Free radical scavenging activity of carnosine.

The capacity of carnosine to decrease free radical-induced damage was evaluated using the oxidation of brain homogenates, the 2,2'-azobis-2-amidino propane-induced oxidation of erythrocyte ghost membranes, the radiation induced inactivation of horseradish peroxidase and the 2,2'-azobis-2-amidino propane-induced inactivation of lysozyme. Carnosine addition up to 17 mM did not produce any significant protection in either lipid peroxidation system, as assayed by the oxygen uptake rate. Carnosine addition reduces the intensity of the visible luminescence emitted, apparently due to a dark decomposition of the luminescent intermediates. Carnosine addition protects horseradish peroxidase and lysozyme from free radical mediated inactivation. The mean carnosine concentrations required to inhibit the inactivation rates by 50% were 0.13 mM and 0.6 mM for horseradish peroxidase and lysozyme, respectively.