l-histidine

L-histidine is an essential amino acid and a small molecule precursor to the neurotransmitter histamine, currently under investigation for the treatment of central fatigue in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Developed primarily by researchers at the University of Miami, L-histidine is designed to cross the blood-brain barrier via amino acid transporters, where it is converted into histamine by the enzyme histidine decarboxylase. This mechanism aims to bolster the central histaminergic system, which is involved in regulating arousal, energy, and cognitive functions. In clinical trials, L-histidine is often co-administered with carbidopa (Lodosyn) to inhibit peripheral metabolism, thereby increasing the availability of the amino acid for central conversion and therapeutic effect.

Other names

histidineL-histidine