The antioxidant activity of carnosine (beta-alanylhistidine dipeptide)
was investigated using several systems. In the presence of 100 mu M a
scorbic acid, carnosine inhibited metal ion-catalyzed deoxyribose degr
adation in a dose-dependent manner, indicating its hydroxyl radical-sc
avenging activity. Carnosine strongly inhibited metal ion-catalyzed li
posomal lipid peroxidation in the presence of 100 mu M ascorbic acid o
r 100 mu M H2O2. Carnosine also inhibited thiobarbituric acid-reactive
substances (TBARS) formation from ground beef homogenates. An increas
e in TBARS formation was caused by addition of 10 ppm Fe2+ to the homo
genates. Carnosine presence prevented such increase and it may be usef
ul as an adjunct against oxidative tissue damage or for increasing she
lf life.