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Arginine pyroglutamate

(Known as Arginine, Arginine pyroglutamate)

tickMuscle Builder
tickHormone control
tickPart of the Amino Acid group
tickBoosts growth hormone
How does it work?
Arginine is an amino acid which has several roles in the body, such as assisting in the repair of muscle cells, strengthening the immune system, and promoting the secretion of several hormones, including growth hormone.
Who is it used for?
Arginine is suitable for anyone wanting to gain muscle size and strength without excess fat. Sprinters, rugby players, bodybuilders and all athletes involved in strength- and power-based sports will benefit from arginine supplementation.
How does it work?
The effect of arginine on growth hormone levels is of most interest to people wanting to lose fat and build muscle. Growth hormone is one of the most powerful hormones in the human body. It promotes both the growth of lean muscle tissue and the loss of fat. As you age, growth hormone levels drop, which is one reason you lose muscle and gain fat as you age. Dr. Daniel Rudman first discovered the benefits of growth hormone over 10 years ago. Publishing his findings in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, Rudman showed that just 6 months of growth hormone treatment increased lean muscle by almost 9% [1].

Because it stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, arginine is a far safer and more cost effective alternative to growth hormone treatment. In a controlled trial, when arginine and other amino acids were combined with weight training, a greater decrease in body fat was obtained after only five weeks than when the same exercise was combined with a placebo [2].

Although some of the research has used large doses of arginine, more recent trials suggest that arginine pyroglutamate (arginine bound to pyroglutamic acid) is more likely to cross the blood brain barrier and produce greater elevations in growth hormone levels [5].

Arginine is also needed to increase protein synthesis, which can in turn increase muscle growth. Arginine's effect on increasing protein synthesis also means that it improves wound healing [4].
How do I use it?
Levels used in research vary considerably, and the optimal intake remains unknown. Most experts believe that 1-1.5 grams of arginine (either alone or with lysine) should be taken before going to bed, 20 minutes before exercise, or with breakfast. Arginine appears to be free of obvious side effects. However, people with kidney or liver disease should consult their doctor before supplementing with arginine.
What results can I expect?
Arginine is most effective when taken with one or more of the amino acids listed below. Combined with a high-protein diet and regular exercise programme, it's not unrealistic to expect to gain up to 10 pounds of muscle over a period of 2-3 months. This, however, depends on the individual, and results do vary. Many users over the age of 30 also report an increase in energy levels and feelings of well-being.
What can it be combined with?
Research shows that arginine pyroglutamate combined with lysine hydrochloride elevates growth hormone levels by several hundred percent for a period of up to eight hours [5]. Glutamine is also a highly effective amino acid for promoting the release of growth hormone. Research at Louisiana State University shows that just 2 grams of L-Glutamine elevates growth hormone levels by more than 400% [6]. Combining all three is likely to yield the greatest results in terms of muscle growth and fat loss.

1. Rudman D, Feller AG, Nagraj HS, Gergans GA, Lalitha PY, Goldberg AF, Schlenker RA, Cohn L, Rudman IW, Mattson DE. (1990). Effects of human growth hormone in men over 60 years old. New England Journal of Medicine, 323, 1-6
2. Elam, R.P. (1988). Morphological changes in adult males from resistance exercise and amino acid supplementation. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 28, 35-39
3. Schacter A, Goldman JA, Zukerman Z. (1973). Treatment of oligospermia with the amino acid arginine. Journal of Urology, 110, 311-313
4. Kirk SJ, Hurson M, Regan MC. (1993). Arginine stimulates wound healing and immune function in elderly human beings. Surgery, 114, 155-160
5. Isidori A, Lo Monaco A, Cappa M. (1981). A study of growth hormone release in man after oral administration of amino acids. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 7, 475-481
6. Welbourne TC. (1995). Increased plasma bicarbonate and growth hormone after an oral glutamine load. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61, 1058-1061

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