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Health Benefits of Arginine

Aging Process

Arginine may inhibit one of the primary mechanisms of the Aging Process (it may inhibit the process of Cross-Linking). Arginine may possess Life Extension properties (due to its ability to increase Nitric Oxide levels).

Cardiovascular System

Arginine (6,000 mg per day) may improve Blood Circulation, may improve Exercise capability and may facilitate vasodilation in Angina patients. Arginine may help to prevent Atherosclerosis and reduces the severity of existing Atherosclerosis:

- Arginine inhibits the adhesion of Monocytes to the Endothelium (an underlying event in the course of Atherosclerosis).

Arginine may improve Blood Circulation (by stimulating the production of Nitric Oxide, an endogenous Neurotransmitter that helps to prevent vasoconstriction and which initiates vasodilation by relaxing the Smooth Muscle cells of the Blood Vessels). references
Arginine may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting (by stimulating the production of Plasmin and by increasing vasodilation).

Arginine may help to prevent Free Radicals-induced damage to the lining of Blood Vessels (by enhancing the production of Nitric Oxide in Blood Vessels).
Arginine (5,600 - 12,600 mg per day) significantly increases stroke volume and cardiac output (without effect on heartbeat rate) in Congestive Heart Failure patients. It also increases vasodilation (leading to increased Blood Circulation) in Congestive Heart Failure patients.

Arginine may alleviate Hemorrhoids (by stimulating the production of Nitric Oxide which causes the sphincter Muscles to “relax”). Arginine (6,000 mg per day) may lower Blood Pressure in some Hypertension patients (by facilitating the body's production of Nitric Oxide (NO) and by inhibiting the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)):

- Arginine may be useful for the prevention and treatment of Preeclampsia. - Arginine (3,500 mg per day) may reduce pulmonary Blood Pressure and may improve Blood Circulation in Pulmonary Hypertension patients.

Arginine (6,000 mg per day) may increase walking distance in Intermittent Claudication patients.
Arginine may alleviate Raynaud’s Disease. Arginine may be useful for the treatment of Sickle-Cell Anemia.

Digestive System

Arginine deficiency may cause Constipation.
Arginine supplementation may decrease the incidence of Gallstones.
Arginine may help to prevent Gastric Ulcers and facilitates the healing of Gastric Ulcers.

Arginine may reduce Intestinal Permeability (due to Arginine’s role in the production of Nitric Oxide).
Arginine may increase Blood Circulation to the Stomach.
Arginine may alleviate many cases of Ulcerative Colitis (by promoting the healing of the Ulcers that occur in the Colon of Ulcerative Colitis patients).

Ears/Hearing

Arginine may enhance the function of (outer) Hair Cells in the Organ of Corti which surrounds the Cochlea.
Arginine may prevent or alleviate some types of Deafness (by facilitating the elongation of outer Hair Cells in the Organ of Corti):

- Arginine may prevent or alleviate Sensorineural Hearing Loss (by facilitating the elongation of outer Hair Cells in the Organ of Corti):

- Arginine may prevent or alleviate Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (by facilitating the elongation of outer Hair Cells in the Organ of Corti):

Excretory System

Arginine may be useful for the prevention and treatment of some forms of Chronic Kidney Failure.
Arginine (1,500 mg per day) may alleviate the Pain and discomfort associated with Interstitial Cystitis. Arginine may improve the function of the Kidneys and may help to prevent age-related degradation of the Kidneys.

Hair Loss may occur as a result of Arginine deficiency:

- Arginine (applied topically to the Scalp) is claimed (in a patent) to facilitate Hair regrowth in Male Pattern Baldness patients by improving Blood Circulation to the Scalp.

Immune System

Arginine may help to prevent Bacterial & Viral Diseases in persons with suppressed Immune Systems.

- Arginine may improve immunity in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients and may help to prevent Cachexia in AIDS patients.

Arginine may retard the formation of some forms of Cancer (Arginine may inhibit the cellular replication of 24 different types of Cancer in animals):

- Arginine may increase the ability of the Immune System to fight Breast Cancer. references
- Arginine (combined with other nutrients) may retard the progression of Kidney Cancer.
- Arginine may lower tumor protein synthesis and tumor growth rate in Liver Cancer patients.
- Arginine may inhibit the further growth of some types of Sarcomas.

- One of the means by which Arginine may counteract Cancer is by reducing the activity of Ornithine Decarboxylase, an enzyme that is associated with some types of Cancer.
- Caution: Arginine is also speculated to exacerbate some types of Cancer, however this is not well proven.

Arginine (in non-excessive quantities) may stimulate numerous aspects of the Immune System:

- Arginine may stimulate the production of Helper T-Cells.
- Arginine may stimulate the activity of Lymphocytes and also stimulates their production by the Thymus gland.
- Arginine may increase the activity (cytotoxicity) of NK Lymphocytes. references
- Arginine may stimulate the production of T-Lymphocytes within the Thymus and makes them more active and effective.

- Arginine (1,000 - 5,000 mg per day) may increase the size of the Thymus, stimulates the production of Lymphocytes by the Thymus and restores the production of Thymic Hormones to youthful levels.

Arginine may help to counteract Inflammation.
Arginine may reduce the mortality rate in Malaria patients.
Arginine may accelerate the ability of the Immune System to recover from Surgery.

Metabolism

Alkalosis may occur as a result of Arginine deficiency.
Arginine exerts Antioxidant effects that scavenge Superoxide Free Radicals. Arginine may lower total serum Cholesterol levels:

- Arginine may lower serum Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) levels and may inhibit the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol.

Arginine may alleviate Cirrhosis and may inhibit the ability of excessive Alcohol (ethanol) to cause Cirrhosis.
Arginine may inhibit the process of Cross-Linking. Arginine may reduce Insulin Resistance and may improve Blood Sugar disposal in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 patients.

Arginine may reduce Exercise-induced increases in plasma Lactic Acid and Ammonia. Arginine may reduce the Inflammation that occurs during Intensive Exercise. Arginine may increase Oxygen uptake in the Lungs in persons with Hypoxia (due to its role in the production of Nitric Oxide, which in turn improves Blood Circulation via vasodilation):

- Arginine may increase Oxygen uptake in the Lungs in persons with Altitude Sickness (due to its role in the production of Nitric Oxide, which in turn improves Blood Circulation via vasodilation).

Arginine may reduce Insulin Resistance.

Arginine may help to detoxify the Liver and Liver malfunction can occur as a result of Arginine deficiency. Arginine reduces Alcohol (ethanol)-induced Liver damage.

Arginine may alleviate Obesity and facilitate weight loss (by stimulating the release of human Growth Hormone from the Pituitary Gland).
Arginine may lower elevated serum Triglycerides levels.

Musculoskeletal System

Arginine may counteract Cachexia in AIDS patients. Arginine (10,000 mg per day) may facilitate the healing of Fractures (by facilitating the production of Nitric Oxide).
Arginine may facilitate Muscle Growth (by inhibiting Muscle Loss) and is required for the transport of the Nitrogen used in Muscle metabolism.

Muscle Weakness may occur as a result of Arginine deficiency.
Arginine may enhance the production/function of Osteoblasts.
Arginine may prevent and alleviate Osteoporosis (by stimulating the release of Human Growth Hormone which is an important mediator of Bone formation and Bone turnover; it also stimulates Nitric Oxide synthesis which is a potent inhibitor of Osteoclasts that cause the resorption of Bone).

Arginine may cause the relaxation of Smooth Muscle (by functioning as a precursor for Nitric Oxide production).

Nervous System

Arginine may help to prevent/treat Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Arginine may be useful for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (due to its ability to repair damaged Axons by increasing Polyamines levels).
Arginine (combined with Lysine) may reduce Stress-induced Anxiety.

Arginine may be essential for the regeneration of damaged Axons of Neurons (its role appears to be as an agent for degrading Proteins that have been damaged through Axon injury). Arginine may facilitate the potentiation of Long-Term Memory (by stimulating the production of Nitric Oxide (NO) - a Neurotransmitter responsible for the potentiation (storage) of Long-Term Memory.

Arginine (combined with Lysine) may reduce Stress-induced Anxiety.

Respiratory System

Arginine may be useful for the treatment of Asthma (due to its role in the production of Nitric Oxide). Arginine may be useful for the treatment of Chronic Obstructory Pulmonary Disease (due to its role in the production of Nitric Oxide). Arginine may accelerate recovery from Tuberculosis.

Sexual System

Arginine (2,800 mg per day) may alleviate Male Impotence (by stimulating the production of Nitric Oxide, the endogenous chemical that stimulates Erections in males).
Arginine may alleviate Male Infertility by improving Sperm count and Sperm motility (due to its involvement in the manufacture of endogenous Spermidine).

Arginine may help to reverse the Fibrosis that occurs in Peyronie’s Disease patients.
Arginine may enhance (male and female) Sexual Desire (libido). Arginine may enhance (female) Sexual Performance - due to its role in the production of Nitric Oxide in the Clitoris (Nitric Oxide facilitates female orgasm in the Clitoris).

Arginine (2,800 mg per day) may improve (male) Sexual Performance by providing Nitrogen to the Nitric Oxide (NO) molecule that is integral to the achievement of Erections - Arginine produces Erections that are bigger, harder and more frequent. It also increases male sexual endurance, i.e. erections that last for a longer period of time. Arginine may improve Sperm count and Sperm motility.

Arginine deficiency may cause atrophy of the Testicles of the Testes.

Skin/Hair

Arginine may accelerate the healing of Decubitis Ulcers.
Arginine (applied topically) may alleviate Dry Skin (by functioning as a precursor for Urea production in the Skin).
Arginine (cream applied topically to the feet) may increase Blood Circulation to the feet of Plantar Ulcers patients and may help to prevent Plantar Ulcers.

Arginine concentrates in the Skin:

- Arginine (applied topically) may increase the level of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Skin.
- Arginine may stimulate the proliferation of Fibroblasts (Skin cells).

Arginine may be essential for and accelerates the healing of Wounds (by stimulating the release of human Growth Hormone, stimulating the production of Collagen and by stimulating the proliferation of Fibroblasts):

- Arginine may accelerate the healing of Burns. - Arginine may accelerate the healing of Wounds in people who have undergone Surgery.

Forms of Arginine

Arginine Aspartate (also known as ArgAsp) is comprised of 57% Arginine bound to 43% Aspartic Acid.
Arginine Hydrochloride (also known as Arginine HCl) (C6H14N4O2 HCl) is the Hydrochloric Acid salt of L-
Arginine. It consists of 83% Arginine combined with 17% Hydrochloric Acid. This is a common form of supplemental Arginine. The taste of Arginine Hydrochloride is not as unpleasant as that of L-Arginine.

Arginine-PCA is the Arginine salt of 2-Pyrrolidone-5-Carboxylic Acid. It is an alternative form of Na-PCA.
Arginine Pyroglutamate is the Pyroglutamic Acid salt of Arginine. It is sometimes administered concurrently with Lysine to stimulate the secretion of Human Growth Hormone (hGH). Arginine Pyroglutamate crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier more readily than L-Arginine or Arginine Hydrochloride.

Arginine Vasopressin is an endogenous form of Vasopressin (a Neurotransmitter).
L-Arginine (also known as free-base Arginine) is “pure”, 100% Arginine (not bound to any other compound). Its taste is very unpleasant.

Sustained-Release L-Arginine is formulated to allow sustained release of Arginine into the bloodstream over a longer period (10 – 12 hours compared with 1 hour for regular Arginine). This form of supplemental Arginine overcomes the short half-life of regular Arginine.

Dosage Recommendations

Cardiovascular System

Clinical trials that have demonstrated the value of Arginine in the treatment of Angina and Hypertension have involved the use of 6,000 mg per day. Clinical trials using Arginine for the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure have involved the use of 5,600 - 12,600 mg of Arginine per day.

Excretory System

Clinical trials that have demonstrated the beneficial effect of Arginine for the treatment of Interstitial Cystitis have involved the use of 1,500 mg of Arginine per day.

Human Growth Hormone (release)

Different experts recommend different daily amounts of Arginine for stimulating the release of Human Growth Hormone. Pearson & Shaw recommend a total daily dosage of at least 6,000 mg per day (for a woman weighing less than 55 kg) ranging up to 24,000 mg (for a male weighing more than 90 kg. Other literature indicates a dosage of as low as 1,200 mg.

Musculoskeletal System

A dosage of 10,000 mg of Arginine per day has been demonstrated in clinical trials to accelerate the healing of Fractures.

Sexual System

The usual dosage of supplemental Arginine employed for the treatment of Male Infertility is 4,000 - 8,000 mg (4 - 8 grams) per day.
An average dosage of Arginine for the enhancement of Sexual Performance is 5,000 mg (5 grams) taken approximately 45 minutes prior to expected sexual activity.

Toxic Dosage

Arginine has been used in medically-monitored subjects in doses of up to 60 grams per day without any apparent adverse effects. Many experts recommend that no more than 30,000 mg of Arginine be supplemented each day.

Average Human Intake

The average consumption of Arginine from dietary sources is 5,000 mg per day. The above therapeutic doses are in addition to the average dietary intake of Arginine.

Timing

Arginine is most effectively utilized when it is taken on an empty Stomach with Water or juice.

Commercial Availability of Arginine Supplements

Oral Products

Arginine is available from health food stores, gymnasiums and internet-based supplement companies (worldwide) in the form of:

L-Arginine

- 350 mg sustained-release L-Arginine capsules
- 500 mg L-Arginine tablets
- 500 mg Arginine Hydrochloride tablets
- 500 mg L-Arginine capsules
- liquid L-Arginine (USA only)
- 700 mg Arginine Hydrochloride capsules
- 1,000 mg L-Arginine capsules
- 1,200 mg L-Arginine capsules
- L-Arginine powder:

- One teaspoon of Arginine powder weighs 3,300 mg.

- Arginine Hydrochloride powder:

- One teaspoon of Aginine Hydrochloride powder weighs 3,100 mg and contains 2,560 mg of Arginine.

Topical Products

Arginine or Arginine-PCA is a component of some “high-tech” Skin Creams - it is claimed that Arginine functions as a cell-renewing agent in such creams.
Arginine is the principal active constituent of some creams designed for topical application to the Penis or Vagina, eg:

- Viacreme (for application to the Vagina) 2ml sachets of cream

Immune System

Arginine may exacerbate/promote some forms of Cancer:

- Although Arginine may also prevent some forms of Cancer.

1. Arginine Inhibits Cancer Growth in some Circumstances

Peer-Reviewed Professional Journals

· Reynolds, J., et al. Immunologic effects of arginine supplementation in tumor-bearing and non-tumor-bearing hosts. Annals of Surgery. 211:202-209, 1990.

Supplementation with arginine has been demonstrated to exert an anti-tumor effect. Arginine may have clinical importance for treating cancer patients.

· Tachibana, K., et al. Evaluation of the effect of arginine-enriched amino acid solution on tumor growth. Japan J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 9(4):428-434, 1985.

To investigate the effect of arginine-enriched solution on tumor growth and metastasis, rats were infused with solutions containing 5.5 and 0.66% arginine for 8 days. Infusions were started at the same time of subcutaneous transplant of Yoshida sarcoma. Arginine-rich solution suppressed tumor growth at an early stage and prevented metastases to the liver and kidney. In addition, arginine supplements enhanced the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages. It also resulted in maintenance of a positive nitrogen balance and prevented the increases in the levels of several amino acids observed in the control group. The suppressive effect of arginine-enriched solution on tumor growth may be due to its activation of the immunologic system, in which the phagocytic activity of macrophages probably participates.

Laypersons’ Publications

· Moss, Ralph W. Cancer Therapy: the Independent Consumer’s Guide to Non-Toxic Treatment & Prevention. Equinox Press, Brooklyn, New York, USA. 1992:285-287.

A 1980 experiment conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that daily injections of arginine into tumor-bearing rats consistently inhibited the growth of tumors. The addition of lentinan to arginine increased the effectiveness of this treatment. Arginine’s effects against cancer may be due to its ability to activate tumor-engulfing macrophages.

2. Arginine Promotes Cancer Growth in some Circumstances

Peer-Reviewed Professional Journals

· Appleton, J. Arginine: clinical potential of a semi-essential amino acid. Alternative Medicine Review. 7(6), 2002.

Arginase catalyzes the conversion of arginine to ornithine. Ornithine decarboxylase catalyzes the conversion of ornithine to polyamines. Arginine therefore plays a role in the formation of polyamines. Polyamines function as growth factors for cancer. The activity of both arginase and ornithine decarboxylase appear to be up-regulated in some types of cancer. This may be the mechanism of action for claims that arginine may contribute to some types of cancer.

· Park, K. G. The Sir David Cuthbertson Medal Lecture 1992. The immunological and metabolic effects of L-arginine in human cancer. Proc Nutr Soc. 52(3):387-401, 1993.

Department of Surgery, Aberdeen University, Foresterhill.

[no abstract available].

High doses of arginine have been found to promote some types of cancer in animals.
High doses (30 grams per day) of arginine increased cancer cell growth in humans.

· Monograph: Arginine. Alternative Medicine Review. 10(2):139-147, 2005.

“On the other hand”, arginine has also promoted cancer growth in animal and human research. Polyamines act as growth factors for cancers. In several types of cancer, drugs are being investigated to inhibit ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), and hence inhibit polyamine formation. The possibility of arginine stimulating polyamine formation might be a concern in chronic administration, since both arginase and ODC appear to be up-regulated in some cancers.

Arginine reputedly provokes outbreaks of Herpes Simplex Viruses in people already infected with these Viruses:

- However there is contradictory evidence that Arginine may alleviate rather than exacerbate Herpes Simplex Viruses.

Nervous System

Schizophrenia patients should not consume supplemental Arginine.

Sexual System

Arginine should not be consumed during Pregnancy.

Dietary Sources of Arginine note

Arginine normally comprises 5% to 7% of the total Amino Acids content of a typical adult diet.

(mg of Arginine per 100 grams)

Algae: Spirulina 4,147
Cereal Grains: Wheat Bran Rice 438
Dairy Foods: Milk 128 Cheese - Cheddar 847
Cheese - Cottage 802
Eggs: 840 Egg Yolk
Fruit: Papaya 10
Herbs: Alfalfa Garlic
Legumes: Butter Beans 230 Soybeans
Peas 302
Meats: Beef 1,199 Duck
Rabbit Lamb 1,070
Ham 931 Pork 1,005
Bacon 246 Veal 1,270
Chicken 1,302 Turkey 1,513
Liver (Calf Liver) 1,158
Nuts: Brazil Nut Hazel Nut
Peanuts 3,296 Pecan Nut 1,185
Walnut 405
Processed Foods: Chocolate Clams 1,584
Seafood: Prawns 1,509 Tuna 1,522
Cod 929 Haddock 1,025
Halibut 1,048 Salmon 980
Lobster 1,777 Crab 1,500
Vegetables: Asparagus 106 Beans - Green 42
Broccoli 192 Cabbage 105
Carrot 41 Cauliflower 110
Corn 94 Eggplant 37
Leeks Onion 180
Pumpkin 43 Radish
Parsnip Potato 84
Spinach 116 Tomato 29
Wakame Onions
Fennel

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