Polaprezinc
[CAS# 107667-60-7]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Other chemicals
• Name: Polaprezinc
• Synonyms: Zinc N-(3-aminopropionyl)histidine; Zinc L-carnosine complex
• Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₂N₄O₃Zn
• Molecular Weight: 289.61
• CAS Registry Number: 107667-60-7
• EC Number: 600-848-7
• SMILES: C1=C(NC=N1)C[C@@H](C(=O)O)[N-]C(=O)CCN.[Zn]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302
• Safety Statements: P280-P305+P351+P338

Discovery and Applications

Polaprezinc, a zinc-carnosine complex, was discovered in Japan in the early 1990s as a potential therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers aimed to combine the benefits of zinc, known for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, with carnosine, a dipeptide with antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing effects. This unique combination was found to have synergistic effects, making it particularly effective in protecting and healing the gastric mucosa.

Polaprezinc is widely used as a gastroprotective agent. It is particularly effective in treating gastric ulcers and gastritis. The zinc component promotes wound healing and reduces inflammation, while carnosine provides antioxidant protection and stabilizes the cell membranes of the gastric lining. Clinical studies have shown that polaprezinc can significantly reduce ulcer size and improve symptoms of gastritis.

Polaprezinc is used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. When combined with standard antibiotic therapy, polaprezinc enhances the eradication rates of *H. pylori* and helps reduce the associated gastric inflammation and damage.

Polaprezinc has been found effective in managing oral mucositis, a common and painful side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in cancer patients. Oral mucositis involves the formation of painful ulcers and inflammation in the mouth, significantly affecting a patient's quality of life and ability to eat. Polaprezinc's wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the severity and duration of oral mucositis.

The antioxidant properties of polaprezinc, derived from its carnosine component, make it beneficial in reducing oxidative stress in various tissues. This has potential applications beyond gastroenterology, including in the treatment of conditions where oxidative stress plays a critical role, such as neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders.

While primarily used for gastrointestinal health, polaprezinc's wound-healing properties suggest potential applications in dermatology. It may be used to promote the healing of skin ulcers, wounds, and burns.

References

2020. A Review of Zinc-L-Carnosine and Its Positive Effects on Oral Mucositis, Taste Disorders, and Gastrointestinal Disorders. Nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu12030665

2022. Drug repositioning of polaprezinc for bone fracture healing. Communications Biology.
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03424-7

2023. Therapeutic Effect of Polaprezinc on Reflux Esophagitis in the Rat Model. Digestive Diseases and Sciences.
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07990-6