Anserine for Memory: Does It Really Help?

meta-analysis PMID: 38013229

Quick Summary: Research suggests that taking histidine-containing dipeptides (like anserine) might improve your ability to remember things later on. This study found a positive effect on delayed recall, but not on other types of memory or thinking skills.

What The Research Found

Scientists looked at several studies to see if taking histidine-containing dipeptides (HCDs) could boost memory. They found that people who took HCDs showed improvement on a test of delayed recall. This means they were better at remembering things after a delay. However, the supplements didn't seem to help with other thinking skills like attention or immediate recall.

Study Details

Who was studied: The research looked at data from several studies involving people of various ages. Some had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while others did not.

How long: The exact length of the studies wasn't specified in the summary.

What they took: The studies used HCD supplements, which include anserine. The exact dose and type of supplement varied between studies.

What This Means For You

If you're concerned about memory loss, especially the ability to recall things later, anserine or other HCD supplements might be worth discussing with your doctor. However, it's important to know:

The benefits were only seen in one type of memory test.

The best dose and type of supplement aren't yet known.

More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Study Limitations

The exact dose of HCDs varied across the studies.

The total number of people in the studies wasn't specified.

The studies didn't focus specifically on people with early memory problems.

The long-term effects are unknown.

Key Findings

This meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that histidine-containing dipeptide (HCD) supplementation—encompassing anserine, carnosine, and beta-alanine—significantly improved performance on the Wechsler Memory Scale-2 (WMS-2) Delayed Recall test (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.6–2.5; p < 0.01). No significant effects were observed for other cognitive measures, including Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) digit span tests. The delayed recall benefit persisted in subgroup analyses of participants without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and those aged >65 years.

Study Design

This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42017075354) screened 2,653 abstracts from OVID Medline, Embase, and other databases (1965–2022), selecting 10 RCTs for analysis. A random-effects model (DerSimonian-Laird method) was applied. Total participant numbers across studies were not specified in the provided summary. The analysis focused on HCD supplementation’s impact on cognitive outcomes in humans, with subgroup analyses stratified by MCI status and age.

Dosage & Administration

The summary did not specify exact doses, formulations, or administration protocols for HCDs (including anserine) across the included trials. The authors noted heterogeneity in dosing as a limitation, highlighting the need for future standardization of carnosine/anserine doses.

Results & Efficacy

HCD supplementation significantly increased WMS-2 Delayed Recall scores (WMD = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.6–2.5; p < 0.01), with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Subgroup analyses confirmed this effect in non-MCI participants and those >65 years. No statistically significant improvements were observed for:
- ADAS-Cog (WMD = −0.2, 95% CI: −1.1–0.7; p = 0.65; I² = 0%)
- MMSE (WMD = 0.7, 95% CI: −0.2–1.5; p = 0.14; I² = 42%)
- WAIS Digit Span Backward (WMD = 0.1, 95% CI: −0.3–0.5; p = 0.51; I² = 0%)
- WMS-1 Immediate Recall (WMD = 0.7, 95% CI: −0.2–1.5; p = 0.11; I² = 0%).

Limitations

Key limitations included unspecified total sample size, variable HCD types/doses across studies, and lack of data on participants with early cognitive impairment. Heterogeneity was moderate for MMSE (I² = 42%). The authors emphasized the need for longer-duration trials targeting early cognitive decline and standardized dosing to clarify clinical utility.

Clinical Relevance

For supplement users, HCDs (including anserine) may specifically support delayed verbal memory—a function often impaired in early Alzheimer’s disease—but show no broad cognitive benefits. The effect was isolated to delayed recall in older adults without MCI, suggesting limited applicability for general cognitive enhancement. Users should note that commercial HCD products vary in composition, and optimal dosing remains undefined. Further research is required before recommending HCDs for cognitive stabilization in at-risk populations.

Anserine for Memory: Does It Really Help?