Arginine
(L-Arg)

Suffering from erectile dysfunction? Clinical studies prove that this supplement helps. That is very good news indeed for millions of people with ED. Recently, it also helps those suffering from heart disease.

Table of Contents

Evidence of Benefits (Leaf rating system)

	Erectile Dysfunction (ED) / Impotence The supplement has the greatest interest in its potential ability to treat ED. Research studies support its use to treat ED. For L-Arg to be effective, high dosage of 5 grams daily is required. Lower dosage of 500 mg taken three times daily appears to be no more effective than a placebo (sugar pill). A recent research studies with Prelox (L-Arg and Pycnogenol) showed that it was very effective. Subjects doubled their sexual intercourse frequency, increased their sperm count and testosterone levels significantly. Their blood pressure and cholesterol levels were lowered. No subjects reported any significant side effects. And this was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, the gold standard for setting up quality research study. The researchers concluded that, "Prelox is a promising alternative to treat mild to moderate ED." A similar research study conducted earlier by R. Stanislavov and V. Nikolova (2003) showed the same promising results with Prelox. After 1 month of treatment, 80% of the men have restored sexual ability. After 3 months, 92.5% of the men experienced a normal erection. As a note, Pycnogenol is known to increase the production of nitric oxide, needed to maintain an erection. For a list of other natural remedies that is used to treat ED, click here. As well, a well-designed study showed that 6 grams of L-Arg 6 combined with 6 mg of yohimbine (which the supplement yohimbe contains) is effective in improving erectile dysfunction in patients with mild to moderate ED. Note that yohimbine has a prescription status in US and Canada but the natural supplement yohimbe is a natural remedy available from health food stores. Combining L-Arg with Levitra (vardenafil) or Viagra (sildenafil) has been suggested by researchers for those who suffer from severe ED.
	Angina (Chest Pain) Research shows that L-Arg dilates coronary blood vessels. Extensive research studies in humans show that the supplement decreases the symptoms and increases the quality of life for those patients suffering from angina (A. Blum et al, 1999 / B. Bednarz et al, 2000 / A. Palloshi et al, 2004). A.J. Maxwell (2002) concluded that, "arginine-rich medical food, when used as an adjunct to traditional therapy, improves vascular function, exercise capacity and aspects of quality of life in patients with stable angina." Combining Vitamin C with L-arg made the benefit greater. The researchers suggested combining the two for an enhanced effect. Unfortunately, not all research studies show positive results. Experts agree that L-Arg can be recommended as an add-on in the treatment of patients with angina.
	Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) The supplement helped in lowering heart rate, blood pressure and increasing the output of the heart in those patients who have severe congestive heart failure. It is also suggested by experts that the addition of L-arg can, "protect the myocardium from injury by releasing nitric oxide."
	Heart Disease / Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) Reduced amount of NO (nitric oxide is made from L-arginine) seems to be the common link to damage in the blood vessels. This would ultimately lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Individuals who smoke cigarettes have reduced nitric oxide activity. This would cause the blood vessel to constrict or get narrower. Thus it would cause their blood pressure to get higher. The most recent published research proves that L-Arg can reduce the risk of heart disease by improving insulin response, reducing inflammation and maintaining the quality of the blood vessels.
	High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) NO is arguably the most potent metabolic modulator of blood pressure. L-Arg lowers blood pressure somewhat but not significantly. A well-designed study done in humans showed that L-arg dilated blood vessels to improve blood flow.
	Pre-Eclampsia The research done by F. Facchinetti concluded that, "The treatment with L-Arg seems promising in prolonging pregnancy and reducing blood pressure, particularly in patients with gestational diabetes.
	Diabetes / Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention Researchers demonstrated that topical L-arginine cream helps to improve blood circulation in the feet of diabetic patients. Diabetic patients have lower than normal L-arginine which might explain why diabetics have much higher risk of peripheral vascular disease (symptoms include cold hands and feet, poor sensation, poor healing of wounds, and amputation risks). However, L-arg does not seem to affect the body's ability to manage glucose or the blood glucose levels.
	Bodybuilding / Increasing Body Strength or Muscle Mass / Enhancing Athletic Performance Specific amino acids, such as arginine, lysine and ornithine, can stimulate growth hormone (GH) release. Many individuals consume amino acids before strength training workouts, believing this practice accentuates the exercise-induced GH release, thereby promoting greater gains in muscle mass and strength.   During exercise, intensity is a major determinant of GH release. No studies found that pre-exercise oral amino acid supplementation increases GH release. Further, no properly designed scientific studies found that oral supplementation with amino acids before strength training increases muscle mass and strength to a greater extent than strength training alone. In a research study done on 22 adults males, 1 gram each of L-arg and L-ornithine increased total strength and lean body mass after taking 25 doses. The experts concluded that this combination of supplements showed the benefits in a relatively short period of time. However, a well-designed randomized double-blind placebo-controlled research study by experts showed that taking L-Arg for four weeks had no impact on growth hormone release or athletic endurance. Although many research studies show conflicting results, the well-designed studies showed that L-arg is overrated in its ability to enhance athletic performance.
	Cancer There is evidence that arginine might be helpful in various forms of cancer such as breast cancer and gastric cancer. One study showed that arginine inhibited gastric cancer cell growth. Researchers also demonstrated that lowered levels of L-arginine can cause kidney cancer cells to grow. It would also appear that whether arginine speeds up or reduces breast cancer cell growth depends on the concentration used. It was shown that low concentration of NO increases cancer cell growth and higher concentration slows it down. However, current research also showed that nitrogen (which arginine provides) promotes lung cancer cells growth. There is uncertainty whether this supplement would benefit or worsen cancer in humans.
	Stimulate Production of Growth Hormones (GH) The supplement appears to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH), prolactin, glucagon and insulin. Well-designed research studies do not show L-arg to increase the release of GH.

Suggested Benefits and Traditional uses

• atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• bodybuilding / increasing body strength and muscle mass
• breast cancer
• chest pain / angina
• common cold prevention
• congestive heart failure (CHF)
• dementia / Alzheimer's disease
• diabetes
• enhancing athletic performance
• erectile dysfunction / impotence
• heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI)
• heart disease / coronary artery disease (CAD)
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• high cholesterol
• infertility
• interstitial cystitis
• increase growth hormone production
• male infertility
• migraine headache
• preventing blood clots
• poor circulation to hands and feets
• pre-eclampsia
• sexual dysfunction / low libido / low sex drive
• stimulating the immune system / immune enhancement
• stomach (gastric) cancer
• frequent urinary tract infection

• erectile dysfunction / impotence
• poor circulation to hands and feets
• sexual dysfunction / low libido / low sex drive

Facts about Arginine

The affects of L-arg on the blood vessel system is well studied. L-arg is converted into nitric oxide (NO), (also known as the endothelium-derived relaxation factor, EDRF). NO is capable of dilating blood vessels.

It is shown that NO can reduce blood pressure. L-arg is the only substance the body can use to make NO. So too little L-arg will prevent sufficient production of nitric oxide. This would cause reduced circulation and blood flow problems in the body, the coronary arteries and into the penis.

L-arg also seems to stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH), prolactin, glucagon and insulin but current studies do not support L-arg ability to enhance athletic performance or enhance the release of GH. No study shows that using amino acids such as L-arg before strength training will increase the release of GH. Strength training by itself is responsible for the increase in muscle mass and strength. There you have it.

Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings

Allergic response is possible causing an asthma attack, skin rash or swelling.

Pregnancy & Lactation - It is probably safe to use during pregnancy in appropriate doses. There is no information on using arginine during lactation.

Common Drug & Health Condition Interactions

Myocardial Infarction (MI) / Heart Attack - caution

The researchers advised that patients who had a recent heart attack to avoid taking this supplement. It might increase the risk of death.

High blood pressure medications - theoretical / caution

As arginine can lower blood pressure, combining it with prescription blood pressure medication can cause further drop in blood pressure.

Monitor your blood pressure when you start or stop this supplement. If you are currently on prescription medication for controlling blood pressure, you may need to reduce your dosage. Consult your healthcare professional.

Viagra (sildenafil) / Levitra (vardenafil) - theoretical / caution

Monitor your blood pressure closing when you are starting or stopping this medication while on Viagra or Levitra. This will ensure you find out how your body respond to this supplement.

Cancer - theoretical / caution

More studies in humans will be needed before we can get accurate results.

Dementia / Alzheimer's Disease (AD) - theoretical

We don't know whether AD causes an increase in L-Arg in the brain or that high levels of L-Arg causes AD.

Herpes Virus Infection / Cold Sores - theoretical

Foods that contain Arginine

Dosage & How to Take It

Dosage of 5 grams daily was used; lower dosage might not be effective.

Angina (Chest Pain)

Dosage of 3 to 6 grams taken up to three times daily have been used in research studies.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Heart Disease / Coronary Heart Disease (CAD)

Diabetes / Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention

Use the search box below to quickly find what you are looking for!

Home | What's New | Site Search | Sitemap | About Us | Privacy Policy