L Arginine
Also known as aakg, arginine, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, arginine hcl
Key takeaways
- L-arginine supplementation may lower blood pressure in adults (PMID: 34967840).
- Arginine and glutamine show positive effects on wound healing (PMID: 34444657).
- L-arginine did not show significant benefit in the prevention of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants (PMID: 28399330).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 45 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
L-Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid and precursor to nitric oxide. Research indicates mixed results, showing potential benefits for blood pressure and wound healing, but insufficient evidence for acute stroke or necrotising enterocolitis.
By condition
Cardiovascular/Blood Pressure
Moderate
Meta-analysis suggests L-arginine may have a blood pressure-lowering effect across different populations.
Wound Healing
Moderate
Systematic reviews indicate positive effects of arginine and glutamine on the wound healing process.
Acute Stroke
Weak
Cochrane reviews found insufficient evidence to support the use of L-arginine for acute stroke outcomes.
Necrotising Enterocolitis
Weak
Multiple systematic reviews indicate that arginine supplementation does not significantly prevent necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants.
Erectile Dysfunction
Weak
Analysis of marketed supplements and systematic reviews show limited clinical efficacy for ED.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not detailed in the provided abstracts, though dose-response meta-analyses have been conducted for blood pressure.
Safety & interactions
No specific contraindications provided in the abstracts, but users should be aware of potential interactions with blood pressure medications.
Limitations
Many studies are limited by small sample sizes or inconsistent results across different clinical conditions. There is a need for more high-quality, large-scale RCTs to confirm efficacy for specific therapeutic uses.
Top-rated L Arginine products
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How it's sold
Data aggregated from 181 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 45 sources, sorted by quality
BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) has multiple effects that may be beneficial in acute stroke, including lowering blood pressure, and promoting reperfusion and cytoprotection. Some forms of nitric oxide synthase inhibition (NOS-I) may also be b…
BACKGROUND: Decreased concentration of nitric oxide has been proposed as one of the possible cellular mechanisms of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Arginine can act as a substrate for production of nitric oxide in the tissues, and arginine…
**Moore et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Moore Zena Eh, Corcoran Meave A, Patton Declan. Nutritional interventions for treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Jul-17;7(7):CD0…
BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide has several effects that may be beneficial in ischaemic stroke and useful in the management of high blood pressure in acute stroke. Some forms of nitric oxide synthase inhibition may also be beneficial. However, hig…
BACKGROUND: Immaturity, ischemia, and disturbances in gut mucosal integrity due to infections or hyperosmolar feeds are some of the suspected mechanisms in the development of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Decreased con…
**Arribas-López et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Arribas-López Elena, Zand Nazanin, ... Kochhar Tony. The Effect of Amino Acids on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Arginine and Glutamine. Nutrients. 2021-Jul…
BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide has several effects that may be beneficial in ischaemic stroke and useful in the management of hypertension in acute stroke. Some forms of nitric oxide synthase inhibition may also be beneficial. However, high conce…
**Petre et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Petre Gabriel Cosmin, Francini-Pesenti Francesco, ... Garolla Andrea. Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Ratio…
BACKGROUND: Immaturity, ischemia, and disturbances in gut mucosal integrity due to infections or hyperosmolar feeds are some of the suspected mechanisms in the development of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Decreased con…
**Balasubramanian et al., 2019** | J Sex Med | Systematic Review Balasubramanian Adithya, Thirumavalavan Nannan, ... Pastuszak Alexander W. An Analysis of Popular Online Erectile Dysfunction Supplements. J Sex Med. 2019-Jun;16(6):843-852. d…
Frequently asked questions
What is L-Arginine and what is it used for?
L-Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to nitric oxide. It is commonly used to support cardiovascular health, specifically for lowering blood pressure, and to aid in the wound healing process. Research indicates mixed results for various conditions, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.
Does L-Arginine help lower blood pressure?
Yes, there is moderate evidence suggesting that L-arginine may have a blood pressure-lowering effect across different populations. Meta-analyses indicate potential benefits for adults with hypertension, but individual responses can vary. You should monitor your blood pressure and consult your doctor, especially if you are already taking medication for high blood pressure.
Can L-Arginine improve wound healing?
There is moderate evidence from systematic reviews indicating that arginine, often combined with glutamine, shows positive effects on the wound healing process. While it may support tissue repair, it should not replace standard medical care for serious wounds. Always discuss wound care strategies with a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Is L-Arginine effective for erectile dysfunction?
Research is mixed regarding L-arginine for erectile dysfunction, with weak evidence showing limited clinical efficacy. Analysis of marketed supplements and systematic reviews suggests it may not be significantly effective for this condition. Individuals seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction should consult a healthcare provider for evidence-based options.
Does L-Arginine help with acute stroke recovery?
No, there is weak evidence to support the use of L-arginine for acute stroke outcomes. Cochrane reviews have found insufficient evidence to recommend it for this purpose. People recovering from a stroke should rely on established medical treatments and consult their neurologist before considering any supplements.
Is L-Arginine safe for preterm infants to prevent necrotising enterocolitis?
Multiple systematic reviews indicate that arginine supplementation does not significantly prevent necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants, representing weak evidence for this use. It is not recommended for this purpose based on current research. Parents should follow pediatric guidelines for infant nutrition and medical care.
Are there any drug interactions or safety concerns with L-Arginine?
While no specific contraindications are listed in the abstracts, users should be aware of potential interactions with blood pressure medications due to its effect on lowering blood pressure. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical supervision. Always consult a healthcare provider to assess safety based on your specific health profile and current medications.