Arginine (L-Arginine) : Part 2

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 3)

Gastrointestinal cancer surgery

Supplementation with an oral combination of arginine and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce length of hospital stay and infections after surgery in gastrointestinal cancer patients. There is conflicting evidence as to when to give the combination (either before or after surgery). Both strategies have been reported as superior to conventional treatment (no artificial nutrition) at reducing infections after surgery and reducing hospital stay. In a large, randomized, controlled clinical trial, malnourished cancer patients were given oral enteral nutrition supplemented by arginine, omega-3 fatty acids and RNA before surgery. It was found that supplementation with the combination before surgery reduced complications after surgery and hospital stay. A different randomized, controlled clinical trial in patients with gastrointestinal cancer studied the effects of an enteral diet supplemented with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids and glutamine (administered after surgery) on immune function and inflammatory response. This study reported the supplement to be well-tolerated with positive effects on immune and inflammatory response. Further research is needed to determine the possible effects of arginine alone.

Heart failure (CHF)

Studies of arginine in patients with chronic heart failure have shown mixed results. Some studies report improved exercise tolerance. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Heart protection during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Arginine-supplemented "blood cardioplegic solution" is proposed to have protective properties for the heart. A randomized, controlled clinical trial using this solution in patients undergoing heart surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting) reports improved heart protection. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

High blood pressure

A small study suggests that arginine taken by mouth may dilate the arteries and temporarily reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. Larger, high-quality studies are needed before a recommendation can be made.

Migraine headache

Preliminary studies suggest that adding arginine to ibuprofen therapy may decrease migraine headache pain.

Peripheral vascular disease / claudication

Intermittent claudication is a condition characterized by leg pain and fatigue due to buildup of cholesterol plaques or clots in leg arteries. A small number of studies report that arginine therapy may improve walking distance in patients with claudication. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn. C Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)

Early study suggests that prolonged dietary supplementation with L-arginine may decrease blood pressure that is too high in pregnant women. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Pressure ulcers

Studies of arginine for pressure ulcers show mixed results. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

Recovery after surgery

One study suggests that arginine may provide benefits when used as a supplement after surgery. It is not clear what the specific role of arginine may be in improving immune function, or what dose is safe or effective.

Transplants

Dietary supplementation with L-arginine and canola oil has been associated with decreased rejection rates after the first month in renal transplant patients. Due to reductions in cardiac events, long-term benefits for patient survival may be particularly important. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Wound healing

Arginine has been suggested to improve the rate of wound healing in elderly individuals. A randomized, controlled clinical trial reported improved wound healing after surgery in head and neck cancer patients, following the use of an enteral diet supplemented with arginine and fiber. Arginine has also been used topically (on the skin) to attempt to improve wound healing. Further research is necessary in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Cyclosporine toxicity

Animal studies report that arginine blocks the toxic effects of cyclosporine, a drug used to prevent organ transplant rejection. However, results from studies in humans have not found that arginine offers any protection from cyclosporine-induced toxicity.

Infertility

Although there are several studies in this area, it is not clear what effects arginine has on improving the likelihood of getting pregnant. Early evidence does not support the finding that arginine has any benefits in women who are undergoing in vitro fertilization, or in men with abnormal sperm.

Interstitial cystitis

Arginine has been proposed as a treatment for interstitial cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). However, most well-designed studies in humans have not found that arginine offers any improvements in treating symptoms such as urinary frequency or urgency.

Kidney disease

It has been suggested that arginine may be a useful supplement in people diagnosed with kidney failure. However, results from available studies do not support this claim. A small randomized, controlled clinical trial studied the ability of L-arginine to improve dilation of blood vessels in children with chronic renal failure. Results showed that blood vessel dilation (endothelial function) was not improved with oral L-arginine suggesting that dietary supplementation is not a beneficial or useful clinical approach in children with chronic renal failure.

Kidney protection during angiography

The contrast media or dye used during angiography to map a patient's arteries (or during some CT scans) can be toxic to the kidneys, especially to people with pre-existing kidney disease. A randomized, parallel, double-blind clinical trial studied the use of L-arginine to protect kidneys in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing angiography. The authors found no evidence that injections of L-arginine protect the kidney from damage due to contrast.Other therapies, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), have been found beneficial at protecting the kidneys from contrast-induced damage, particularly in patients at high-risk such as those with diabetes.

Asthma

Although it has been suggested that arginine may be a treatment for asthma, studies in humans have actually found that arginine worsens inflammation in the lungs and contributes to asthma symptoms. Therefore, taking arginine by mouth or by inhalation is not recommended in people with asthma.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

AIDS/HIV, ammonia toxicity, anti-aging, beta-hemoglobinopathies, cancer, cardiac syndrome X, cold prevention, cystic fibrosis, dementia, diabetes, enhanced athletic performance, enhanced immune function, fertility in women, glaucoma, growth hormone stimulation, heart attack, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), hepatic encephalopathy, high cholesterol, immunomodulation, increased muscle mass, infantile necrotizing enterocolitis, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic stroke, liver disease, lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, low sperm count, metabolic acidosis, obesity, osteoporosis, pain, peritonitis, pre-term labor contractions, pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), Raynaud's phenomenon, sepsis, sexual function in women, sickle cell anemia, stomach motility disorders, stomach ulcer, stroke, supplementation to a low protein diet, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), tumors.

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