Arginine (2-amino-5-guanidinovaleric acid) is an organic chemical compound from the group of amino acids, encoded by a sequence of DNA nucleotides. The structure of arginine includes a chiral carbon atom and four substituents connected to it, the side chain is a guanidino group. It occurs naturally in food and plays a significant role in supporting the treatment of metabolic diseases. It was first discovered in 1886 in lupine seeds, and in 1932 Hans Krebs showed that arginine supports the process of energy production in the cell. This amino acid undergoes numerous anabolic and catabolic changes in the body. Anabolic changes take place in the body mainly in the liver and kidneys. There are about 50 arginine-containing medicinal products available in Poland, which can be purchased in the form of tablets, capsules, powders and syrup.

Arginine: composition

Tabletwith the active ingredient of the drug is L-arginine; excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, vegetable stearic acid, cellulose gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, vegetable glycerol.

Syrupwith the active ingredient of the drug is L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate; auxiliary substances: water; concentrated apple juice, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, guar gum, xanthan gum, sodium cyclamate, acesulfame K, sodium saccharin, sucralose.

Arginine: action

Arginine is involved in the urea cycle in the liver. During the urea cycle, arginine is produced from citrulline synthesized in the small intestine. A-ketoglutarate is also formed from arginine in the catabolic reaction. In the first stage, the carbon atom and three nitrogen atoms are removed by hydrolytic removal of the side group.

As a result, the product of this process is ornithine, which undergoes further changes.

In this way glutamate g-semialdehyde is formed, oxidized to glutamate and transformed into a-ketoglutarate by means of transamination. Arginine acts as a formamidine donor in creatine biosynthesis. In addition, arginine is a substrate in endothelial cells of blood vessels: in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO).

Nitric oxide is formed from arginine in the presence of NO synthetase (activated by Ca2 + ions). NADPH and O2 also take part in its creation.Nitric oxide is a vasoactive substance, a cytotoxic agent, a neurotransmitter and influences the regulation of the activity of platelets.

The antihypertensive effect of arginine is mainly based on increasing the amount of produced NO, which dilates the blood vessels.

Arginine: application

Arginine was used in:

  • stimulation of kidney function,
  • accelerate wound healing,
  • removing toxins from the body.

Besides arginine:

  • increases the efficiency of regeneration after physical exertion,
  • stimulates the production of growth hormone,
  • supports the treatment of erectile dysfunction,
  • maintains a constant cellular pH,
  • has antioxidant properties,
  • regulates the metabolism of glucose, proteins and lipids,
  • stimulates the secretion of somatropin and insulin.

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Arginine: indications

It is recommended to use supplements containing the endogenous amino acid L-arginine for people who do not provide enough of it with food, as well as for people who want to build adequate muscle mass.

The indications for the use of arginine include ammonia poisoning, liver failure, asthenia, malnutrition, hypochloraemic alkalosis, treatment of chronic complications of diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, obesity, and other disorders belonging to the metabolic syndrome.

Arginine: contraindications

Do not use the drug if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the product containing arginine.

Arginine: dosage

The drug should be used as described in the patient information leaflet or according to specific guidelines and recommendations of a doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Arginine: precautions

It is not recommended to use preparations containing arginine in people struggling with:

  • problems related to the patency of the bile ducts,
  • hypertension,
  • digestive disorders,
  • impaired kidney function,
  • liver failure.

Arginine: side effects

Arginine can disrupt the blood potassium balance. The side effects include:

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • stomach cramps,
  • diarrhea,
  • dehydration.

Arginine: interactions with other drugs and diseases

In order to avoid the unwantedIf you suffer from ailments, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking or have recently used, and about medications you intend to use. You should also inform your doctor about your current he alth condition, about any diseases or additional conditions you are struggling with.

Probably this supplement has the ability to enhance the effects of blood thinning drugs. Therefore, arginine may adversely affect wound healing and cause hemorrhage.

Arginine: drug storage

The drug should be stored in a suitable place that is invisible and inaccessible to children. Store in a dry place at room temperature in the original packaging. You should not use the medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the package.

The expiry date is the last day of the month.

Arginine and pregnancy and breastfeeding

Before using preparations with arginine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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