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Arginine
(L-Arg)


open quote logo quotation 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. close quote quotation logo




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Arginine (L-arg) is known for its use in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). If you are considering taking L-arg for treating ED, also take it with Pycnogenol. L-arg by itself does work but you'll get better results if you cmbine it with pycnogenol. Research studies prove this. Prelox combines the two natural supplements in one pill but you can always buy them separately from most natural health stores.

Marketed as an aphrodisiac and for treating erectile dysfunction, many products contain multiple ingredients such as yohimbe (yohimbine), horny goat weed (epimedium), maca, ginkgo, ginseng, damiana, muira puama, tribulus terrestris, DHEA and vitamins and minerals.

If you are planning to take L-arg to help your heart conditions or angina, may we suggest garlic and omega-3 fish oils as well? They have extensive research evidence to prove that they will help support your heart.

The use of L-arg to stimulate release of growth hormone to help with building muscle mass is not supported in current research. The evidence of benefit is weak in using L-arg to enhance athletic performance or to increase muscle strength.

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Table of Contents


Evidence of Benefits (Leaf rating system)

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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."
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects 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.
 


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Suggested Benefits and Traditional uses

Orally
  • 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

Topically (on the skin)

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Facts about Arginine

What is Arginine? Arginine, commonly known as L-arg, is one of the amino acids needed to make proteins in our body. It is considered a semi-essential amino acid because the body can make enough of it under normal conditions. However, it can be taken as a supplement as well.

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.

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Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings

Common side effects include: diarrhea, stomach pain and bloating, nausea, vomiting and lowered blood pressure (leading to dizziness and fatigue).

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

Safety - When used orally in appropriate doses, arginine is safe in research studies done for up to 3 months for treating poor circulation and erectile dysfunction.

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

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Common Drug & Health Condition Interactions

Myocardial Infarction (MI) / Heart Attack - caution

Using arginine after a patient has suffered a heart attack showed no benefit.

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

As arginine and Viagra (sildenafil) can both lower blood pressure, combining the two may cause additional drop in blood pressure.

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

While research suggest that L-Arg helps in some forms of cancer, other research showed that nitric oxide (made from L-Arg) can speed up the growth or the spread of cancer cells.

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

Dementia / Alzheimer's Disease (AD) - theoretical

Current research reported that the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) contain higher levels of L-Arg. Also the formation of NO has been suggested to contribute to the condition leading to AD.

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

L-Arg might be needed for the virus to multiple. Avoid taking L-Arg when the herpes virus are actively multiplying.

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Foods that contain Arginine

Foods rich in natural arginine include: red meat, poultry, dairy products and fish.

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Dosage & How to Take It

L-Arg is available as a tablet (capsule), cream and powder format. Typical doses range from 2 to 20 grams daily (divided into three times daily) have been used for various conditions.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Impotence

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)

Dosage of 2 to 7 grams three times daily have been used.

Heart Disease / Coronary Heart Disease (CAD)

Dosage of 6 grams per day have been used. Divide dose to three times daily.

Diabetes / Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention

Dosage of 4 grams of cream applied twice daily have been used.
Selected References for Arginine
Revised: September 12, 2009
 
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