Carcinine dihydrochloride is a benzyl amine derivative that is produced by the reaction of malic acid with dehydroascorbic acid. It has been shown to have activity against radiation-induced oxidative stress and is also used as an antioxidant. Carcinine dihydrochloride has been shown to inhibit epidermal growth in rats and to reduce skin tumor incidence in mice. Carcinine dihydrochloride binds to fatty acids, which are involved in many cellular processes including cell growth and the immune response. This compound may also have anti-inflammatory properties due to its ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins.