L-Carnosine combination therapy for major depressive disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Randomised controlled trialHumansWith citalopram (both groups, up to 40 mg per day)
This study tested carnosine together with citalopram (both groups, up to 40 mg per day). Its results cannot be assigned to carnosine alone. More combination studies.
- Design
- Randomised controlled trial
- Subjects
- 58 adults with major depressive disorder randomised; 52 completed
- Dose used in the study
- 400 mg carnosine twice daily (800 mg per day)
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- What was measured
- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at baseline and weeks 2, 4 and 6. Response and remission rates. Side effects.
What the authors reported
There was a significant time by treatment interaction on HAM-D scores (F = 3.17, p = 0.03). The carnosine group improved more than placebo at weeks 2, 4 and 6 (p = 0.013, 0.028 and 0.023). Response and remission rates were higher with carnosine (p = 0.023 and 0.012). Side effect frequency did not differ. The authors named the short follow-up and small sample as key limitations.
Limits of this study
Small trial (58 participants). Six weeks. Conducted in Iran. Add-on to citalopram, so no information about carnosine alone. Full text not read.
Source
PubMed 32063564 · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2020.02.020
Entry checked against PubMed abstract (E-utilities) on 2026-10-19. The dose shown is the dose the researchers used. It is not a recommendation. How to read this page.