L-Arginine
- Catalog Number: BC-0010
- CAS Number: 74-79-3
- Price: Online Inquiry
| Other Names | 2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid |
| Description | L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the body build proteins. L-arginine is also found in most protein-rich foods, including fish, red meat, poultry, soybeans, whole grains, legumes, and dairy products. As a supplement, L-arginine can be used orally and topically. It may also be given intravenously (IV). Because L-arginine acts as a vasodilator, opening (widening) blood vessels, many people take oral L-arginine to treat heart disease and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, nitric acid enhances our body’s ability to easily remove lactic acid produced during strenuous exercise. |
| Molecular Formula | C6H14N4O2 |
| Properties | White crystal or crystalline powder |
| Boiling Point | 368 °C (694 °F; 641 K) |
| Melting Point | 260 °C (500 °F; 533 K) |
| Solubility in Water | 14.87 g/100 mL (20 °C) |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in ethyl ether |
Here are some frequently asked questions about L-Arginine, including its effects, specific uses, and safety. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to reach out to us.
A: L-Arginine is an amino acid naturally found in various protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and legumes. It can also be synthesized in the body.
A: L-Arginine supports cardiovascular health, aids in muscle growth and repair, boosts immune function, and enhances wound healing.
A: L-Arginine acts as a precursor for nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and circulation.
A: Yes, L-Arginine is often used to treat erectile dysfunction due to its vasodilatory effects, which enhance blood flow to the genital area.
A: Generally, L-Arginine is safe for most people when taken in appropriate doses.
A: L-Arginine is available in various forms including capsules, tablets, powders, and as an ingredient in topical creams and lotions.
A: Yes, L-Arginine is popular among athletes and bodybuilders for its role in muscle growth, recovery, and performance enhancement.
A: Yes, L-Arginine can be derived from plant-based sources, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
A: Yes, L-Arginine is commonly used as a supplement to enhance exercise performance and recovery. It supports increased blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles, aiding in endurance and recovery.
A: Yes, L-Arginine plays a role in supporting a healthy immune system. It aids in the production and activity of immune cells, contributing to overall immune function.
A: Yes, L-Arginine is involved in collagen synthesis, which is essential for wound healing and tissue repair. It can aid in accelerating the healing process and promoting tissue regeneration.
| Sports Nutrition | Enhances muscle growth, improves exercise performance, and aids in recovery post-workout. |
| Wound Healing | Accelerates wound healing by promoting tissue repair and regeneration. |
| Cardiovascular Health | Promotes heart health by improving blood flow and circulation, reducing blood pressure, and preventing arterial stiffness. |
| Immune Support | Boosts immune function, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively. |
| Erectile Dysfunction Treatment | Helps treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the genital area, facilitating erections. |
| Hormone Regulation | Plays a role in hormone secretion, including insulin and growth hormone, contributing to overall hormonal balance and function. |
L-arginine, a fundamental amino acid occurring naturally and present in mammalian proteins, plays a crucial role in diverse metabolic pathways within the human body. Not only does it serve as a precursor for protein synthesis, but it also contributes to the production of urea, polyamines, proline, glutamate, creatine, and agmatine. Within the urea cycle, L-arginine is integral for eliminating toxic ammonia from the body, with ornithine—a byproduct of this cycle—serving as a precursor for the synthesis of polyamines essential for cell growth and differentiation. Additionally, L-arginine is vital for creatine synthesis, a key energy source for muscle function. The formation of agmatine from L-arginine exhibits antihypertensive properties akin to clonidine, though its exact physiological role remains incompletely understood. Current scientific interest predominantly revolves around L-arginine's intricate association with nitric oxide (NO), a pivotal signaling molecule. Serving as the sole substrate for NO biosynthesis, L-arginine plays a central role in numerous physiological processes, including neurotransmission, vasodilation, cytotoxicity, and immune response.
The schematic representation below offers an overview of mammalian arginine metabolism, delineating specific enzymatic pathways with dashed lines and circles.
Overview of mammalian arginine metabolism (Mohamed Z. Gad, 2010)