Name: China Supplier High Quality Best Price Propionyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride CAS 119793-66-7
Brand: Wuhan Fortuna Chemical Co., Ltd.

Propionyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride is a specific, modified form of the amino acid derivative L-carnitine. It's used primarily as a prescription medication or supplement for certain cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. Here's a breakdown:

The Components:

L-Carnitine: A naturally occurring compound crucial for energy metabolism. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria (the cell's powerhouses) so they can be burned for energy. It also helps remove toxic byproducts.
Propionyl Group (-C₂H₅CO-): This short-chain fatty acid derivative is attached to the L-carnitine molecule. This modification is key to its specific actions.
Hydrochloride (HCl): This salt form improves the compound's stability, solubility in water, and absorption in the body.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action):

Once inside the cell, the propionyl group can be cleaved off and converted into succinyl-CoA, a critical intermediate in the Krebs cycle (the main energy-producing cycle in cells). This provides an alternative and readily available fuel source, especially beneficial when oxygen supply is limited (like in ischemic tissues).
This process is called anaplerosis – replenishing Krebs cycle intermediates.

Enhanced Energy Production: Like standard carnitine, it facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria. However, the propionyl group offers an additional benefit:
Improved Blood Flow: It's believed to stimulate the production of Nitric Oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator. This helps relax blood vessels, improve blood flow (especially in small vessels/microcirculation), and reduce oxygen demand in tissues like the heart and skeletal muscle.
Antioxidant & Protective Effects: It may help protect cells from damage caused by lack of oxygen (ischemia) and free radicals.
Metabolic Effects: Influences carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Primary Medical Uses:

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Particularly for Intermittent Claudication (leg pain/cramping during walking due to reduced blood flow). It improves walking distance and reduces pain by enhancing microcirculation and muscle metabolism in the affected limbs.
Chronic Heart Failure (CHF): Sometimes used as an adjunct therapy to improve symptoms (like exercise tolerance), cardiac function, and quality of life by supporting energy metabolism in the heart muscle.
Stable Angina Pectoris: May be used to reduce chest pain and improve exercise capacity by improving cardiac energy metabolism and potentially coronary microcirculation.
Other Potential Uses: Studied in diabetic neuropathy, male infertility (improving sperm motility), and certain metabolic disorders, though evidence may be less established than for PAD and CHF.
Key Differences from Standard L-Carnitine:

The propionyl group provides a direct source of energy (via succinyl-CoA) independent of fatty acid oxidation, making it particularly useful in low-oxygen conditions.
It may have a stronger effect on stimulating nitric oxide production and improving microvascular blood flow.
It's often considered more targeted for cardiovascular and ischemic conditions than generic L-carnitine supplements.
Important Considerations:

Prescription Medication: In many countries (like in Europe), it's available as a prescription drug (e.g., Propionyl Levocarnitine) for the conditions mentioned above.
Supplement Status: In other regions (like the US), it may be marketed as a dietary supplement, though the evidence for benefits at supplement doses is generally weaker than for the prescription form used in clinical trials.
Safety: Generally well-tolerated. Common side effects are usually mild (e.g., gastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness). As with any supplement/medication, consult a doctor before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.
EFSA Opinion: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected general health claims for propionyl-L-carnitine supplements (like increasing energy or exercise performance in healthy people), stating insufficient evidence for the general population.

In summary: Propionyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride is a specialized carnitine derivative designed to enhance energy metabolism, particularly under low-oxygen stress, and improve blood flow. Its primary established medical uses are for treating symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease (intermittent claudication), Chronic Heart Failure, and Stable Angina.