#1

Quite interesting. Not as powerful as taurine for longevity, but it appears to help metabolically and improve muscle gain. Seems to be good for cholesterol as well. Supposed to be good for BP too.

Compared with the NEAA-treated group, citrulline supplementation was associated with lower mortality (0% vs. 20%; P = 0.05), 9% higher lean body mass (P < 0.05), and 13% lower fat mass (P < 0.05). Compared with the NEAA-treated group, citrulline-treated rats had greater muscle mass (+14–48% depending on type of muscle; P < 0.05 for tibialis, gastrocnemius, and plantaris). Susceptibility to oxidation of lipoproteins, as measured by the maximal concentration of 7-ketocholesterol after copper-induced VLDL and LDL oxidation, was lower in citrulline-treated rats than in NEAA-treated rats (187 ± 8 μmol/L vs. 243 ± 7 μmol/L; P = 0.0005).

The biggest problem with this study is it did not measure lifespan. The best we can get is that none of the rats in the Citrulline group died and 20% of the non citrulline group died. This points towards a lifespan increase but unfortunately they did not carry the experiment out until the rats died naturally.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622087806

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#2
#3

I bought this to try out. I will try 3-6 g daily.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EYDJU50/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A8MA32QEVO3GI&psc=1

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#4

FWIW, l-citrulline extends lifespan in C. elegans by ~15%. No lifespan data in mice unfortunately, but some positive indications, such as no significant increase in IL6 or CRP with age. L-cit even lowered fasting glucose below that of untreated young mice.

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#5

Allegedly makes your pp bigger too (better blood flow).

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#6

I have been taking citrulline for quite a while and have not experienced this side effect. :wink:

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#7

Well that’s a massive disappointment :wink:.

I’m considering starting l-citrullin, what effects (good, bad, neutral) have you noticed, if any?

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#8

It lowers your systolic blood pressure by 5-10. At least for me. I usually mix it in with a decaf fruit tea and glycine. It ends up tasting like a fruity lemonade, which I enjoy.

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#9

Thanks! In your (Citrulline Glycine Lemonade) post you mention 6g of l-citrulline. Are you still taking the same amount today? And is it a daily thing?

#10

I bumped it up to 8 g and I take it daily. Usually in the evening. :grinning:

#11

I recently came across some information about Agmatine Sulfate while looking to find out what some of the favorite supplements of bodybuilders are currently using. I go to the gym 3 times a week, and I am always looking for ways other than steroids to maintain my muscle mass and slow down sarcopenia.

“Therefore, agmatine appears to act directly on endothelial cells to increase the synthesis of nitric oxide, a vasodilatory substance.”

“Agmatine releases the luteinizing hormone LH which in turn, can increase testosterone levels in the body. Increased testosterone levels can help you build more muscle while training.”

Currently, I use citrulline on days that I go to the gym. I will try agmatine sulfate for a while to see if there is any difference. Agmatine sulfate provides some mental benefits that my aged brain can always use. However, you could use both citrulline and agmatine sulfate because the mechanisms are different.

“Therefore, agmatine appears to act directly on endothelial cells to increase the synthesis of nitric oxide, a vasodilatory substance.”

In addition, agmatine sulfate reduces neuropathic pain.
" Previous clinical trials showed that oral agmatine sulfate treatment is safe and effective in reducing neuropathic pain and improving health-related quality of life in lumbar disc-associated radiculopathy (sciatica) [22,23]."

“Among the supplements Agmatine Sulfate, Citrulline, and Arginine, Agmatine Sulfate provides additional benefits, such as improved mental function, in addition to its effectiveness in producing nitric oxide.
Agmatine Sulfate, derived from Arginine, acts as a neuromodulator and has been shown to influence neurotransmission and cognitive functions. Studies have demonstrated that agmatine can improve learning and memory, reduce anxiety and depression-like behaviors, and provide neuroprotective effects.[1-4] Agmatine’s interaction with various receptor systems, including NMDA, α2-adrenoceptors, and imidazoline receptors, underpins its role in enhancing cognitive functions and protecting against neuronal damage.[2-3]”

Evidence for Dietary Agmatine Sulfate Effectiveness in Neuropathies Associated with Painful Small Fiber Neuropathy. A Pilot Open-Label Consecutive Case Series Study
“Evidence for Dietary Agmatine Sulfate Effectiveness in Neuropathies Associated with Painful Small Fiber Neuropathy. A Pilot Open-Label Consecutive Case Series Study - PMC)%20%5B22%2C23%5D.”

Pharmacological profile of agmatine: An in-depth overview
“Pharmacological profile of agmatine: An in-depth overview - PubMed”

The pharmacological importance of agmatine in the brain
“The pharmacological importance of agmatine in the brain - PubMed”

Agmatine activation of nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells
“Agmatine activation of nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells - PubMed”
AGMATINE SULFATE: BENEFITS, DOSAGE, AND SIDE EFFECTS
“AGMATINE SULFATE: BENEFITS, DOSAGE, AND SIDE EFFECTS – NutraBio Brands”

7 Big Agmatine Sulfate Benefits + Pre Workout Boosting Power
“7 Big Agmatine Sulfate Benefits + Pre Workout Boosting Power - MRI Performance”

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#12

@desertshores the gym bros like the pump they get from Agmatine. It looks interesting!

#13

Agmatine Sulfate enhances endothelial nitric oxide production. That is interesting. Another alternative to Citrulline is Norvaline that is arginase inhibitor. (citrulline also inhibits arginase which leads to improved levels of NO).

I have only used citrulline but am curious about Norvaline as well as Agmatine sulfate. Using any of them is a step to adress the issues that is expressed in the microcirculatory theory of aging

Norvaline - Wikipedia

Which is also used in the gym. It has been proposed/speculated that norvaline might be useful in modulating Alzheimer’s disease.

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#14

If you were so inclined, you could use all three before a workout. There could be some synergistic effects. As I said, I am willing to try things other than steroids.

“L-Norvaline, L-citrulline, and agmatine sulfate have different mechanisms and effects on muscle growth, brain health, and nitric oxide (NO) production.”

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#15

Good find @desertshores!

Neuroprotective effects of agmatine seem especially promising.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568163724000874

It may also help with atherosclerosis (rabbits)

Can lower plasma glucose by activating imidazoline receptors in the brain (not through insulin)

And can attenuate lung damage and inflammation. Study below is on asthma, which is of particular interest to me.

Also seems to help with renal and liver injuries. There are many studies showing it is safe to supplement agmatine in the long term in mammals.

All sounds good on the surface, but agmatine is still understudied and has unknown lifespan implications. I couldn’t find any studies related to exercise performance, which makes it’s use as a bodybuilding supplement theoretical. Finally, interactions are unclear, the only one I found is that it augments the antidepressant effects of lithium.

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#16

@desertshores, how are things going with agmatine? What results have you seen in the gym relative to L-citrulline? Any benefits or side effects?

#17

I have noticed no subjective effects of agmatine. Noticed no statistical change in my blood tests.
Citrulline has measurable BP effects. When my current supply of agmatine runs out, I will not reorder it.

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#18

@desertshores Have you measured any impact on testosterone? Below is a quote you included in your original post

“Agmatine releases the luteinizing hormone LH which in turn, can increase testosterone levels in the body. Increased testosterone levels can help you build more muscle while training.”

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#19

No. Maybe I am not taking enough? I only take it on workout days.

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#20

I also did not notice anything from taking agmatine and will also not reorder once my supply runs out. No changes in testosterone. Taking 1 tsp per day (IIRC 3g)

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