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L-Arginine may promote muscle-building activity in the body by increasing levels of anabolic (growth-promoting) hormones such as insulin and growth hormone. Arginine is necessary for the execution of many physiological processes. These physiological processes include hormone secretion, an increase in growth hormone output, the removal of toxic waste products from the body, and immune system defenses. Arginine is also used in the treatment of male and female infertility
L-Arginine stimulates the release of nitric oxide from the walls of blood vessels, helping them naturally expand to promote healthy circulation. So L-arginine is a particularly important amino acid for overall circulatory health. L-arginine also works in another way to stimulate erectile function. It triggers the release of a compound that causes the smooth muscles of the spongy tissues inside the penis to relax, allowing the tissue to engorge with
blood. Both these processes require L-arginine to stimulate the release of nitric oxide to promote healthy erectile function.
L-Arginine has effects on endothelial cells that could be expected to inhibit cardiovascular disease. Inferences have been drawn from these studies suggesting that L-arginine, through its nitric oxide activity, especially in the endothelial cells of the blood vessels, inhibits vasoconstriction, thrombolytic activity, cell proliferation, inflammation and other activities that promote cardiovascular disease. Some of the promise of these in vitro studies has been realized in animal and clinical studies. In hypercholesterolemia animal models,
L-arginine helps normalize lipids and vasodilatory response, inhibits platelet aggregation and formation of intimal lesions. Further, it has been seen in some of these animal studies to cause pre-existing lesions to regress. L-arginine was also credited with significantly reducing lipid per oxidation in patients with diabetes mellitus. Conflicting results were produced by
two studies related to on vasomotor response in smokers. In one of these studies,
L-arginine significantly reversed abnormal myocardial blood flow response to a cold presser test; in the other small study, no significant positive effect was seen. Subsequent studies have shown that L-arginine improves sperm count and motility. L-arginine is of benefit in some kidney diseases and shows some promise in interstitial cystitis. It helps improve kidney function in some diabetic animal models and prevents chronic renal failure in others. A recent study indicated that L-arginine facilitates renal vasodilatation and natriuresis in renal transplant patients. There was also the suggestion in this study that L-arginine counteracts the antinatriuretic effect of cyclosporin. Supplementation with L-arginine has significantly increased the quantity and cytotoxic activity of NK cells and lymphokine-activated cells in patients with breast cancer in one study. Research
is ongoing.
L-Arginine shows promise in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease (including atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemic and angina pectoris), in the treatment of some forms of male infertility and some kidney disorders and it is helpful in accelerating wound healing in some circumstances. It has demonstrated some positive immune-modulating and anticancer effects. There is preliminary evidence that it could be helpful in some men with erectile dysfunction and in some others with migraine, liver disease and primary ciliary dyskinesia. There is conflicting but mostly negative evidence related to claims that it can improve exercise performance and promote lean muscle mass. Hypertension -
L-Arginine is required in the body to synthesize nitric oxide, which enables the arterial system to retain its youthful elasticity, thus alleviating hypertension in some people Growth Hormone Release - Arginine has been
shown to promote natural (HGH) growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. The amount of growth hormone secreted in response to oral Arginine supplementation varies widely among individuals. Exercise Aid - People who exercise use l-Arginine to generate muscle mass and reduce body fat. The anabolic effects of Arginine can enhance the effectiveness of exercise programs Wound Healing - Surgical or traumatic injury greatly increases the body's need for l-Arginine. The body uses Arginine as a key building block to repair damaged tissue and bone. Published studies document enhanced wound healing in response to
Arginine supplementation.
Because of absence of long-term safety studies, and because of the possibility of growth hormone stimulation, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid L-Arginine supplementation. Those with renal or hepatic failure should exercise caution in the use of supplemental
L-Arginine. Proteins of the herpes simplex virus are rich in L-Arginine, and there are a few reports (mainly anecdotal) of those taking supplemental L-Arginine who have had recurrences of oral herpes lesions. Although it is unlikely that those with a history of herpes simplex virus infection will have recurrences if they use L-Arginine supplements, they should nevertheless be aware of this possibility. Diabetics and borderline diabetics must use growth hormone or growth releasers with care. L-Arginine might improve or worsen a diabetic condition. Persons who have not completed their bone growth (children and teenagers) should not use growth hormone or
growth hormone releasers except under a physician's supervision (this also applies to pregnant or lactating women). Arginine and ornithine sometimes re-activates latent herpes virus infections, so people who have ever had ocular or brain herpes should consider this when using either of these GH releasers. In addition, people with genital and/or lip herpes may not want to use Arginine. Many people use BHT, Andrographis and lysine as adjunct therapies for herpes. Certain psychotics may experience worsened symptoms if they take
Arginine or ornithine supplements Always take antioxidants with Arginine. Higher amounts can be taken if recommended by a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
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