L-Arginine is partially synthesised in vivo and is therefore not a true essential amino acid in humans. Under some conditions, however, it may be necessary to supplement the diet with additional L-Arginine. It is a precursor of the amino acid, L-Ornithine, for which there is no other direct biosynthetic route. L-Citrulline, the related amino acid, can be synthesised from L-Arginine, using the enzyme, L-Arginine deaminase. One of the key biochemical functions of L-Arginine is its involvement in the secretion of several hormones. Examples include the pituitary release of human growth hormone, the pancreatic release of insulin and of prolactin.
USAGE
The use of L-arginine in clinical nutrition attracted attention in the 1980s, when it was realised that amino acid was vital for weight gain and wound healing. It now plays a role in enteral and parenteral nutrition for the care of patients with severe burns and with renal disorders. There is also occasional supplementation for enteral feeding or dietary liquids with L-arginine powder for patients with large wounds or severe immunosuppression. Certain L-arginine-based therapies have been proposed for AIDS treatment. Another important role of L-arginine is in the modulation of the nitric oxide balance, regulated by L-citrulline, which is biosynthesised from L-arginine. This is the basis of the interest in L-arginine in cardiovascular therapy. The role is one of nitric oxide synthase activation. It is claimed to increase nitric oxide levels and improve circulation. Enhanced nitric oxide formation is also the basis of the use of L-arginine in certain drugs to treat sexual dysfunction.
DAESANG starts to produce L-Arginine from 2002 in an effort to develop the serial amino acids. DAESANG produces L-Arginine HCL (Monohydrochloride) as well.
