Science behind carnogel
Carnosine as a native molecule of equine muscle
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring dipeptide synthesized endogenously in mammals and present in high concentrations in skeletal muscle tissue. In horses, intramuscular carnosine concentrations are substantially higher than in humans, reflecting the metabolic demands placed on equine muscle during locomotion, training, and sport.
Intracellular buffering and muscle fatigue
During high-intensity or sustained exercise, anaerobic metabolism leads to the accumulation of hydrogen ions within muscle cells, resulting in intracellular acidification and fatigue. Carnosine functions as a primary intracellular buffer, binding hydrogen ions and contributing significantly to total muscle buffering capacity.
Antioxidant and anti-glycation properties of carnosine
Carnosine exhibits antioxidant activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species and has been shown to reduce non-enzymatic protein glycation. These molecular properties are relevant in tissues exposed to repeated metabolic and oxidative stress.
Systemic limitations of oral carnosine
Orally ingested carnosine is rapidly degraded in blood plasma by the enzyme carnosinase, limiting the ability of systemic delivery to increase intramuscular carnosine concentrations directly.
Evidence Base: What Has Been Studied
The scientific foundation of Carnogel is supported by clinical equine trials and decades of research into muscle physiology.
Equine topical application study (intramuscular biopsy data)
A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in Thoroughbred horses investigated whether topical application of a carnosine gel increases intramuscular carnosine concentrations. Muscle biopsies from the gluteal muscle demonstrated significant increases in intramuscular carnosine within 30–60 minutes following a single application.
Interpretation and scientific scope
This study provides direct biochemical evidence that transdermal application can increase intramuscular carnosine concentrations in horses. The study quantified intramuscular carnosine kinetics and did not assess performance outcomes or clinical effects. Interpretation is therefore limited to biochemical availability within muscle tissue.
Full methodological details, statistical analysis, and extended references are available in the Scientific Summary upon request.
