L-Arginine

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evidence score

amino acid

arginineL-Argarginine HCl+2 more

L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid and the primary substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, making it central to vascular function, blood flow, and erectile health. Multiple RCTs confirm blood pressure reduction (pooled effect: -5.4/-2.7 mmHg), improved endothelial function, and erectile dysfunction improvement. It also stimulates GH secretion (via direct pituitary stimulation) and supports wound healing and immune function. Key limitation: oral bioavailability is poor due to extensive first-pass intestinal/hepatic arginase catabolism. Citrulline is a better precursor for raising plasma arginine levels. At exercise doses, citrulline-malate is superior.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

6000 mg

3000 mgRange12000 mg

Frequency2-3x/day

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Pharmacology

Half-life~1-2 hours (plasma)

OnsetBlood pressure and vascular effects: 1-4 weeks; GH stimulation: acute

DurationShort plasma half-life; sustained effects with consistent daily dosing

Routes

oral

intravenous

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)—

Quality(30%)—

Sample Size(10%)—

Consistency(10%)—

Replication(5%)—

Recency(5%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

L-Arginine is currently categorized as a amino acid compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Substrate for eNOS, iNOS, nNOS → NO synthesis → cGMP → vasodilation; stimulates pituitary GH release; precursor for ornithine/polyamine synthesis; urea cycle component

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.