Anserine
Also known as: beta-methyl-histidine-containing dipeptide, anserine (β-alanyl-1-methylhistidine)
Randomized trials and one meta-analysis of histidine‑containing dipeptides (including anserine) show improvement in delayed recall measures (Wechsler Memory Scale delayed recall) and some benefit on global clinical dementia rating or MMSE in subgroups. One small exercise trial using chicken breast extract rich in anserine/carnosine altered blood buffering but did not improve sprint performance.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
Anserine is a histidine-containing dipeptide found in muscle and brain tissue and is available in dietary supplements, often together with carnosine. Randomized controlled trials report modest preservation of delayed verbal memory and some protection against cognitive decline in older adults and people with mild cognitive impairment.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Proposed actions from the included studies include scavenging of hypochlorous acid (HClO) and attenuation of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-mediated neuroinflammation, reduction in inflammatory cytokines, and possible preservation of regional cerebral blood flow. In a separate context, histidine‑containing dipeptides may contribute to nonbicarbonate buffering in blood.
Physiological Role
Acts as an exogenous histidine‑containing dipeptide that may modulate neuroinflammation, influence cerebral perfusion, and contribute to acid‑base buffering when provided orally.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Evidence supports modest cognitive benefits, particularly for delayed verbal recall and some measures in mild cognitive impairment; evidence for ergogenic benefit is lacking (no improvement in sprint performance despite changes in buffering markers).
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 500 mg/day (studied)
- Optimal Range
- 500 mg–1 g/day (studied doses range: 500 mg anserine alone; combinations providing ~750 mg anserine + 250 mg carnosine; 1.0 g mixed formula (anserine:carnosine 3:1))
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Not established
- Best Format
- Oral capsule/powder or combined anserine/carnosine formula
- Bioavailability
- Human trials used oral administration; some trials combined with carnosine rather than pure anserine.
- Absorption Considerations
- Studied formulations delivered measurable increases in circulating anserine within 30 minutes in at least one trial using a food matrix.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •No specific adverse effects reported in the provided abstracts
Contraindications
- None reported in the provided abstracts
Drug Interactions
- •Not reported in the provided abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •Not specified in the provided abstracts
Monitoring
No routine monitoring specified in the included trials; standard clinical caution in people with significant comorbidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Anserine typically used or indicated?
Anserine is most commonly used for: Cognitive support in older adults, Support for delayed verbal memory, Ingredient in histidine‑containing dipeptide supplements. Acts as an exogenous histidine‑containing dipeptide that may modulate neuroinflammation, influence cerebral perfusion, and contribute to acid‑base buffering when provided orally.
How does Anserine work?
Proposed actions from the included studies include scavenging of hypochlorous acid (HClO) and attenuation of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-mediated neuroinflammation, reduction in inflammatory cytokines, and possible preservation of regional cerebral blood flow. In a separate context, histidine‑containing dipeptides may contribute to nonbicarbonate buffering in blood.
What is the recommended dose of Anserine?
The optimal range is 500 mg–1 g/day (studied doses range: 500 mg anserine alone; combinations providing ~750 mg anserine + 250 mg carnosine; 1.0 g mixed formula (anserine:carnosine 3:1)). with a minimum effective dose of 500 mg/day (studied). Best taken: Not established. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Anserine?
Reported side effects include: No specific adverse effects reported in the provided abstracts. Monitoring: No routine monitoring specified in the included trials; standard clinical caution in people with significant comorbidity.
Does Anserine interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Not reported in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Anserine?
Anserine is generally not recommended for: Not specified in the provided abstracts; and None reported in the provided abstracts.
How strong is the evidence for Anserine?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 69/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
Effects of Anserine/Carnosine Supplementation on Mild Cognitive Impairment with APOE4.
Randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled 12‑week trial of an anserine/carnosine supplementation (750 mg anserine + 250 mg carnosine daily) in 54 subjects with mild cognitive impairment.
Effect of Anserine/Carnosine Supplementation on Verbal Episodic Memory in Elderly People.
Double‑blind randomized controlled trial in healthy elderly volunteers taking 1.0 g/day of an anserine/carnosine (3:1) formula for 3 months with cognitive and blood marker outcomes.
Carnosine and anserine ingestion enhances contribution of nonbicarbonate buffering.
Acute experiment in eight males ingesting chicken breast extract (rich in carnosine and anserine) 30 minutes before intense intermittent sprint exercise; measured blood buffering and performance.
Anserine, HClO-scavenger, protected against cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Randomized 12‑week trial of 500 mg/day anserine versus placebo in individuals with mild cognitive impairment assessing MMSE change.
Histidine-containing dipeptide supplementation improves delayed recall: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials of histidine‑containing dipeptide supplementation (carnosine, anserine, beta‑alanine and others) on cognitive performance in humans.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/anserine
SuppIndex. (2026). Anserine: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/anserine
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Trials often studied anserine combined with carnosine; evidence pertains to single‑ingredient and combination preparations.