L-ARGININE
L-arginine is is a semi-essential amino acid with its primary metabolic role being within the urea cycle, the biochemical pathway that metabolises nitrogen and protein.
In human body L-arginine is converted to Nitric oxide (NO) which is believed to mediate many diverse physiological processes including vasorelaxation, immune responses, adhesion of leukocytes and platelets and neurotransmission. It also plays important role in many biochemical functions including; memory, attention, increases perfusion of the kidneys, normal sexual function, lungs and liver by enhancing blood flow.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
High blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, high cholesterol, poor memory and focus, sports nutrition, exercise tolerance in cases of reduced blood flow, weight control, convalescence, recovery from surgery, sepsis and trauma, infertility, atherosclerosis, angina.
POSSIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
L-arginine is one of the most important amino acids for athletes as it plays crucial role in blood circulation through the production of nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator which enhances blood flow. It is very beneficial for athletes as it helps to reduce blood pressure while at the same time increasing flow of blood to the muscles oxygenating them and providing nutrients they need to improve endurance. L-arginine also stimulates the release of growth hormones and the breakdown of lipids promoting muscle growth and fat burning. In addition, L-arginine assists in the creation of another important for athletes amino acid creatine.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Arginine helps the arteries inner lining, called the endothelium, produce nitric oxide, which plays a role in the regulation of blood flow, and keeps blood platelets free from clumping or aggregation.
L-arginine is converted in our body to Nitric oxide and therefore it is a very effective in relaxing and dilating arteries in our heart and brain thus preventing heart attacks and strokes. One researcher even said that, „By Converting Into Nitric-Oxide (vasodilator), the Amino Acid, L-Arginine, Has Changed the Paradigms of Cardiovascular Health Forever!”
Arginine is semi-essential amino acid that is a precursor to NO. Increasing dietary intake of arginine from food and supplements increases production of NO. Taking arginine supplements improves blood pressure and blood flow and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. Scientists at the Scientific Institute of San Raffaele in Milan, Italy, evaluated the effects of arginine supplementation on non-diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease. According to this research published in Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental, it was determined that arginine supplements increase NO production, reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular function.
L-arginine is is widely recognized that this amino acid is oxidized to NO by the action of the NOS enzymes. “Our findings indicate a strong association between dietary intakes of l-arginine and serum NOx, as endogenous production of NO.” (>)
IMMUNE SYSTEM
L-arginine is the precursor for the synthesis of NO (nitric oxide) known to be present in macrophages, and is thought to mediate a number of macrophage cytotoxic actions. Arginine has been also shown to stimulate the thymus gland.
HAY FEVER
Research has shown that L-arginine may have a beneficial effect on airway hyper-responsiveness and airway inflammation in hay fever.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Sexual stimulation causes activity in the nervous system which, in turn, causes local release of nitric oxide in the genitals. This stimulates a substance called cGMP that increases blood flow in sex organs causing sexual arousal. L-arginine is recommended in sexual dysfunction as it is required to carry out the syntheses of nitric oxide.
L-arginine is required for the production of nitric oxide (NO) which is responsible for the male erection. The arteries supplying blood to the genitals depend on nitric oxide to allow them to relax and permit additional blood flow.
The drug VIAGRA also works through a mechanism that increases nitric oxide production in these arteries.
500-1,000 mg of L-arginine, Ginkgo biloba and 250-500 mg of Niacin (vitamin B3) two to three times daily to improve blood flow to the genitals.
A third of men showed improvements in a double blind placebo trial. It has not been tested on its own in women, but in combination with Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, damiana and multiple vitamins and minerals, 71% reported increased sexual desire.
BLOOD GLUCOSE AND WEIGHT CONTROL
Arginine is required for insulin production, blood sugar control and appears to also inhibit fat absorption.
beneficial in weight control when combined with ornithine.
WOUND HEALING
Arginine has been shown to improve wound healing in injured and stressed humans
FERTILITY
Arginine has been shown to increase sperm count and motility. It may be helpful in infertility especially when combined with vitamin C, acetyl l-carnitine, and antioxidants particularly alpha lipoic acid, pycnogenol and/or grape seed extract (resveratrol).
HORMONES
L-arginine stimulates the secretion of various important hormones including hypothalamic corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), pituitary growth hormone, prolactin, insulin, glucagon, pancreozymin and polypeptide, somatostatin, aldosterone, and adrenal catecholamines.
L-arginine is known to help increase progesterone levels.
Amino acids (ingredients of proteins) L-tyrosine, L-arginine, L-glutamine, and L-glycine are believed to be important for thyroid health and may help improve thyroid function.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
The higher the arginine to lysine ratio the lower the cholesterol level
DETOXIFICATION
Arginine supports urea and ammonia detoxification.
GROWTH PROMOTING
Arginine shown to elevate growth hormone and creatine synthesis.
OTHER WAYS TO INCREASE NITRIC OXIDE
You can also increase nitric oxide by taking a warm bath, breathing in and out through one nostril (close off the other nostril and your mouth).
Read about all NITRIC OXIDE (NO) BOOSTERS >
SUPPLEMENTAL ARGININE VS CITRULLINE
Arginine increases blood flow and produces nitric oxide in the body. So consumption of Arginine in a dosage of 3-6 grams can increase nitric oxide levels, however, Arginine taken as a supplement doesn’t have great absorption rate in the body so Citrulline is usually a better option.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
L-arginine supplements are not recommended in cases of schizophrenia or herpes infection. Also if anyone are on medication should consult a practician before taking L-arginine.
L-ARGININE WITH L-LYSINE
Arginine should be taken with amino acid Lysine which prevents arginine from contributing to cold sores. L-lysine is well known for its effects in controlling viral infections. Lysine can help correct the imbalances (excess dietary arginine) leading to herpes, the virus that can cause painful mouth sores and fever blisters. Studies show that lysine supplements help prevent breakouts and reduce the intensity of flare-ups. Lysine is also required for adequate absorption of calcium and for collagen formation (a vitamin C dependent process). Lysine can enter metabolic pathways that eventually provide necessary ingredients for the production of energy. This is true of many of the amino acids and is the reason protein can be a source of energy.
ORNITHINE
Ornithine is a precursor of arginine and when taken orally, has very similar effects.
DOSAGE
Dosage range: 500mg-6000mg daily. For maximum effect don’t take arginine with a meal high in protein as it will have to compete with them for absorption. Take it ideally about 30-60 minutes before or after a meal.
RELATED ARTICLES
– NITRIC OXIDE (NO) BOOSTERS >
SOURCES
– 186 Abstracts with Arginine Research >
– L-arginine Benefits Heart Health & Exercise Performance >
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