Arginine
Other names for Arginine
2-amino-5-(diaminomethylidene amino) pentanoic acid
arginine
arginine base
arginine hcl
arginine hydrochloride
arginine, micronized
arginine monohydrochloride
arginine nitrate
arginine orotate
arginine, peg-micronized system
arginine, powder
di-arginine di-malate
di-l-arginine-l-malate
dl-arginine
dl-arginine malate
hemo-diffus(tm)
l-argininate
l arginine
l-arginine
l-arginine base
l-arginine ethyl ester
l-arginine ethyl ester dichloride
l-arginine ethyl ester dihydrochloride
l-arginine hci
l-arginine hcl
l-arginine hydrochloride
l-arginine hydrochloride, micronized
l-arginine hydrochloride, powder
l-arginine-l-malate
l-arginine malate
l-arginine, micronized
l-arginine monohydrate
l-arginine monohydrate hydrochloride
l-arginine monohydrochloride
l-arginine nitrate
l-arginine nitric oxide
l-arginine, ot2
l-arginine, powder
micronized l-arginine
nitrosigine arginine inositol silicate
(s)-2-amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid
(s)-2-amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid hydrochloride
Synopsis of Arginine
History
Arginine, an amino acid found naturally in many foods, has a rich history of medicinal use dating back centuries. Traditionally, it was obtained from plant and animal sources and employed in various natural remedies. In ancient medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, foods high in arginine—like nuts, seeds, and legumes—were valued for their ability to promote vitality and support healing. While the specific identification of "arginine" as a compound is a modern scientific development, practitioners recognized the health benefits associated with arginine-rich foods.
Historically, arginine has been revered for its role in supporting cardiovascular health. Folk remedies often utilized arginine-containing herbs to promote better circulation, alleviate fatigue, and enhance overall endurance. Herbalists would frequently recommend combinations of arginine-rich plants, such as ginseng and spirulina, with other botanicals known to boost energy and immune function. In these herbal combinations, arginine contributed to enhanced blood flow and tissue repair, making such blends popular for convalescence and recovery from illness.
Today, arginine continues to be a key ingredient in nutritional products, celebrated for its ability to support nitric oxide production, which helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Its legacy in herbal remedies underscores its versatile contributions to health and wellness. By blending traditional wisdom with modern science, arginine remains a staple in both individual supplements and herbal formulations, offering positive effects on cardiovascular, immune, and overall metabolic health.
Traditional and scientific validation
Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is a semi-essential amino acid that has been used in nutritional products for decades. Historically, it gained attention in the early 20th century as researchers explored its role in protein synthesis and metabolic pathways. Arginine is a precursor for nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to relax blood vessels and improve circulation, which forms the basis for much of its scientific interest.
Numerous clinical studies have investigated arginine’s potential benefits across various health domains. Research has shown that arginine supplementation may enhance exercise performance by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. Some studies have also suggested a role in promoting wound healing and supporting immune function, particularly in individuals with compromised health. In cardiovascular health, arginine has been examined for its capacity to lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function, with mixed but generally promising results.
Despite these positive findings, scientific consensus on arginine’s efficacy remains cautious. Some studies have not found significant benefits, and responses can vary depending on individual health status and dosage. Nonetheless, arginine is widely recognized as safe for most people and continues to be a valuable component in sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, and health supplements.
Overall, while more well-controlled research is necessary to confirm and clarify its full spectrum of effects, arginine’s contributions to nutritional science and human health are notable. Its established role in nitric oxide production and metabolic processes supports its continued use in a variety of nutritional applications.
Arginine is used for these health conditions
Angina (Scientific)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Body Building (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Congestive Heart Failure (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Erectile Dysfunction (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Heart (weakness) (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Infertility (Scientific)
Peripheral Neuropathy (Scientific)
Sex Drive (low) (Scientific)
Testosterone (low) (Scientific)
Thrombosis (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
Arginine is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Male Reproductive System (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Scientific)
Structural System (Scientific)
Veins (Scientific)
