L-Arginine: The Miracle Molecule
Safe Forms of L-Arginine
Unacceptable Forms of L-Arginine
L-Lysine & L-Arginine
Lysine & Herpes Simplex Virus
Arginine & Blood-Brain-Barrier






L-arginine is considered the most potent free form amino acid ever discovered, due to its powerful health properties, and is referred to by scientists as the “Miracle Molecule.”

The remarkable properties of L-arginine were validated by the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine, and since then have created a frenzy of interest in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields.

Columbia  University  refers  to   L-arginine  as  the   “Magic Bullet”   in  human  health.   Over 10,000 L-arginine citations have been compiled by Columbia University researchers in their quest to document the benefits of this simple amino acid.

It is now taught to medical students at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

The Nobel Prize landmark discovery of the functions of nitric oxide (NO) highlighted the fact that without NO, human life would be impossible. Even more revolutionary was the irrefutable evidence that L-arginine is the sole NO molecule in the human body.

Twenty years ago, the idea that a simple and humble amino acid could change the face of medicine would have been dismissed. Now, physicians, researchers, and scientists are embracing the effectiveness of L-arginine and its use has become mainstream.




Incorrect ingredients in L-arginine products will block L-arginine’s entry into the body as a free form amino acid. If L-arginine is not properly formulated, it will not elevate serum levels of L-arginine, will not cross the Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB), and will not provide health benefits. L-arginine products that are founded on metabolic mistakes do not metabolize correctly, and are therefore ineffective.

It is unwise to use any L-arginine product without first ascertaining its length of use (history and use in humans), the formulator of the product, the patent status, the form of L-arginine used, the exclusion of L-arginine antagonists, and its ultimate isoform pathway via inclusion of a “Blind Amino Acid Rider.”

Because all forms of L-arginine are Blind Amino Acids, it is mandatory that the form of L-arginine be bound to a Blind Amino Acid Rider, and formulated by an L-arginine expert with a background in safe Arginine isoform pathways.

The L-arginine-nitric-oxide signaling pathway is probably the most complicated facet of biochemistry. In creating an efficacious formula, the form of L-arginine used will dictate the quality of the product. If the  form  of  Arginine  used  in  a  formula is not appropriate, the product will not work, and can exhibit side effects.

The L-form (left-handed) of Arginine is acceptable for human use, while the D-form (right-handed) is not. The D-form of L-arginine is an example of an unacceptable form of L-arginine, though there are many other unacceptable forms, including L-arginine antagonists.

Antagonists are agents that directly compete with L-arginine and:

Block L-arginine health benefits
Prevent L-arginine metabolism
Negate L-arginine’s ability to cross the Blood-Brain-Barrier
Cause potential serious health problems (including damage to sperm and mortality)






Arginine HCL

In studies where the HCL form of L-arginine has been used, metabolic acidosis and alterations in electrolytes have been documented. It is therefore not recommended for human use. Arginine HCL is the form that was used in the tragic Johns Hopkins/JAMA clinical trial that caused mortalities.

Arginine Pyroglutamate

Not recommended for human use. Mechanism of action in the body is entirely speculative according to the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR).

Arginine Ketoglutarate And Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)

Researchers and physicians caution that Alpha-ketoglutarate is not recommended for human use.

High Glycemic L-Arginine

High glycemic L-arginine formulas are not eff ective and are contraindicated for use in humans. High glycemic formulas include those that contain: maltodextrins, glucose, glucose polymers, sugar (sucrose), honey, high fructose corn syrup, fructose corn syrup, flavors made with maltodextrins, sweeteners without caloric impact, and any high glycemic raw material. Any of these ingredients block Arginine transport and metabolism and are contraindicated in L-arginine formulas.

Nutrients & Supplements

Foods, drinks (other than water), nutrients, vitamins, herbs, minerals, and supplements also block L-arginine. Therefore, they must be taken separately from L-arginine formulas.

Capsules, Tablets, Sprays, Liquids, Gels

L-Arginine formulas are not effective in capsule, tablet, spray, liquid, and/or gel forms.

The delicate nature of L-arginine, and its specific isoform pathways in the body, do not allow for transport when entrapped in a gel or a liquid, or a capsule or tablet.

Dosage

Formulas containing Less Than 5,000 Mg (5 grams) of elemental L-arginine DO NOT WORK.

In terms of sports performance, muscle-building, and anti-aging, L-arginine formulas containing less than 10,000 Mg (10 grams) of elemental L-arginine DO NOT WORK.

The minimum therapeutic dosage of L-arginine is 5,000 mg.

Formulas Without A Blind Amino Acid Rider

L-arginine formulas that do not contain a Blind Amino Acid Rider DO NOT WORK.


Formulas That Contain Protein Or Any Competing Amino Acid

L-arginine formulas that contain other amino acids, like L-Lysine or L-Citrulline, DO NOT WORK.

L-arginine formulas that contain any form of protein DO NOT WORK.




L-LYSINE & L-ARGININE

Formulas containing L-arginine with L-lysine do not work, and are the result of improper formulating.

Dietary disproportions of amino acids are counterproductive and can alter serum levels and flux of specific amino acids across the Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB). The Lysine/Arginine antagonism is an example of this alteration. A plethora of definitive clinical studies have proven that L-arginine and L-lysine are antagonistic in humans, IE Johns Hopkins University.

One of the most prominent formulating mistakes related to L-arginine antagonism is the inclusion of Lysine. Though L-lysine is a direct antagonist of L-arginine, it is frequently seen in L-arginine formulas. L-lysine should never be combined with L-arginine, but is often seen in L-arginine products with the purpose of mitigating the herpes reaction. This combining technique is a result of bad science, as it negates the benefits of L-arginine.


L-LYSINE & HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS

The human Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a recurrent viral infection that is caused by Herpes virus hominis (HVH), a widespread infectious agent. The human herpes viruses are multipotential, and inclu+de HSV types 1 and 2, human cytomegalovirus, Varicella-Zoster virus, and the Epstein-Barr Virus. These viruses are transmitted by respiratory and oral secretions and commonly produce fever blisters, cold sores, flu-like symptoms, headache, swollen glands, and may also infect the urethra causing burning sensations during urination. There is currently no cure for HSV, but there are measures that can be taken to reduce manifestations.

Increased levels of lysine over arginine suppress viral replication and inhibit cytopathogenicity of herpes simplex virus (HSV). This interaction between the amino acids lysine and arginine can be mitigated by taking L-lysine supplements about 2 hours separately from L-arginine

Improperly formulated L-ARGININE will trigger herpes simplex symptoms in humans.

L-arginine can be formulated with a Blind Amino Acid Rider to mitigate or eliminate the reactivation caused by oral ingestion of L-arginine, but the effects of herpes simplex is also triggered in humans by lack of sleep and stress.

Eight hours of sleep per night is required to reduce activation of HSV. During human sleep cycles, immune function is activated, which affects the herpes simplex virus, as well as all viruses. Additionally, if sleep cycles and nutrient intake is not balanced, HSV will become prominent with manifestations such as cold sores and lethargy.

Eight hours of sleep per night is required to reduce activation of HSV. During human sleep cycles, immune function is activated, which affects the herpes simplex virus, as well as all viruses. Additionally, if sleep cycles and nutrient intake is not balanced, HSV will become prominent with manifestations such as cold sores and lethargy.

L-LYSINE DOSAGE & HSV

Lysine has been used effectively as an agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection. Supplementation with free-form L-lysine has shown to be beneficial in controlling herpes symptoms.

The amount of Lysine required to control herpes varies from case to case, but a typical dose to maintain remission (as stated in most trials) is 500-1000 milligrams (mg), and for active herpes, 1000 mg (1 gram) to 6000 mg (6 grams) taken daily.

Clinical trials suggested that persons with the herpes simplex virus take 1000 mg of oral L-lysine in capsule form, a few times per day (1-3), taken 2 hours apart from the L-arginine (as they compete with each other).

In terms of controlling HSV outbreaks, UCLA School of Medicine (Dr. Griffith, Dr. Kagan, Dr. Norins) found that there is a 96% success rate in patients taking 1500 mg of supplemental L-lysine daily.

Lysine supplements in capsule form can be found in most health food stores. When selecting a Lysine supplement, Lysine should be the only ingredient listed on the label, as the addition of any other amino acid or ingredient can negate its benefit. Tablets and gels are to be avoided.

Aspirin

Aspirin is a known antagonist to Arginine, and cannot be taken within 2 hours of taking L-arginine. Aspirin can be beneficial and is frequently recommended by a physician. If your physician has recommended aspirin, take it separately from L-arginine.


L-Ornithine

L-ornithine has been clinically proven to be an antagonist of L-arginine and disrupts Larginine transport. L-ornithine is contraindicated in any L-arginine formulas, and specifically in products geared to the athlete. L-ornithine should be avoided by bodybuilders, powerlifters, and all other athletes, as well as persons desiring to increase muscle mass, because Ornithine is a non-protein amino acid. Ornithine is not anabolic and is not used to make protein in the human body, whereas Arginine does make protein and is anabolic.

L-Citrulline

According to multiple independent studies, L-citrulline is not an appropriate ingredient in an L-arginine formulation. The use of Citrulline in an L-arginine formulation can cause inherent problems, including depletion of L-arginine.

Endogenous NOS inhibitors reduce the enzyme sensitivity to L-arginine.
These inhibitors include, NG, NG-dimethyl-L-arginine, L-citrulline, argininosuccinic acid and agmatine.

Intracellular L-citrulline, an NOS product, is a potent inhibitor of NOS so that the cells may need extra L-arginine to compete with L-citrulline inhibition.


The Arginine Paradox (Folia Pharmacol. Japan Vol. 119 7-14:2002 Department of Pharmacology, Teikyo University School of Medicine):

Lee J, Ryu H, Ferrante RJ, Morris SM Jr, Ratan RR. Translational control of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by Arginine can explain the Arginine paradox. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003;100:4843-8.

P. Roy. Recent trends in the nitrergic nervous system.2005. In. Journal of Pharmacology; P. Roy, G. Venkat Ramana, M. Naidu, P. Usha Rani

Thomas G, Ramwell PW. Nitric oxide, donors and inhibitors. In: Bertram G Katzung, editor. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. United States: McGraw Hill; 2004.p.313-8.

Chandran S, Sridhar N, Veeranjaneyulu A. Nitric oxide: concepts, current perspectives and future therapeutic implications. Indian J Pharmacol 1998;30:351-66.







Capsules Or Tablets
  Sprays Or Liquid 
  High Glycemic Formulas (Any Formula That Contains Glucose, Glucose
Polymers, Sugar, Sucrose, Maltodextrins, Honey)
 
  Less Than 10,000 Mg (10 G) Of Elemental L-Arginine 
  Formulas Without A Blind Amino Acid Rider 
  Formula That Contain Protein Or Competing Amino Acids 
  Formulas With No/Low Carbohydrates 
  HCL Arginine Or 
  Formulas Taken At Incorrect BBB Access-Times 
Formulas Taken With Or Near Food/Drink (Other Than Water)
Formulas That Contain High Glycemic Flavor Systems
  L-Lysine: Unlike L-arginine, L-lysine does not improve whole muscle
strength or size, and is therefore a substandard amino acid for athletes and
persons desiring to increase size and power output from muscle tissue and
muscle mitochondria.
 





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Reichel, A.; Begley, D. J.; Abbott, N. J. An overview of in vitro techniques for blood-brain barrier
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and in silico models. Drug Discovery Today: Technol. 2004, 1, 407-416.

Crivori, P.; Cruciani, G.; Carrupt, P. A.; Testa, B. Predicting blood-brain barrier permeation from
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Basak, S.; Gute, B. D.; Drewes, L. R. Predicting blood-brain transport of drugs: a computational approach. Pharm. Res. 1996, 13, 775-8.

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