L-Histidine
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L-Histidine

Amino Acids Nutritional Enhancers Flavoring Agents
71-00-1
C₆H₉N₃O₂
$23.22 ~ $34.83
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Free sample from 100g(NF)
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Product Info

What is L-Histidine?

L-Histidine is an essential amino acid used primarily in nutritional supplements, as a flavor enhancer in foods, and in pharmaceutical preparations.

How is L-Histidine made?

Step No. Production Stage Key Action Control Point & Note
1 Inoculum Development (Seed Culture) A pure, high-yielding microbial strain (e.g., a modified Corynebacterium glutamicum or E. coli) is cultivated in a series of progressively larger flasks and seed fermenters. Control Point: Aseptic conditions are paramount to prevent contamination. Monitor cell density (OD), purity, and metabolic activity. Note: This step builds up a sufficient volume of healthy, active microorganisms for the main fermentation.
2 Fermentation The seed culture is transferred to a large-scale, sterilized bioreactor containing a nutrient-rich medium (carbon source like glucose, nitrogen source, minerals, and vitamins). The microbes grow and excrete L-Histidine into the broth. Control Point: Tightly control pH (typically 6.5-7.5), Temperature (30-37°C), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and nutrient feed rates. Note: Duration can be 48-96 hours. Regular sampling monitors L-Histidine concentration, residual sugar, and biomass.
3 Cell Separation (Harvesting) The fermentation broth, containing microbial cells, L-Histidine, and other metabolites, is harvested. The microbial cells are separated from the liquid broth. Control Point: Separation efficiency. Methods include centrifugation or microfiltration. Note: The goal is to obtain a clear, cell-free liquid (supernatant) containing the dissolved L-Histidine.
4 Purification via Ion Exchange Chromatography The cell-free broth is passed through a column containing a cation-exchange resin. L-Histidine, being positively charged at an acidic pH, binds to the resin while impurities are washed away. Control Point: pH of the feed solution, flow rate, and resin binding capacity. Note: L-Histidine is later eluted (released) from the resin by changing the pH or ionic strength of the solution, resulting in a purified L-Histidine solution.
5 Decolorization & Concentration The purified L-Histidine solution is treated with activated carbon to remove color and other minor organic impurities. The solution is then concentrated using vacuum evaporation. Control Point: Amount of activated carbon used and contact time. For evaporation, monitor temperature and vacuum level to prevent product degradation. Note: Concentration increases the L-Histidine saturation to facilitate crystallization.
6 Crystallization The concentrated solution is cooled under controlled conditions, often with the addition of a solvent like ethanol, causing the L-Histidine to precipitate out of the solution as pure crystals. Control Point: Cooling rate, final temperature, and agitation speed. Note: This step is critical for achieving high purity and the desired crystal size. The resulting slurry is a mix of crystals and mother liquor.
7 Separation and Drying The L-Histidine crystals are separated from the mother liquor via centrifugation or filtration, washed with cold water or a solvent to remove residual impurities, and then dried. Control Point: Washing efficiency and drying temperature. Drying is typically done under vacuum at a low temperature (e.g., 50-70°C) to remove moisture without degrading the amino acid. Final moisture content is a key specification.
8 Sieving and Packaging The dried L-Histidine powder is sieved to ensure a uniform particle size distribution. It is then tested for quality (purity, identity, heavy metals) before being packaged in sealed, moisture-proof containers. Control Point: Sieve mesh size, final product analysis against specifications (e.g., USP/FCC grade), and integrity of packaging. Note: Final QC checks ensure the product meets all requirements for its intended use, such as in food, pharma, or supplements.

Technical Specifications

CAS Number 71-00-1
Chemical Formula C₆H₉N₃O₂
Solubility Soluble in water (~45 mg/mL at 25 °C); insoluble in ethanol/ether
Storage Conditions Cool, dry, protected from moisture and light
Shelf Life 24 Months

Applications & Usage

Common Applications:

Food
dietary supplements
feed
pharmaceuticals
biochemical research

Mechanism of action:

Parameter L-Histidine
Functional Category Flavor Enhancer; Antioxidant Synergist; pH Buffer; Nutrient
Key Ingredients L-Histidine (an essential amino acid)
Mechanism of Action The imidazole side chain chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (e.g., iron, copper) and scavenges free radicals, thereby inhibiting lipid oxidation. It acts as a Maillard reaction precursor to develop savory flavors. Its pKa of ~6.0 provides effective pH buffering capacity near neutrality, stabilizing the food matrix.
Application Effect in Product Enhances umami and meaty flavor profiles in soups, sauces, and processed meats. Delays the onset of rancidity and extends shelf life in fat-containing products. Improves color stability, particularly in fish and seafood, by preventing pigment oxidation. Maintains product texture and quality by stabilizing pH.


Comparison:

Product Name Category/Type Key Features Strengths (vs peers) Weaknesses (vs peers) Best Use Cases Why Choose
L-Histidine Essential Amino Acid Precursor to histamine (neurotransmitter, immune modulator) and carnosine (muscle buffer). Involved in mineral binding and myelin sheath maintenance. Directly forms the vital compounds histamine and carnosine. Essential for specific metabolic functions not covered by other amino acids. Less commonly used as a standalone supplement. Deficiency is rare with a balanced diet. High doses can provoke histamine-related issues. Supporting carnosine synthesis (with beta-alanine), managing conditions related to histamine dysregulation, supporting nerve health. To directly supply the building block for histamine and to pair with beta-alanine to maximize muscle carnosine for endurance.
L-Arginine Semi-Essential Amino Acid Precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator. Plays a role in protein synthesis, wound healing, and immune function. Well-researched for enhancing blood flow and supporting cardiovascular health. Directly provides the substrate for NO synthase. Poor oral bioavailability; much is metabolized before entering circulation. Can trigger herpes simplex virus outbreaks. Improving exercise circulation (pump), supporting cardiovascular health, managing erectile dysfunction. For a direct approach to increasing nitric oxide levels, primarily for vasodilation and circulatory benefits.
L-Lysine Essential Amino Acid Crucial for protein synthesis, collagen formation, calcium absorption, and hormone production. Competes with arginine. Highly effective and widely used for suppressing the herpes simplex virus (cold sores). Fundamental for tissue growth and repair. Its primary benefits are structural and antiviral; less direct impact on athletic performance or neurotransmission than others. Prevention and management of cold sore outbreaks, supporting skin and connective tissue health, supplementing plant-based diets. For its specific antiviral action against HSV-1 and its essential role in building structural proteins like collagen.
Beta-Alanine Non-Essential Amino Acid Combines with L-histidine to form carnosine, which buffers acid accumulation in muscles during intense exercise. Very effective at increasing muscle carnosine, leading to measurable improvements in high-intensity exercise performance and endurance. Often causes a temporary, harmless tingling sensation (paresthesia). Its benefits are entirely dependent on available histidine. Boosting performance in short-duration, high-intensity activities (e.g., weightlifting, sprinting). Delaying muscle fatigue. When the primary goal is to increase muscular endurance by buffering acid, as it is the rate-limiting factor in carnosine production.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Amino Acid Derivative A stable form of L-cysteine; acts as a precursor to the powerful antioxidant glutathione. Also has mucolytic properties. Excellent at replenishing intracellular glutathione, offering potent antioxidant, detoxification, and respiratory support. Not directly involved in muscle protein synthesis or vasodilation. Can have a distinct sulfurous odor and taste. Liver support, boosting systemic antioxidant defenses, respiratory conditions with thick mucus, managing some compulsive behaviors. For robust cellular protection and detoxification support through its role as a direct precursor to the master antioxidant glutathione.

Technical Documents

Available Documentation

COA, MSDS, technical dossier

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Provided

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Quality assurance documentation

Technical Data Sheet

Detailed technical specifications