Arginine amino acid benefit - L Arginine supplement Information - L Arginine amino acid capsules and powder supplements

Arginine or L-Arginine is an amino acid involved in numerous areas of human biochemistry, including ammonia detoxification, hormone secretion, and the immune system. Arginine is also well known as a precursor to nitric oxide, a key component of endothelial-derived relaxing factor. The endothelium is the lining inside blood vessels and arginine supplements help make more nitric oxide. Therefore arginine, by making more nitric oxide, helps to relax and dilate blood vessels. Nitric oxide is a messenger molecule involved in a variety of endothelium-dependent effects in the cardiovascular system. Because of arginine's nitric oxide-stimulating effects, there have been claims that this amino acid is useful in hypertension, preeclampsia, intermittent claudication, and erectile dysfunction. Arginine has been studied for its role in athletic performance, burns and trauma, diabetes and syndrome X, male and female infertility, and interstitial cystitis. What does the research say about the benefit of arginine supplements for various medical conditions?
   Even though arginine supplements have been claimed to be useful for some of the conditions listed above, it would be premature to be overly excited. Much research needs to be done before we can be more confident about the health benefits of arginine supplements. However, thus far, arginine amino acid appears to have a role to play in conditions involving blood vessel dilation. Whether the dilation is short lived or continues for an adequate period is still being evaluated. Arginine does not appear to be helpful as a supplement taken by those who have suffered a heart attack. However, some research supports the use of arginine in heart failure.

L Arginine supplement 750 mg, 60 Capsules
L Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid synthesized by the body from ornithine.  Arginine supports protein synthesis as it is involved in the transport and storage of nitrogen. Among many functions, L Arginine amino acid is used by the body to produce creatine. Each arginine supplement capsule contains 750 mg elemental L Arginine.

Usage: Take 1 to 6 arginine supplement capsules daily, or as directed by your qualified health consultant.
Serving size 1 capsule
L Arginine hcl - 750 mg per capsule

L Arginine supplement 750 mg, 60 Capsules
L Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid synthesized by the body from ornithine.  Arginine supports protein synthesis as it is involved in the transport and storage of nitrogen. Among many functions, L Arginine is used by the body to produce creatine. Each arginine supplement capsule contains 750 mg elemental L Arginine.

Usage: Take 1 to 6 arginine supplement capsules daily, or as directed by your qualified health consultant.
Serving size 1 capsule
L Arginine hcl - 750 mg per capsule

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L Arginine amino acid and erectile dysfunction studies
One of the more popular supplements for sexual dysfunction is L-arginine, also referred to as arginine. Arginine is a versatile amino acid in animal cells, serving as a precursor for the making not only of proteins but also of nitric oxide, urea, glutamate, and creatine. What makes l-arginine interesting is that it can be metabolized to nitric oxide (NO). NO is the most powerful chemical known to dilate and engorge blood vessels in the penis and clitoris. What does the research say about the role of arginine in erectile dysfunction?

A
Low dose of l arginine amino acid supplement, at 500 mg three times a day, was not found to be effective for erectile dysfunction.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 men with erectile dysfunction tested l arginine at a dose of 5 grams per day for six weeks. About a third of the participants who received l arginine showed improvement, and that improvement was greater than the 10% improvement seen in the placebo group.

The amino acid L arginine has been studied in combination with other nutrients as a treatment for sexual dysfunction in women. A small trial found some improvement with a combination treatment providing a daily dose of 2,500 mg of l arginine, as well as ginseng, ginkgo, and damiana. In a four-week, double-blind study, 77 women with decreased libido were given either the combination product or a placebo. Those taking the arginine blend showed statistically greater improvement, reporting increased sexual desire in 71% of participants given the treatment. In the placebo group, 42% reported an increased libido. Other improvements included relative satisfaction with sex life and heightened clitoral sensation. No significant side effects were seen in either group. However, we don't know if the arginine had anything to do with the results.

A study done at the University of Texas at Austin examined l arginine benefit, combined with yohimbine, on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women. Twenty-four women participated in three sessions in which sexual responses to erotic stimuli were measured following treatment with either arginine glutamate (6 grams) plus yohimbine (6 mg), yohimbine alone (6 mg), or a placebo. Sexual responses were measured at one hour after taking the supplements. Compared to placebo, the combined oral administration of arginine and yohimbine substantially increased vaginal pulse amplitude responses to the erotic film. It is well known that yohimbine, alone, has a significant effect on sexuality and whether arginine was a factor is not known.

Mechanism of action of the amino acid L Arginine
The most likely explanation for the mild effectiveness of l arginine amino acid is its conversion into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is converted into cGMP, which becomes the secondary messenger that causes smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in blood vessel dilation, and more blood going into the genital organs, which leads to erections. However, nitric oxide is quickly metabolized and any potential l arginine benefit could be short lived.

L Arginine benefits
There is some supporting evidence that l arginine offers benefits in reducing angina and lowering blood pressure (see studies bottom of page). Research indicates supplemental l arginine reduces pulmonary resistance and blood pressure. Arginine supplementation improves renal function in patients with chronic heart failure. Polish researchers have found that arginine supplements increases exercise tolerance in stable coronary artery disease patients.
Oral L-arginine improves endothelial function in older healthy individuals. However, I am not convinced yet that arginine is a worthwhile supplement for erectile function or sexual enhancement, at least when used in low dosages.  

L arginine and cancer
L-arginine reduces cell proliferation and ornithine decarboxylase activity in patients with colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma.
Clin Cancer Res. 2007 December. Departments of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China.
Evidence suggests that the majority of colorectal carcinomas arise from adenomas, and L-arginine suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis. We suppose that L-arginine may inhibit the process of carcinogenesis from colorectal adenoma to adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of L-arginine on the formation and development of colorectal tumors. We selected 60 patients with colorectal cancer and 60 patients with colorectal adenoma (CRA) and divided them into four groups of 30 patients each. We gave 30 g (120 mL) of L-arginine everyday for 3 days to the test groups, whereas L-arginine was substituted by 5% glucose in the control groups. The expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, survivin, and nitric oxide synthase was examined immunohistochemically, and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was examined spectrophotometrically. Serum nitric oxide (NO) was detected by the Griess assay. In patients with CRA, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and survivin labeling indexes and ODC activity of the tumor and paratumor mucosa in the L-arginine-treated group after L-arginine treatment were significantly lower as compared with the corresponding pretreatment values (P < 0.01). Moreover, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the tumor markedly increased after L-arginine treatment (P < 0.05). Serum NO levels in the patients with colorectal cancer were markedly higher than those in the patients with CRA, and L-arginine treatment was responsible for this increase. Our results show that L-arginine can restrain crypt cell hyperproliferation and the expression of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein. This suggests that L-arginine can block the formation and development of colorectal tumors, and this effect might be related to the increased serum NO concentration and decreased ODC activity.

Benefit of arginine for heart failure
L-arginine supplements may improve the physical fitness of heart failure patients by enhancing their endurance to exercise. Dr. Stephane Doutreleau and colleagues from Institut de Physiologie, Strasbourg, France, examined the potential benefits of 6 weeks of L-arginine supplements on endurance exercise in 10 patients with chronic stable heart failure. Patients who took L-arginine experienced a significant decrease in their average heart rate throughout exercise and the recovery period. There were no significant changes in blood pressure and respiratory parameters. The current study supports a prior study in which a group of heart failure patients were shown to benefit from a combination of exercise and L-arginine supplements. In that study, the combination appeared to help correct the abnormal functioning of blood vessels seen in chronic heart failure. International Journal of Sports Medicine July 2006.

L arginine not helpful in peripheral artery disease
L-arginine supplementation in peripheral arterial disease: no benefit and possible harm.
Circulation. 2007 July 10. Wilson AM, Harada R, Nair N, Balasubramanian N, Cooke JP. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
L-arginine is the precursor of endothelium-derived nitric oxide, an endogenous vasodilator. L-arginine supplements improve vascular reactivity and functional capacity in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in small, short-term studies. We aimed to determine the effects of long-term administration of L-arginine on vascular reactivity and functional capacity in patients with PAD. The Nitric Oxide in Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency (NO-PAIN) study was a randomized clinical trial of oral L-arginine (3 grams a day) versus placebo for 6 months in 133 subjects with intermittent claudication due to PAD in a single-center setting. In patients with peripheral artery disease, long-term administration of L-arginine does not increase nitric oxide synthesis or improve vascular reactivity.

Benefit of L arginine supplements in gestational hypertension
L-arginine supplementation in patients with gestational hypertension: a pilot study.
Hypertens Pregnancy. 2007. Mother-Infant Dept., Section of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Patients with gestational hypertension and proteinuria and those without proteinuria were randomized in a double-blind design to receive either L arginine (20 grams / 500 mL intravenously daily, for 5 days followed by 4 grams /day orally for 2 weeks) or placebo. Compared with baseline, both systolic and diastolic blood pressue 6 days after treatment were significantly reduced in the l arginine group but not in the placebo group. The treatment with l arginine seems promising in prolonging pregnancy and reducing blood pressure, particularly in patients with gestational hypertension and without proteinuria.

L arginine and heart attack
Q. I came across a web site where it says not to take l arginine supplements following a heart attack (does that apply to recent and old one?) and that six people had died during an arginine study. I am 66 and have had a heart attack in 1989 and don’t take any drugs for it. I wanted to try an arginine supplement because of the benefits I have read about, especially erectile dysfunction, and better circulation, but am now afraid to do so.
   A. I have listed the arginine heart attack study below. It would seem prudent to not use l arginine supplements the first few months after a heart attack. However, at least one or two additional studies are needed to determine whether the results of this study regarding the influence of l arginine supplements and heart attack were coincidence or whether l arginine does have a negative impact on heart health in those who have had a recent heart attack.

L-arginine therapy in acute myocardial infarction: the Vascular Interaction With Age in Myocardial Infarction (VINTAGE MI) randomized clinical trial.
JAMA. 2006 Jan 4. Schulman SP, Becker LC, Kass DA, Champion HC, Terrin ML, Forman S, Ernst KV, Kelemen MD, Townsend SN, Capriotti A, Hare JM, Gerstenblith G. Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, USA.
To determine whether the addition of L-arginine to standard postinfarction therapy reduces vascular stiffness and improves ejection fraction over 6-month follow-up in patients following acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. A total of 153 patients following a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were enrolled; 77 patients were 60 years or older. Patients were randomly assigned to receive L-arginine (goal dose of 3 g 3 times a day) or matching placebo for 6 months. Baseline characteristics, vascular stiffness measurements, and left ventricular function were similar between participants randomized to receive placebo or L-arginine. There was no significant change from baseline to 6 months in the vascular stiffness measurements or left ventricular ejection fraction in either of the 2 groups, including those 60 years or older and the entire study group. However, 6 participants (8.6%) in the L-arginine group died during the 6-month study period vs none in the placebo group. Because of the safety concerns, the data and safety monitoring committee closed enrollment. L-arginine, when added to standard postinfarction therapies, does not improve vascular stiffness measurements or ejection fraction and may be associated with higher postinfarction mortality.

L Arginine dosage
L Arginine is available most often as 750 to 1,000 mg capsules and in powder form. The dosage of l arginine depends on the condition being treated. In some cases, an arginine dosage of more than 5 grams a day may be required.

History of L arginine amino acid
L arginine was first isolated in 1886. In 1932, L arginine was found to be required for the generation of urea, which is necessary for the removal of toxic ammonia from the body. In 1939 L arginine was also shown to be required for the synthesis of creatine, the muscle builder.

Arginine deficiency
Symptoms of arginine deficiency include poor wound healing, hair loss, skin rash, constipation, and fatty liver. Arginine is considered a semi-essential amino acid, because although it is normally synthesized in sufficient amounts by the body, arginine supplementation is sometimes required (for example, due to inborn errors of urea synthesis, protein malnutrition, excessive lysine intake, burns, peritoneal dialysis, and rapid growth).

L Arginine side effects
I have not come across any significant l arginine side effects up to now. It is possible that one side effect of high dosage l arginine is nausea. Other possible l arginine side effects on very high dosages are digestive disturbances. I have personally taken more than 10 grams l arginine at one time at least on three different occasions without any significant side effects. But, it is not clear whether l arginine has side effects if used in high dosages daily for many months or years.

L Arginine and nitric oxide
Arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide, which causes blood vessel relaxation. Although there is some evidence that suggests that arginine supplements may be useful in the treatment of medical conditions that are improved by vasodilation, such as angina, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, heart failure, intermittent claudication / peripheral vascular disease, and vascular headache, more proof is needed. The appropriate l arginine dosage and long term safety is not clear at this time. Arginine also stimulates protein synthesis and has been studied for wound healing, bodybuilding, enhancement of sperm production (spermatogenesis), and prevention of wasting in people with critical illness.

Arginine benefit for sexual enhancement
There are many potent herbs that have sexual enhancement properties. Arginine is not on my top ten list of aphrodisiac supplements and I don't think a l arginine health benefit is significant erection enhancement. I prefer the sex enhancing herbs found in Passion Rx which are much more potent and effective.

Arginine side effects
No major l arginine side effects have been reported in the medical literature. It is unlikely that dosages of arginine supplements less than 3 grams a day would lead to any significant side effects.

Arginine metabolism by the kidneys
The kidney plays a major role in arginine metabolism in 3 principal ways: arginine synthesis, creatine synthesis, and arginine reabsorption. Arginine is made in the kidney from citrulline produced by the intestine. The renal enzymes of arginine synthesis, argininosuccinate synthetase and argininosuccinate lyase, occur in the cells of the proximal tubule. The rate of arginine synthesis depends on citrulline delivery and does not appear to be regulated by dietary arginine availability. Renal arginine synthesis in humans produces approximately 2 grams arginine per day, which may be compared to an intake, from a Western diet, of approximately 4 to 5 grams a day. Spontaneous, nonenzymatic breakdown of creatine and creatine phosphate to creatinine causes the excretion of 1 to 2 g creatinine a day and requires the replacement of an equivalent amount of creatine from the diet and by endogenous synthesis. The first enzyme of creatine biosynthesis, L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase, occurs in the kidney and produces guanidinoacetate, which is released into the renal vein. The renal output of guanidinoacetate, however, is rather low, and we propose that the entire pathway of creatine synthesis may also occur in the liver. Renal arginine reabsorption salvages approximately 3 grams of arginine per day. At the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells, arginine shares a transporter with lysine, ornithine, and cystine. Defects in this heteromeric transporter cause cystinuria, which is also characterized by urinary loss of arginine, lysine, and ornithine.

L Arginine research update
L-Arginine supplement improves vascular function by overcoming deleterious effects of ADMA, a novel cardiovascular risk factor.
Altern Med Rev. 2005 Mar;10(1):14-23.
There is abundant evidence that the endothelium plays a crucial role in the maintenance of vascular tone and structure. One of the major endothelium-derived vasoactive mediators is nitric oxide (NO), an endogenous messenger molecule formed in healthy vascular endothelium from the amino acid precursor L-arginine. Endothelial dysfunction is caused by various cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic diseases, and systemic or local inflammation. One mechanism that explains the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction is the presence of elevated blood levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) -- an L arginine analogue that inhibits nitric oxide formation and thereby can impair vascular function. Supplementation with L-arginine has been shown to restore vascular function and to improve the clinical symptoms of various diseases associated with vascular dysfunction

Plasma l arginine concentrations are reduced in cancer patients: evidence for arginine deficiency?
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 81, No. 5, 1142-1146, May 2005
Preliminary evidence suggests that arginine availability in cancer is reduced. However, no valid data are available on plasma arginine concentrations in cancer patients. We aimed to determine whether there is evidence for disturbed arginine metabolism in cancer. We measured plasma arginine concentrations postabsorptively in patients with various types of tumors, hypothesizing that arginine concentrations would be lower than those in age- and sex-matched control subjects. Patients with localized tumors with a range of metabolic implications were studied: breast cancer (no weight loss), colonic cancer (sometimes weight loss), and pancreatic cancer (usually weight loss). Plasma arginine concentrations were lower in patients with cancer irrespective of tumor type, weight loss, tumor stage, or body mass index. Malignant tumors associated with various degrees of metabolic derangements are all associated with decreased plasma arginine concentrations, even without weight loss. This suggests that decreased arginine availability is a specific feature of the presence of cancer. These disturbances in arginine metabolism could contribute to the cascade of metabolic events leading to cancer cachexia.

Types of arginine supplements available over the counter
L-Arginine Alpha Keto Glutarate is a form of arginine amino acid supplement promoted to enhance nitric oxide production.
N-Hydroxy-Arginine is a form of arginine amino acid supplement. Arginine plays a role in the urea cycle, helping to rid the body of excess ammonia.


Arginine emails
Q. Should a l arginine amino acid supplement be taken with meals or on an empty stomach?
   A. L Arginine amino acid supplements are probably more effective when taken on an empty stomach.

Q. Can I take l arginine regularly for many months?
   A. As with most nutrients, I recommend taking breaks from use. In the case of arginine, it appears to be safe to take for extended periods as long as the dose is less than 2 grams a day.

Q. Is l arginine better to take as a capsule or powder?
   A. It depends on how much you plan to take. If your dose is 1 to 5 g, the capsule works. If you plan to take more than 5 grams of arginine, then the powder is more efficient.

Q. What are some foods high in arginine amino acid?
   A. All foods that have protein contain arginine amino acid.

Q. Is l arginine amino acid for a woman appropriate? What is the correct arginine dosage? Also, is l arginine a vitamin?
   A. I can't think of a medical reason why a woman would need to take a l arginine supplement. L arginine is not a vitamin but an amino acid.

Q. Does l arginine supplement reduce blood pressure? Can l arginine be taken the same time as Pycnogenol?
   A. I don't think l arginine stays in the bloodstream long enough to have a long term influence on blood pressure. I don't see any reason why l arginine can't be used together with Pycnogenol.

Q. What's the symptom of l arginine overdose?
   A. I don't know. I have personally taken 12 grams of arginine at one time without any side effects.

Q. I came across a web site that said: Arginine Ornithine Lysine is an obvious choice to promote health and wellbeing at all stages of adult life. What's the scoop?
   A. I have not come across any studies that indicate arginine ornithine lysine together help promote health.

Q. Does l arginine cause a tumor or treat a tumor either by oral arginine supplement or arginine cream?
   A. I don't see any clinical reason why l arginine would cause or prevent a tumor. As to arginine cream, I can't imagine enough being absorbed to have a clinical effect.

Q. Do you recommend l arginine amino acid supplement for body building?
   A. I'm much more impressed with creatine monhydrate and protein powders than l arginine for body building.

Q.  I have followed your career since my wife and I heard you at a book review at the La Quinta Hotel several years ago. I would like to call your attention to a problem I had recently with taking l arginine in quantity (6 grams per day) over several months, I came down with rosacea, which cleared up when I stopped taking it and with standard treatment by a dermatologist. I have read stories by body builders of their faces getting "rough" when taking large doses of l arginine and wonder if they have undiagnosed rosacea. Keep up the good work.
   A. Thanks, this is the first we have heard of any potential reaction to arginine leading to rosacea.

Q. I read in one of your books that you once ingested 12 grams of arginine and experienced no ill effects. What then were the positive effects gained? I am curious about that since the arginine dosage is quite high. I am guessing that the body does not need that much of one amino acid via supplementation, like vitamin C.
   A. I did not notice much of an effect from 12 grams of arginine, positive or negative.

Q. Can I take L Arginine amino acid with Passion Rx?
   A. We really can't say since each person responds differently and we have no idea of your health condition. As a rule, Passion Rx is potent by itself and there is little need to take any other supplements the same day. L arginine amino acid is quite benign, and we can't foresee any additional side effects if arginine is added.

Q. This question is in regards to arginine nitric oxide relationship. If I take an arginine supplement, how long does it take to convert into nitric oxide and how long does the nitric oxide stay in the body?
   A. These are excellent questions and at this time I don't know the precise answers to your questions but will search for research that explores the supplement arginine nitric oxide connection. Nitiric oxide stays in the blood stream for brief periods.

Q. Do arginine amino acid supplements improve erection?
   A. We are not impressed with arginine amino acid for erection problems. Perhaps some people may benefit from arginine amino acid for erection if taken in very high doses, but our experience has not been overly promising.

Ashoka ayurvedic herb is popular in India
Asteracantha longifolia appears to be an herb that has liver protective potential.
Bauhinia malabarica has been used in Thai traditional medicine for wound healing and as a diuretic.

Amino acid related compounds
N-acetyl-aspartate is synthesized in neurons from the amino acid aspartate and acetyl-coenzyme A.