = 88.8 % Document: CHEMBL1649415
Reported result
Activity = 88.8 %
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Molecule: CHEMBL242948 Target: NON-PROTEIN TARGET (CHEMBL3879801) Assay: Antioxidant activity assessed as 4-hydroxy-trans-2,3-nonenal scavenging activity at 1 mM after 24 hrs by HPLC relative to control Assay format: assay format Standard result: Activity = 88.8 % Document: CHEMBL1649415”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 5191060

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Study findings

In a copper-induced human LDL peroxidation assay, carnosine inhibited malonaldehyde production by 9.13% at 50 uM after 4 hrs.

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Effect on copper-induced human LDL peroxidation assessed as inhibition of malonaldehyde production at 50 uM after 4 hrs Assay format: assay format Standard result: Activity = 9.13 %
Reported result
9.13 % inhibition
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Effect on copper-induced human LDL peroxidation assessed as inhibition of malonaldehyde production at 50 uM after 4 hrs Assay format: assay format Standard result: Activity = 9.13 %”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 1917413

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Study findings

Carnosine scavenged 4-hydroxy-trans-2,3-nonenal by 88.8% at 1 mM after 24 hrs (HPLC, relative to control).

Sources[1]chembl-activitiesChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948Assay: Antioxidant activity assessed as 4-hydroxy-trans-2,3-nonenal scavenging activity at 1 mM after 24 hrs by HPLC relative to control Assay format: assay format Standard result: Activity = 88.8 %
Reported result
88.8 %
Source records
1
Independent studies
1

Evidence boundary: Applies only to the source-defined population, formulation, dose, and assessment period.

Exact passages, locators, and provenance
  1. supports · Source-backed record
    “Assay: Antioxidant activity assessed as 4-hydroxy-trans-2,3-nonenal scavenging activity at 1 mM after 24 hrs by HPLC relative to control Assay format: assay format Standard result: Activity = 88.8 %”

    ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 · Activity 5191060

    chembl-activities:chembl242948:a2f6f544adcd:a2f6f544adcd

Risks and interactions

Risks, organized for scanning.

This profile does not yet contain a published summary for this topic. This is a coverage gap, not evidence that no research exists.

Products and regulatory status

Same ingredient. Different records.

This profile does not yet contain a published summary for this topic. This is a coverage gap, not evidence that no research exists.

Administration context

The practical clinical context.

This profile does not yet contain a published summary for this topic. This is a coverage gap, not evidence that no research exists.

Research status + gaps

What still needs better answers?

  • No publishable claim yet for: administration, contraindication, interaction, regulatory, safety
  • 113 compiled claim(s) withheld by automated assurance: assurance_score_below_0.58 (88), assurance_score_below_0.72 (21), current_regulatory_source_required (14), extraction_ambiguity (77), high_risk_requires_regulatory_or_two_independent_sources (22), no_direct_support (107), proposal_not_staged (1)

These are the limits of this profile, not an exhaustive list of scientific uncertainties.

References + discovery

Open the records yourself.

  1. ChEMBL activities for CHEMBL242948 ↗

    chembl-activities · published 2026-08-26 · retrieved 2026-08-26T08:42:26Z

  2. Effects of carnosine supplementation on physical endurance: a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. ↗

    pubmed · published 2026-12-31 · retrieved 2026-08-26T08:42:26Z

  3. DNA network-encapsulated carnosine/ZnO nano-complexes for enhanced antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility. ↗

    pubmed · published 2026-09-01 · retrieved 2026-08-26T08:42:26Z

Publication history and provenance

Version 6 · Automated assessment · 2026-08-26T08:42:26Z

e11898af665f08c31d7de1f05ffb128ea7727fd71e8927c6f4d9720167e7924c