It’s not a chemical compound that you may instantly recognize or see on shelves at your local supermarkets. But recent studies show that agmatine sulfate may help increase nitric oxide production in the body, in addition to a number of additional health benefits. There are quite a few health supplement manufacturers that offer agmatine and more and more folks including the material as part of their dietary supplement regimes.
A Little History
Researchers discovered agmatine in 1910 and it took more than 100 years to find this chemical’s exact functions. One year later, they discovered that it seemed to increase blood flow in rabbit subjects. In the 1920s, researchers in the diabetes clinic of Oskar Minkowski presented studies that agmatine may have mild hypoglycemic effects. But interestingly enough, researchers didn’t discover endogenous agmatine synthesis in mammals until 1994.
Even though there are studies on it, there is no medical evidence that agmatine can cure, treat or prevent any disease. Like we mentioned, it is used primarily as a dietary supplement. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplement.
What is Agmatine Sulfate?
In this section, we’re going to touch on the following elements:
- How agmatine is stored in neurons, found in food and produced by mitochondria
- How neurotransmitter and neuromodulators in the central nervous system come into play
- The nitric oxide synthesis–circulation connection
- The bodybuilding factor
Usually, nutrition labels list agmatine as “agmatine sulfate” and it’s included in several supplements with pre-workout benefits.
Dietary sources of Agmatine Sulfate
Agmatine is synthesized in the brain and stored in synaptic vesicles in “regionally selected” neurons. Evidence suggests it might be an important neurotransmitter in mammals, according to research from the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University (x). Agmatine is a by-product of bacteria, meaning you can find it in any fermented food, including beer, wine and some instant coffees (x).
Often people take agmatine sulfate as a bodybuilding supplement, but it does much more than just pump the muscles. What’s remarkable about this compound is that it naturally expedites blood flow to create more blood volume in the muscles. The result? A stage for superior gains in muscle size and strength.
Agmatine Sulfate vs. L-Arginine
Agmatine is a metabolite of L-arginine. In the body, the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) produces nitric oxide from the amino acid arginine, which is part of the urea cycle. In the online Reference Module in Life Sciences, Vance L. Albaugh, Adrian Barbul claim that “arginine is a necessary substrate in humans as an intermediate of the urea cycle (x).”
What Does Agmatine Sulfate Do?
Here, we’re going to take a look at agmatine benefits and address the question: How does agmatine sulfate work? To put it simply, researchers believe that agmatine may help produce nitric oxide and support healthy circulation.
Nitric Oxide Production
Agmatine’s primary function is to impede nitric oxide synthase (NOS) production by influencing three enzymes: iNOS, nNOS and eNOS. Nitric oxide synthases synthesize the free radical nitric oxide, which helps relax the muscles and support blood flow (x).
Results of experiments from the Department of Internal Medicine in Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO “suggest that agmatine can bind to a cell surface imidazoline receptor or endothelial cells and can stimulate nitric oxide production by increasing cytosolic calcium.” The researchers conclude that agmatine may have an effect on endothelial cells to increase the nitric oxide synthesis, a substance that supports vasodilation (x).
How Does Agmatine Sulfate Work?
We’re going to get a little scientific with you here, but bear with us for a moment.
Like we mentioned in the last section, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) works with enzymes that catalyze nitric oxide from L-arginine to regulate NO production. But interfering with NOS production regulates NO production (x).
So how does this interference work? Like we said before, agmatine sulfate influences three enzymes to attempt to control the potentially harmful effects of nitric oxide (x):
- Inducible NOS (iNOS) – Excessive amounts can cause inflammation.
- Neuronal NOS (nNOS) – Excessive amounts can interfere with neuron growth and repair.
- Endothelial NOS (eNOS) – Related to signals for blood flow and moving cell waste.
What is Agmatine Sulfate Used For?
In this section, we’re going to get into the bodybuilding effects of agmatine sulfate and explain its effects on exercise and athletic performance, as well as overall physical and mental health.
Better Muscle “Pump” During Exercise
Because nitric oxide naturally supports vasodilation, an increase of NO in the muscles means better blood flow and, thus, a better muscle “pump” from your workout. This yields dual benefits—delivering more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles and accelerating protein synthesis, which supports muscle growth (x).
Researchers support this idea in a study called “The Effect of Nitric-Oxide-Related Supplements on Human Performance,” conducted by Rauúl Besco, Antoni Sureda, Josep A. Tur and Antoni Pons. The researchers claim that because an increase in NO production may deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, the action may improve “tolerance to physical exercise and recovery mechanisms.”
According to this research, the supplement may be able to support the same properties and produce a similar effect on exercise and muscle growth.
Regulating Pain Perception
According to several reports and studies, agmatine naturally reverses pain from factors like inflammation, neuropathy and spinal cord injury. The substance helps to combat glutamate receptors to regulate pain perception. The supplement may be able to offer similar short-term pain relief (x).
According to research, agmatine is an “endogenous neuromodulator” and in rodent subjects, it demonstrated “a unique antiplasticity and neuroprotective role… in processes underlying persistent pain and neuronal injury.”
Regulating Blood Sugar and Insulin Response
In other studies, agmatine seems to be able to improve insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant rodent subjects. Agmatine supplements increased beta-endorphin production in the adrenal glands. These endorphins can increase blood sugar absorption into the skeletal muscle tissue. This process appeared to reduce the subjects’ blood sugar levels (x). However, note that these studies used animals and there is limited research on human subjects
Addressing Mental Health and Improving Mood
There are some studies looking into its effects on mental health, specifically related to anxiety and depression. Researchers think that in the body, agmatine may act as a neurotransmitter and naturally respond to receptors associated with depression.
One study by Meng-Yang Zhu reviewed its potential neuroprotective properties in the hippocampus, which researchers think is likely “an important brain structure in the pathophysiology of depression.” But the author claims that because “neuronal loss in the hippocampus is a characteristic of depression,” agmatine’s “neuroprotective activity” may play a positive role and protect from neuronal damage (x).
How to Take Agmatine Sulfate Supplements
Now that you know a little about what agmatine does in the body naturally, why take it as a supplement? Agmatine sulfate supplements are not intended to replace standard medical treatment or treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or illness. However, the supplement may successfully replicate these natural properties.
We always recommend that you consult a doctor before trying any supplement product. The recommended dosage for agmatine sulfate powder is 750 mg. Take it in a 3-days on, 1-day off cycle or according to a physician’s instructions.
Agmatine Sulfate Side Effects
There is little evidence of agmatine sulfate side effects. However, there is research on the side effects of L-arginine, which is similar. Although it is safe in appropriate oral doses, research reports the following side effects from L-arginine (x):
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Bloating
- Allergies
- Airway inflammation
- Blood abnormalities
- Worsened asthma symptoms
- Low blood pressure
Where to Buy Agmatine Supplements
You can purchase agmatine sulfate bulk powder at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying agmatine sulfate as a dietary supplement for its potential to improve athletic performance, reduce pain, improve mood and regulate blood sugar and insulin? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Bottom Line
Recent studies suggest that agmatine may exhibit a positive response in increasing nitric oxide production, along with a number of additional health benefits. According to research, it may help improve athletic performance by supporting muscle synthesis and reducing recovery time. In addition, it may also have a positive role on overall physical and mental health. Studies state that it may help reduce insulin resistance and address symptoms related to depression.
Manufacturers are increasingly using agmatine sulfate as an ingredient in dietary supplements and more and more people are adding it to their supplement regimen. Although research supports its potential, it may cause side effects. Make sure to consult a doctor before you take agmatine sulfate or any other dietary supplement.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.