Carnosine vs PE-22-28
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide (beta-alanine + histidine) found in high concentrations in muscle and brain. It is a potent anti-aging molecule with broad spectrum antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-carbonylation, and metal chelating properties, making it one of the most protective naturally occurring dipeptides.
- PE-22-28 is a synthetic analog of spadin derived from sortilin, designed to block TREK-1 potassium channels with rapid-onset antidepressant and neurogenic effects. It shows fast-acting depression relief (within 24 hours) and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Half-Life
- ~1.5 minutes (rapidly hydrolyzed to beta-alanine and histidine by carnosinase in blood; tissue levels maintained via constant synthesis)
- Relatively short; CNS effects may persist due to neurogenic mechanisms
- Admin Route
- Oral, Topical
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 1,000–2,000 mg
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- Once to twice daily with meals
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Potent anti-glycation (prevents protein cross-linking/aging)
- Broad-spectrum antioxidant in muscle and brain
- Extends cell lifespan and protects telomeres
- Improves muscle performance and delays fatigue (pH buffering)
- Neuroprotective against Alzheimer's amyloid-beta
- Wound healing acceleration
- Anti-cataract properties (eye health)
- Improves diabetes complications via AGE prevention
- Chelates excess copper and zinc
- Rapid-onset antidepressant effects (within 24 hours)
- Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
- Improves cognitive performance and memory
- Reduces anxiety and depressive behavior
- Novel mechanism — does not act on serotonin/dopamine/GABA receptors directly
- May help treatment-resistant depression
- Neuroprotective effects
- Side Effects
- Very well tolerated
- Rare: mild GI discomfort at high doses
- No significant adverse effects in human studies
- Generally well tolerated in animal models
- Limited human data available
- Possible mild headache or transient mood changes at initiation
- Injection site reactions (SC)
- Stacks With
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