Evidence supporting the use of: Glycine propionyl-l-carnitine
For the health condition: Raynaud's Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC) has some scientific evidence supporting its use in the management of Raynaud's Disease, particularly in secondary Raynaud's phenomenon associated with conditions such as scleroderma. The rationale stems from the molecule’s ability to enhance endothelial function and improve peripheral blood flow, likely by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production and reducing oxidative stress.
Several small clinical studies have investigated the effects of propionyl-L-carnitine (which is a component of GPLC) in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Circulation (1992) found that propionyl-L-carnitine supplementation improved pain-free walking distance and showed a trend toward improving symptoms in patients with peripheral arterial disease, some of whom had Raynaud’s symptoms. A later study in Drugs under Experimental and Clinical Research (2002) by Rosano et al. showed that propionyl-L-carnitine improved microcirculation and reduced the frequency and severity of Raynaud’s attacks in patients with scleroderma.
However, these studies are relatively small, and there is a lack of large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating GPLC in primary Raynaud’s disease. The evidence is promising but not definitive, which is why the rating is moderate (3/5). Nevertheless, the scientific rationale—improving blood flow and endothelial function—supports its targeted use in Raynaud’s, especially secondary forms.
More about Glycine propionyl-l-carnitine
More about Raynaud's Disease
Other health conditions supported by Glycine propionyl-l-carnitine
AnginaCardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Exercise
Fatigue
Peripheral Neuropathy
Raynaud's Disease
