Health Benefits of Arginine - a Conditionally Essential Amino Acid

Health Benefits of Arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the body build protein. Your body usually makes all the L-arginine it needs. L-arginine is also found in most protein-rich foods, including fish, red meat, poultry, soy, whole grains, beans and dairy products. As a supplement, L-arginine can be used orally and topically.

Arginine is classified as a semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid, depending on the developmental stage and health status of the individual.

Arginine plays an important role in cell division, wound healing, removing ammonia from the body, immune function, and the release of hormones. It is a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), making it important in the regulation of blood pressure. Arginine is necessary for T-cells to function in the body, and can lead to their deregulation if depleted.

Arginine is the immediate precursor of nitric oxide, an important signaling molecule which can act as a second messenger, as well as an intercellular messenger which regulates vasodilation, and also has functions in the immune system's reaction to infection.

Arginine and Human Growth Hormone

Intravenously administered arginine is used in growth hormone stimulation, because it stimulates the secretion of growth hormone. A review of clinical trials concluded that oral arginine increases growth hormone, but decreases growth hormone secretion, which is normally associated with exercising.

Arginine and High blood pressure

A meta-analysis showed that L-arginine reduces blood pressure with pooled estimates of 5.4 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 2.7 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure.

Arginine glutamate

Arginine glutamate (also called glutargin) is a mixture of two amino acids, 50% arginine and 50% glutamic acid, finds its uses in the management of conditions such as liver disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic dysfunctions.

Arginine and Nitric Oxide

In the body, the amino acid arginine changes into nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves circulation. Some evidence shows that arginine may help improve blood flow in the arteries of the heart. That may improve symptoms of clogged arteries, chest pain or angina, and coronary artery disease.

The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

In total, 10 randomized controlled trials were carried out, reporting the outcomes of 540 patients with ED. The analysis demonstrated that arginine supplements with dosage ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 mg significantly improved ED compared with placebo or no treatment (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30770070/).

A study in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that supplements combining L-arginine and Pycnogenol, a pine bark extract, helped a significant number of men ages 25 to 45 with ED achieve normal erections. The combination has also been shown to be a good antioxidant and has positive effect on cardiovascular functions. It has been shown to have a role to play in enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase to produce more NO from l-arginine, which also forms the rationale behind combining the two.

Propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and Niacin in Sexual Medicine: A Nutraceutical Approach to Erectile Dysfunction

A single-blind, one-arm study was carried out to evaluate the effects of a 3-month supplementation with propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin on their sexual performance. 51 (92%) patients of 54 completed the entire study period. After 3 months of treatment, a small, but statistically significant improvement in total and single items of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was found. Analyses revealed that treatment improved erections in 40% of cases, with a partial response occurring in up to 77% of subjects enrolled. These preliminary findings indicate that the favourable cardiovascular effects of nutraceuticals might also reflect on male sexual function with possible implication in the treatment and prevention of ED (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21966881/).

 

Disclaimer: The above article is for information purpose only. It does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

Sources:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/l-arginine

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30770070/