Acetyl-L-carnitine (hydrochloride)

Acetyl-L-carnitine (O-Acetyl-L-carnitine; ALCAR) hydrochloride is an orally active mitochondrial energy metabolism regulator and neuroprotectant that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride selectively enters cells and the brain through the organic cation transporter OCTN2. Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride can participate in fatty acid β-oxidation, promote acetylcholine synthesis, regulate mitochondrial function and inhibit oxidative stress as an acetyl donor. Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride exerts its activity by enhancing energy metabolism, protecting neurons and improving synaptic plasticity. Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride is mainly used in the study of neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorder-related diseases such as neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, Alzheimer's disease, and depression[1][2][3].