L-arginine is an essential amino acid. Arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, is involved in numerous areas of human biochemistry, including ammonia detoxification, hormone secretion, and immune modulation. Arginine is also well known as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a key component of endothelial-derived relaxing factor, an endogenous messenger molecule involved in a variety of endothelium-dependent physiological effects in the cardiovascular system.

L-arginine may also help stimulate the immune system.44 Surgical or traumatic injury greatly increases the body’s need for L-arginine, a key building block to maintaining healthy tissue and bone. L-ornithine may also be used for this purpose.45-56

If you have diabetes or have ever been diagnosed with cancer or cardiovascular disease, consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product. L-arginine sometimes can reactivate latent herpes virus infections. Those with certain psychoses may experience worsened symptoms if they take L-arginine supplements. Always take antioxidants with L-arginine.