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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.
Indications And Usage:
L-Arginine shows promise in the treatment and prevention of
cardiovascular disease (including atherosclerosis, hypertension,
hyperlipidemia 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.
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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. |
Contraindications
Supplemental L-Arginine is contraindicated in those with the rare
genetic disorder argininemia. It is also contraindicated in those
hypersensitive to any component of an Arginine-containing preparation.
Precautions
- 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.
Adverse Reactions:
Oral supplementations with L-Arginine at doses up to 15 grams daily
are generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions
of higher doses — from 15 to 30 grams daily — are nausea, abdominal
cramps and diarrhea. Some may experience these symptoms at lower
doses.
Interactions :
Drugs
Cyclosporine: L-Arginine may counteract the anti-naturetic
effect of cyclosporine.
Ibuprofen: L-Arginine may increase the absorption
of ibuprofen if taken concurrently.
Organic nitrates and Sildenafil citrate: Theoretically,
L-Arginine supplements taken parallel with Organic nitrates or Sildenafil
citrate may potentiate the effects of the drug.
Herbs
Yohimbe: L-Arginine, if used along with Yohimbe, may
enhance its effect.
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