PLCAR vs ALCAR

[scottyc33]

What do you guys think of Propionyl-L-Carnitine? Would it be useful to take alongside ALCAR?

I came across it browing another forum and found some interesting studies:

1: Biofactors. 2008;32(1-4):135-44.Click here to read Links
Positive inotropic effect of coenzyme Q10, omega-3 fatty acids and propionyl-L-carnitine on papillary muscle force-frequency responses of BIO TO-2 cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters.
Vargiu R, Littarru GP, Faa G, Mancinelli R.

Dipartimento di Scienze Applicate ai Biosistemi, Sezione di Fisiologia e Nutrizione Umana, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.

The inability of heart muscle to generate ventricular pressure to adequately propel blood through the cardiovascular system is a primary defect associated with congestive heart failure (CHF). Force-frequency relationship (FFR) is one of the main cardiac defects associated with congestive heart failure. Thus FFR is a convenient methodological tool for evaluating the severity of muscle contractile dysfunction and the effectiveness of therapeutic agents. Papillary muscle isolated from BIO TO-2 cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters (CMSHs), show a depressed FFR and represents an animal model of human idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. In the present study we investigated the effect of CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) and a combination of these 3 agents (formulation HS12607) on FFR in 8 month old BIO TO-2 CMSHs. Papillary muscles isolated from the anesthetized animals were placed in an incubation bath and attached to an isometric force transducer. A digital computer with an analog/digital interface allowed control of both muscle developed force and electrical stimulus parameters. Force-frequency response was evaluated, at Lmax, with increasing frequencies: 0.06, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 Hz. HS12607-treatment produced a positive inotropic effect resulting in a significant enhancement (p < 0.05) of the peak force at the highest frequencies (1-4 Hz). In the range of frequency of 1-4 Hz also CoQ10 and omega-3 significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the fractional decline in developed force. The significant improvement (p < 0.05) of the timing parameter peak rate of tension rise (+ T') and peak rate of tension fall (-T') indicating a faster rate of muscle contraction and relaxation respectively, found in CoQ10, omega-3 and PLC-treated CMSHs, may be due to the positive effects of these substances on sarcoplasmic reticulum functions. These findings suggest that naturally occurring CoQ10, omega-3 and PLC, particularly when administered together in a coformulation, might be a valid adjuvant to conventional therapy in dilated cardiomyopathy especially when considering that they are natural substances, devoid of side effects.

[scottyc33]

1: Drugs R D. 2008;9(2):83-91.Links
ATP production and TCA activity are stimulated by propionyl-L-carnitine in the diabetic rat heart.
Broderick TL.

Department of Physiology, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA. tbrode@midwestern.edu

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The beneficial effect of propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) on cardiac function in diabetes mellitus is well documented. This study was designed to determine whether the improvement in cardiac function mediated by PLC in the diabetic rat heart is associated with an increase in ATP production and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity. METHODS: Diabetes was induced by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Following diagnosis of diabetes, treatment was initiated by supplementing the drinking water with PLC at a concentration of 1 g/L for a period of 6 weeks. ATP production and TCA cycle activity were determined from oxidative rates of glucose and palmitate measured in isolated working hearts from control and diabetic animals. RESULTS: The effect of diabetes was associated with a decrease in heart function, expressed as rate-pressure product (RPP), and in rates of myocardial glucose oxidation. Rates of palmitate oxidation in diabetic hearts were similar to those of control hearts. In PLC-treated diabetic hearts, rates of both glucose and palmitate oxidation were increased and a significant improvement in RPP was observed. As a result, overall ATP production and TCA cycle activity from glucose and palmitate oxidation were increased in diabetic hearts. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the depression in RPP in the diabetic rat heart can be prevented with chronic PLC treatment. Increases in glucose and palmitate utilization with resultant increases in ATP production and TCA cycle activity may explain the benefit of PLC on diabetic rat heart function.

[scottyc33]

Free Radic Res. 2007 Aug;41(:884-91.Click here to read Links
l-carnitine and its propionate: improvement of endothelial function in SHR through superoxide dismutase-dependent mechanisms.
de Sotomayor MA, Mingorance C, Rodriguez-Rodriguez R, Marhuenda E, Herrera MD.

Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain. aldesoto@us.es

To clarify the mechanism underlying the antioxidant properties of l-carnitine (LC) and propionyl-l-carnitine (PLC) on spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive WKY, animals were treated with either PLC or LC (200 mg kg(- 1)). Aorta was dissected and contraction to (R)-( - )-phenylephrine (Phe) and relaxation to carbachol (CCh) were assessed in the presence or not of the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, l-NAME. [image omitted] production was evaluated by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence and its participation on relaxation was observed after incubation with superoxide dismutase (SOD) plus catalase. Protein expressions of eNOS, Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD were studied by western blot. Both LC and PLC treatments improved endothelial function of SHR through increasing NO participation and decreasing [image omitted] probably involving higher Cu/Zn-SOD expression. PLC treatment augmented eNOS expression in SHR. Surprisingly, LC increased [image omitted] produced by aorta from WKY and thus diminished NO and damaged endothelial function. Conversely, PLC did not affect CCh-induced relaxation in WKY. These results demonstrate that LC and PLC prevent endothelial dysfunction in SHR through an antioxidant effect.

[scottyc33]

I don't know how this relates to hair health specifically but it seems to have a lot of benefits re: general health, exercise performance and anti-aging. Here's a write-up:

Propionyl-L-Carnitine (PLCAR) is an esterified carnitine that has clinically shown potential health and exercise benefits such as increasing energy via the transport of fatty acids into muscle cellular mitochondria, stimulating energy production in ischaemic muscles during exercise by increasing citric acid cycle flux and stimulating pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, powerful activity as a scavenger against superoxide radicals, protection against lipid peroxidation, reducing chronic fatigue and supporting male aging symptoms.

Clinical Findings CFS Support:
Propiony-l-carnitine effects were assessed on the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In an open, randomized study 2 g/d propionyl-L-carnitine was given to CFS patients during 24 weeks. Effects were rated by clinical global impression of change. Secondary endpoints were the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Clinical global impression of change after treatment showed considerable improvement in 63% in the PLCAR group. PLCAR significantly improved general fatigue (p =.004). Study concluded that PLCAR had beneficial effects on overall muscle fatigue.

Clinical Findings Male Aging Support:
A recent study compared testosterone undecanoate versus propionyl-L-carnitine plus acetyl-L-carnitine and placebo in the treatment of male aging symptoms. The assessed variables were total prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistive index of cavernosal penile arteries, nocturnal penile tumescence, total and free testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, International Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale score, fatigue scale score, and incidence of side effects. Carnitines (propionyl and acetyl) significantly improved the peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistive index, nocturnal penile tumescence (night time erection), International Index of Erectile Function score, Depression Melancholia Scale score, and fatigue scale score. Carnitines proved significantly more active than testosterone in improving nocturnal penile tumescence and International Index of Erectile Function score. Testosterone significantly increased the prostate volume and free and total testosterone levels and significantly lowered serum luteinizing hormone; carnitines did not. No drug significantly modified prostate-specific antigen or prolactin. carnitines proved to be active drugs for the therapy of symptoms associated with male aging.

Clinical Findings Antioxidant and Lipid Peroxidation Support:
A current investigation observed the possible protective effects of a powerful anti-oxidant propionyl L-carnitine (PLCAR) against alcohol-induced gastric lesions in rats. Propionyl L-carnitine prevented alcohol-induced increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), an index of lipid peroxidation. The propionyl carnitine ester also increased the gastric content of reduced glutathione (GSH), besides it increased the enzymatic activities of gastric superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Based on these observations, it was concluded that PLCAR could partly protect gastric mucosa from alcohol-induced acute mucosal injury, and these gastroprotective effects might be probably induced, at least partly, through anti-oxidant mechanisms.

Clinical Findings Exercise and Energy Support:
An animal study indicated that supplementation with PLCAR (in combo with CoEnzyme Q10, Nicotinamide, riboflavin and pantothenic acid) elicits positive functional changes on motor performance of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles. Other studies looking at exercise performance on subjects (mostly with cardiovascular concerns (claudication, peripheral arterial disease – decreased oxygen and blood flow to muscles) and deconditioning, indicated that walking performance, treadmill exercise performance and muscle strength can be increased with 2g/day supplementation of propionyl-L-carnitine.

[CausticSymmetry]

scottyc33 - There's two problems with Propionyl L-carnitine (PLCAR). Firstly, it requires a prescription. Second, while you can buy GPLC, Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine, which essentially is the safe thing but with added glycine, it is quite expensive.

I tried it and didn't notice any difference.

[scottyc33]

scottyc33 - There's two problems with Propionyl L-carnitine (PLCAR). Firstly, it requires a prescription. Second, while you can buy GPLC, Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine, which essentially is the safe thing but with added glycine, it is quite expensive.

I tried it and didn't notice any difference.

CS - what is it prescribed for?

[CausticSymmetry]

scottyc33 - Intermittent claudication, heart failure, heart arrhythmias and angina. I would imagine if requested it can also be prescribed for ED.

[scottyc33]

I bought some here:

http://www.nutraplanet.com/product/rpn/propionyl-l-carnitine-100-grams.html

I'll report back with my observations.

[CausticSymmetry]

scottyc33 - Nice find, look forward to your results.

[jksl]

scottyc33 - There's two problems with Propionyl L-carnitine (PLCAR). Firstly, it requires a prescription. Second, while you can buy GPLC, Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine, which essentially is the safe thing but with added glycine, it is quite expensive.

I tried it and didn't notice any difference.

Is this the one you tried? http://www.iherb.com/Life-Enhancement-Propel-Carnitine-Alpha-Lipoic-180-Capsules/11392

I noticed that you posted that iherb link in your 'current regimen' page.