L-Cystine

The Uses of L-Cystine

L-Cystine is a non-essential amino acid for human development. L-Cystine is formed by the dimerization of two cysteines through the sulfur.

Background

A covalently linked dimeric nonessential amino acid formed by the oxidation of cysteine. Two molecules of cysteine are joined together by a disulfide bridge to form cystine.

Indications

It has been claimed that L-cysteine has anti-inflammatory properties, that it can protect against various toxins, and that it might be helpful in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. More research will have to be done before L-cysteine can be indicated for any of these conditions. Research to date has mostly been in animal models.

Physiological effects

L-Cystine is an amino acid and intracellular thiol, which plays a critical role in the regulation of cellular processes.

Health benefits

As a natural amino acid, L-cystine has the ability to eliminate free radicals that cause skin aging, and at the same time push out the dark pigmentation on the skin. Besides, L-cystine also helps to eliminate the old stratum corneum on the skin and regenerate new skin quickly.

Side Effects

L-cystine can cause some unwanted side effects on the digestive system such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or acne in the early stages of taking the drug.

Toxicity

With typical doses of 1 to 1.5 grams daily, the most commonly reported side effects have been gastrointestinal, such as nausea. There are rare reports of cystine renal stone formation, Single injections of L-cysteine (0.6-1.5 g/kg) into 4-day-old pups resulted in massive damage to cortical neurons, permanent retinal dystrophy, atrophy of the brain and hyperactivity.

Pharmacokinetics

L-Cystine is a covalently linked dimeric nonessential amino acid formed by the oxidation of cysteine. Two molecules of cysteine are joined together by a disulfide bridge to form cystine. Cystine is a chemical substance which naturally occurs as a deposit in the urine, and can form a calculus (hard mineral formation) when deposited in the kidney. The compound produced when two cysteine molecules linked by a disulfide (S-S) bond. Cystine is required for proper vitamin B6 utilization and is also helpful in the healing of burns and wounds, breaking down mucus deposits in illnesses such as bronchitis as well as cystic fibrosis. Cysteine also assists in the supply of insulin to the pancreas, which is needed for the assimilation of sugars and starches. It increases the level of glutathione in the lungs, liver, kidneys and bone marrow, and this may have an anti-aging effect on the body by reducing age-spots etc.