Product Name: L-Arginine

Synonyms: (S)-(+)-Arginine; 2-Amino-5-guanidinovaleric acid; 2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid

Molecular Formula: C6H14N4O2

Molecular Weight: 174.20

CAS No.:  74-79-3

EINECS: 200-811-1

Description

Arginine is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is encoded by the codons CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG. It contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a side chain consisting of a 3-carbon aliphatic straight chain ending in a guanidino group. At physiological pH, the carboxylic acid is deprotonated, the amino group is protonated, and the guanidino group is also protonated to give the guanidinium form, making arginine a charged, aliphatic amino acid. It is the precursor for the biosynthesis of nitric oxide.

Application

1)   L-arginine is used for heart and blood vessel conditions including congestive heart failure (CHF), chest pain, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease.

2)   L-arginine is used in combination with a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications for various conditions. For example, L-arginine is used along with ibuprofen for migraine headaches; with conventional chemotherapy drugs for treating breast cancer; with other amino acids for treating weight loss in people with AIDS; and with fish oil and other supplements for reducing infections, improving wound healing, and shortening recovery time after surgery.

3)  Some people apply L-arginine to the skin to speed wound healing and for increasing blood flow to cold hands and feet, especially in people with diabetes. It is also used as a cream for sexual problems in both men and women.