An essential amino acid to children and relatively essential to adults.
Conditionally-Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic - Basic Side Chains
Arginine promotes natural growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary gland. The body needs Arginine to repair itself properly during the state of sleep. Arginine metabolizes body fat and tones muscle, increases sperm count in males, aids in the healing of wounds and has been shown to retard the growth of tumors and cancer, increases protein synthesis (reduce protein catabolism), regulates hormone secretion, and increases polyamine synthesis and thymus function. Arginine supports the immune system as well as maintains a positive nitrogen balance in the body.
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Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, it aids in the stimulation of the body's own human growth hormones (HGH). This increases wound healing, ensures that fat is burned more efficiently and that muscle tissue is built up. Once HGH is released the body can build muscle, bone and use fat stored while involved in insulin production. This can be an important part of any weight management program. It is helpful for fatty acid buildup in the liver.
Arginine is required for the body to synthesize nitric oxide, which enables the arterial system to maintain its elasticity. Nitric oxide also helps to produce endothelial relaxation factor, which is needed by the arterial system to expand and contract with each heartbeat. Nitric oxide is produced by all tissues of the body and may support a healthy cardiovascular system.
L-arginine has been shown to promote natural growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary gland. GH has been shown to support a healthy lifestyle and may minimize age-related decline. You can measure the GH enhancing effects of L-arginine by measuring your blood levels of somatomedin C (IGF-1), a GH metabolite.
Arginine may increase motility (the ability of sperm to move) and the sperm count and contribute greatly to problems of infertility.
Main Functions:
Essential for normal immune system activity.
Necessary for wound healing.
Assists with regeneration of damaged liver.
Necessary for production and release of growth hormone.
Increases release of insulin and glucagon.
Arginine is the most potent amino acid in releasing insulin.
Assists in healing through collagen synthesis.
Precursor to GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Aids in wound healing.
Decreases size of tumors.
Necessary for spermatogenesis
In Studies: Studies have shown that is has improved immune responses to bacteria, viruses & tumor cells; promotes wound healing and regeneration of the liver; causes the release of growth hormones; considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. L-arginine supplements may lower blood pressure and homocysteine.
History: An important amino acid abundant in protamines and histones, these proteins are associated with nucleic acids. Arginine is used by the immune system to help regulate the activity of the thymus gland, which is responsible for manufacturing T lymphocytes. (These are the T-cells, the basis of the immune system). In the pancreas it is used to release insulin. Arginine is important in liver health and assists in neutralizing ammonia in the liver. Arginine is involved in the production of skin and connective tissue, making it important for the healing and repair of soft tissue, the formation of collagen and in the building of new bone and tendons. Arginine is helpful with weight control since it facilitates the increase of muscle mass, while reducing body fat. Arginine creates nitric oxide in the human body (nitric oxide is one of the most essential substances which influence sexual function in both men and women), and helps to improve circulation.
Technicals: Arginine has multiple health benefits including tissue repair, protein synthesis, and immune cell maintenance. Required in the body for the synthesis of nitric oxide. The journal Science called nitric oxide the "molecule of the year" in 1993 because of the many health benefits associated with proper nitric oxide metabolism.
In 1998 the Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery that blood flow is regulated by nitric oxide. Blood flow into the penis is what creates an erection. Blood flow into women's genitals increases sensation and orgasmic intensity.
Nitric oxide enables the arterial system to retain its youthful elasticity, which may alleviate hypertension in some people. Nitric oxide helps to produce endothelial relaxation factor, which is needed by the arterial system for expansion and contraction with each heart beat.
Synergist: Lysine, It is interconverted (Ornithine metabolizes to L-arginine in the body) with the amino acid, Ornithine.
Signs or Symptoms of a Deficiency: AIDS, Immune deficiency syndromes, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Gulf War Syndrome and in
Candidiasis (systemic yeast i.e. fungi infection).
Caution: Because it may boost the immune system, it is used in a great variety of ailments. Before use be sure an acute or chronic virus, such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Human Herpes Virus VI (HHV6), Herpes Simplex I or II is not present. Arginine may speed up the rate of viral growth. Lysine, has the opposite effect on viruses, slowing down their growth.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information presented is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment from your own doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing presented here is intended as a substitute for prescription medication or any other medical treatment prescribed by your doctor.
