A preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnosine to improve cognition in schizophrenia
Randomised controlled trialHumansWith antipsychotic medication (background therapy)
This study tested carnosine together with antipsychotic medication (background therapy). Its results cannot be assigned to carnosine alone. More combination studies.
- Design
- Randomised controlled trial
- Subjects
- 75 symptomatically stable adults with chronic schizophrenia, randomised
- Dose used in the study
- 2 g carnosine per day, as adjunctive treatment (matched placebo comparison)
- Duration
- 3 months; assessments at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks
- What was measured
- Computerised cognitive battery (executive function, memory, attention, motor speed), psychopathology ratings and safety parameters.
What the authors reported
The carnosine group was significantly faster than placebo on non-reversal trials of the set-shifting test, but reversal reaction times and errors did not differ. On the strategic target detection test the carnosine group showed better strategic efficiency and fewer perseverative errors. Other cognitive tests showed no significant differences, and psychopathology scores stayed stable. Adverse events were reported by 30% of the carnosine group and 14% of the placebo group. Laboratory indices stayed within acceptable ranges. The authors described the findings as preliminary.
Limits of this study
Small preliminary trial that tested one cognitive domain in advance; most cognitive tests showed no difference. More adverse events with carnosine (30% versus 14%). Antipsychotic medication continued as background therapy. A Stanley Medical Research Institute grant summary (grant 03T-413), which funded the trial, lists a planned sample of 84. Full text not read.
Source
PubMed 23099060 · doi:10.1016/j.schres.2012.10.001
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.