L-Carnitine

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

What does the research say about L-Carnitine and its role in metabolic function?

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that facilitates long-chain fatty acid transport into mitochondria for beta-oxidation. Research published in PubMed-indexed journals indicates potential roles in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress markers, and supporting cardiovascular function. Studies also explore its utility in male fertility and exercise recovery contexts.

Scientific AbstractPMID 42036469 · 2004

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and atherosclerosis (AS) are closely linked cardiometabolic disorders characterized by dysregulated lipid metabolism, inflammation, and insulin resistance. This study investigated the effects of dehydrocostus lactone (DHL) on hepatic lipid metabolism and histopathology in a preclinical mouse model of concurrent MAFLD and AS, and elucidated its underlying molecular mechanisms. Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks and treated with low, medium, or high doses of DHL, or simvastatin as a positive control.

Liver morphology, histology (H&E, Masson's trichrome, Oil Red O staining), and biochemical markers of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase were assessed. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of liver tissues were performed to identify DHL-regulated signaling pathways. DHL markedly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and collagen deposition compared with HFD controls, as evidenced by decreased Oil Red O-positive areas and reduced TC and TG levels.

DHL improved liver fibrosis and normalized serum transaminases without significantly affecting body weight. Mechanistically, DHL upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) and its downstream target carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1β (CPT1-β), enhancing fatty acid β-oxidation, while suppressing fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) to reduce intracellular lipid retention. Metabolomic profiling revealed restoration of carnitine pools and vitamin A levels, indicating improved mitochondrial fatty acid transport and hepatic function.

DHL exerts multi-targeted protective effects against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis in ApoE-/- mice by coordinately regulating lipid oxidation, uptake, and metabolic pathways, which suggests that DHL represents a promising therapeutic candidate for the concurrent management of MAFLD and AS.

Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is Dehydrocostus Lactone (DHL)?

Dehydrocostus lactone is a sesquiterpene lactone compound that demonstrated hepatoprotective and lipid-regulatory effects in preclinical models of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) concurrent with atherosclerosis (AS). DHL functions as a multi-targeted modulator of hepatic lipid metabolism through PPAR-α pathway activation and carnitine-mediated fatty acid oxidation.

Mechanism of Action

DHL exerts its therapeutic effects through coordinated upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) and its transcriptional target carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1β (CPT1-β), thereby enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids. Simultaneously, DHL suppresses fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5), reducing intracellular lipid sequestration and preventing hepatic steatosis. This dual mechanism restores carnitine homeostasis and restores hepatic metabolic capacity.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • Lipid reduction: DHL decreased hepatic triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels with dose-dependent reduction in Oil Red O-positive hepatic lipid deposits compared to high-fat diet (HFD) controls in ApoE-/- mice.
  • Hepatic fibrosis improvement: Masson's trichrome staining showed marked reduction in collagen deposition and liver fibrosis markers with concurrent normalization of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), indicating restored hepatocellular integrity.
  • Metabolomic restoration: Integrated metabolomic profiling revealed restoration of carnitine pools and vitamin A levels, confirming enhanced mitochondrial fatty acid transport capacity and normalized hepatic metabolic function.
Clinical Research Parameters
10 trials4 human studies

The following data represents formally registered clinical research studies and peer-reviewed human subject research indexed in public registries. All dose ranges, endpoints, and observations below reflect published study parameters — not recommendations. For research reference only.

ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
NCT01537549
COMPLETEDPhase I / Phase IIn=11

Alpha-lipoic Acid/L-acetyl Carnitine for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Studies have shown that alpha-lipoic acid and L-acetyl carnitine may have some neuroprotective activities and it is hoped that they could be helpful for people with neurodegenerative illnesses such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The purpose of this study is to find out whether the nutritional supplement alpha-lipoic acid/L-acetyl carnitine is safe and well-tolerated in individuals with

Study Interventions
alpha-lipoic acid and L-acetyl carnitine
Primary Endpoints
Adverse Events
Study Period
2010-09-14 → 2015-04-07
NCT03008356
COMPLETEDPhase II / Phase IIIn=33

L-carnitine for Fatigue in COPD

supplementation with L-carnitine that is available both as an FDA-approved therapy for primary carnitine deficiency, as well as widely available as an over-the-counter ergogenic aid will improve wellbeing and function measured by questionnaires in patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). based on our review of literature that addition of health coaching (HC) to L-carnitine will

Study Interventions
L-carnitine 1000 mg twice daily, Weekly health coaching calls, Placebo capsules
Primary Endpoints
Change in Exercise Capacity as Measured by the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Study Period
2017-01 → 2018-02
NCT07303088
COMPLETEDN/An=52

Effects of L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Oxidative Stress in Tunisian Hemodialysis Patients.

The goal of this clinical trial was to learn if supplementation with L-carnitine or Coenzyme Q10 improves effectively the oxidative stress markers in adult patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. It was also to evaluate the basic oxidative profile of hemodialyzed patients and to learn about the safety and tolerability of the two supplements. The main questions it aimed to answer are: * Does tun

Study Interventions
Oral administration of L-carnitine 1000 Mg, Oral administration of Coenzyme Q10 300Mg, placebo capsules
Primary Endpoints
Oxidative stress parameters
Study Period
2024-06-17 → 2024-11-30
NCT04227782
ACTIVE NOT RECRUITINGN/An=40

MRI and Stable Isotope Tracer Studies for Detecting the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

One-third of the world's population suffers from Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), that is a disease with an accumulation of fat in the liver. Some patients with NAFLD will progress in their disease to develop inflammation, scarring of the liver tissue, and cirrhosis that can lead to liver failure. The mechanisms of the disease and its progression are still not fully understood. It is the

Study Interventions
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Stable Isotope Study
Primary Endpoints
Differences in whole-body fatty acid oxidation in a stable isotope labelled postprandial study day in participant groups.
Study Period
2020-03-01 → 2027-10-01
NCT01855373
COMPLETEDN/An=60

Comparing Blood Sugar Levels and Endothelial Function of PEAK ATP® With GlycoCarn®, PEAK ATP® and GlycoCarn® Supplements

To purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of PEAK ATP® with GlycoCarn®, PEAK ATP® and GlycoCarn® on levels of blood sugar and endothelial function improvement which may lead to improved vascular health.

Study Interventions
PEAK ATP® with GlycoCarn®, PEAK ATP®, GlycoCarn®
Primary Endpoints
Mean change in plasma glucose
Study Period
2012-07 → 2016-04
NCT05817799
COMPLETEDPhase II / Phase IIIn=83

Impact of Hemodialysis on Plasma Carnitine Levels in Patients With End Stage Renal Disease

OBJECTIVES * To assess the levels of plasma carnitine in controls and hemodialysis patients. * To give supplementary L-carnitine to study subjects for a duration of 5months. * To compare the values of plasma carnitine before and after L carnitine supplementation. * To assess the role of carnitine supplementation on biochemical and clinical parameters.

Study Interventions
L-Carnitine 500Mg thrice daily, 1g L-Carnitine IV three times a week
Primary Endpoints
L-Carnitine levels in hemodialysis
Study Period
2023-01-01 → 2023-07-10
NCT01461304
NO LONGER AVAILABLEN/A

Compassionate Use of Triheptanoin (C7) for Inherited Disorders of Energy Metabolism

This is a compassionate use study to allow patients already taking triheptanoin (C7) through previous studies to continue to receive the supplement. It will also allow triheptanoin supplementation in patients with qualifying disorders if they are failing conventional therapy.

Study Interventions
triheptanoin
NCT05948124
UNKNOWNEarly Phase In=40

Carnitine Supplementation in Pediatric Hemodialysis Patients

The goal of this study is: 1. To determine the prevalence of carnitine deficiency among pediatric patients on hemodialysis. 2. To evaluate the efficiency of carnitine supplementation in children on regular hemodialysis with carnitine deficiency in the treatment of renal anemia, cardiac dysfunction, dyslipidemia, intradialytic muscle cramps and hypotension and their quality of life.

Study Interventions
L-carnitine, isotonic saline
Primary Endpoints
change in serum free carnitine level; change in cardiac functions
Study Period
2023-08-01 → 2024-03-01
NCT02598622
TERMINATEDPhase IIn=8

A Pilot Study Investigating the Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Vincristine-Induced Neuropathy in Pediatric Patients With ALL

The purpose of this study is to see if a drug called Acetyl-L-Carnitine can help prevent painful nerve damage and nerve pain which is caused by vincristine, a drug used in chemotherapy in children being treated for newly diagnosed ALL. Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a drug available for purchase as a nutritional supplement but for the purpose of this study is experimental.

Study Interventions
Acetylcarnitine, Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Grade of Neurotoxicity Will be Captured by an Adaptation of the Total Peripheral Neuropathy Score.
Study Period
2009-09 → 2016-01
NCT00809497
COMPLETEDPhase IIIn=239

A Clinical Study on Efficacy & Safety Profile of Propionyl-L-carnitine Tablets for Peripheral Arterial Diseases

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the propionyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride tablets among Chinese population in comparison with the placebo, for treatment of the peripheral arterial diseases (intermittent claudication) with oral supplementation of 2g daily for a 4 months continuous administration.

Study Interventions
Propionyl-L-carnitine Tablets
Primary Endpoints
To compare the difference between pre-and post-the treatment of each group
Study Period
2008-05 → 2011-01

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. L-Carnitine is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 42036469) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.