L-arginine is one of many amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) the body needs to function properly.
One of the most important functions of arginine is its involvement in the Urea cycle, where it has an important role in the removal of toxic ammonia from the body (via the kidneys) by its conversion to urea [Bessman 1957].
It also has several other important functions in the body, including healing wounds and injuries, maintaining sexual hormone function and widening and relaxing arteries and blood vessels (improving blood flow).
In addition, arginine may reduce blood pressure by helping improve blood flow in the arteries of the heart, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes [Gambardella 2020].
Arginine also promotes cellular and organismal growth and supports the release of growth hormone [Oh 2017, Kanaley 2008].
