Infinite Labs: Agmatine

Defining Agmatine: Arginine vs. Agmatine

Agmatine (4-aminobutyl) guanidine, NH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-NH-C(-NH2)(=NH)), is a byproduct of the amino acid Arginine and acts as an intermediate in polyamine biosynthesis. It is generated through a process referred to as decarboxylation which is a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide (CO2); it is essentially Arginine with the carboxylic acid end eliminated. Agmatine is synthesized in the brain, stored in synaptic vesicles, collected by uptake, discharged by membrane depolarization, and inactivated by agmatinase.

Playing a large role in the production of Nitric Oxide (NO), Arginine has been labeled as a big Growth Hormone (GH) releaser and utilized by athletes and bodybuilders around the world. Along with GH production, Arginine is suggested for its capacity to stimulate protein synthesis, promote the endogenous production of creatine, support insulin sensitivity via attenuation of blood glucose, as well as its assistance during the removal of nitrogenous waste in the urea cycle.* It has even been suggested to help support general health.*

Until recently, Arginine has been labeled as a "go to" supplement in many athletic and bodybuilding regimens. However, with the growing literature and knowledge on the potential ergogenic value of Agmatine, athletes are beginning to gear their supplementation needs in a new direction. Agmatine is likely the one molecule to take part in more metabolic processes than Arginine.* There exists nineteen well-documented mechanisms of action suggested in the research and a minimum of thirteen possible direct benefits to the athlete or bodybuilder with even more effects emerging as the research continues.*

The benefits of Agmatine include promoting muscle pumps, nutrient transport, nutrient partitioning (greater number of calories shunted towards muscle tissue and less stored in fat cells), increased blood flow, and supporting the production of luteinizing hormone and growth hormone.* Agmatine appears to boost muscle pumps in various ways:

• Agmatine may enhance nutrient partitioning, which leads to more muscle glycogen (carbohydrates stored in muscle tissues) stored, thus more water retained in the muscle. This can lead to a "fuller" look to the muscle and enhanced muscle pumps.*
• Agmatine appears to increase NO production by playing a competitive inhibitor role of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. The nutrient partitioning effects of Agmatine may be due to its potential ability to support the insulin response to carbohydrates, as well as the increased blood flow to the muscle seen with increased nitric oxide production.* Agmatine may play a potential role in the hypothalamic control of luteinizing hormone (LH) and GH release, thusly supporting healthy levels of both hormones.*

Agmatine as an Ergogenic Aid

• Agmatine supports insulin production which may help promote post workout insulin response.* Insulin response has been suggested to have positive effects on body composition and musculature.*
• Agmatine may help support positive mood, which may be beneficial in the heavy loading and high-stress life of a bodybuilder.*
• Agmatine acts on catecholamine release (Epinephrine > Norepinephrine > Dopamine). These endogenous compounds are utilized in almost every action throughout the human body. Specific to the athlete is the role in energy production and mood support.*
• Agmatine may help support healthy kidney function via stimulation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).* This may benefit the bodybuilder as various nitrogenous waste products are eliminated through this system.*
• Agmatine serves as a potential aid in the recovery process of the athlete*.
• Agmatine may help support GH and LH production.*
• Agmatine may help promote NO through a variety of mechanisms.* It may promote some types of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) while restraining others.* This is crucial to the proper functioning of the polyamine biosynthetic pathways.*
• Specific to body composition, Agmatine may have an independent role of testosterone and insulin management on lipid (fat) metabolism.*
• Agmatine may possess antioxidant properties.* This is of particular interest to the committed athlete. The load an athlete endures throughout a strict training regimen directly affects the free-radical buildup in the human body and may have damaging effects if the buildup continues. Agmatine may promote anti-oxidant activity.*
• Agmatine acts as a "novel" neurotransmitter and may help support a healthy mood.* This may be beneficial to those looking to achieve a mental edge, whether it be in the gym or in everyday life.*
• Agmatine holds a hypotensive role which could assist the exogenously-enhanced athlete in regulating blood pressure already within the healthy range.*

As a result of these effects, supplementing any athletic and/or bodybuilding regimen with Agmatine may support athletic performance and fat loss, as well as promoting muscle size, vascularity, and fullness.* Other potential benefits include protection against free radical damage, mood support, and enhanced recovery; adding to the quality of everyday life.* Arginine was the "miracle worker" of its time, but Agmatine may be an even better supplemental option in regards to body physique advancements and performance support.*

References

1. Gao, Y., et al. Agmatine: a novel vasodilator substance. Life Sciences. 57(8):PL83-86, 1995.
2. Halaris A, Piletz JE. Imidazoline receptors Hum Psychopharmacol. 16(1):65-69, 2001.
3. Kalra, S.P., et al. Agmatine, a novel hypothalamic amine, stimulates pituitary luteinizing hormone release in vivo and hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing in vivo. Neuroscience Letters. 194 (3): July 21, 1995; 165-168.
4. Morgan, N.G., et al. Characterization of the imidazoline binding site in regulation of insulin secretion. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 763:361-373, 1995.
5. Nishimura K, Shiina R, Kashiwagi K, and Igarashi K. Decrease in Polyamines with Aging and Their Ingestion from Food and Drink. J of Biochem. 139(1):81-90, 2006.
6. Raasch, W. et al. Agmatine, the bacterial amine is widely distributed in mammalian tissues. Life Sciences. 56(26):2319-2330, 1995.
7. Raghavan SA, Dikshit M. Vascular regulation by the L-arginine metabolites, nitric oxide and agmatine. Pharmacol Res. 49(5):397-414. Review, 2004.
8. Yananli H, Goren MZ, Berkman K, Aricioglu F. Effect of agmatine on brain l-citrulline production: A microdialysis study in nucleus accumbens. Brain Res. 2007 Feb 9;1132(1):51-58, 2006.
9. Zarandi M, Serfozo P, Zsigo J, Deutch AH, Janaky T, Olsen DB, Bajusz S, Schally AV. Potential agonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone. II. Pept Res. 5(4):190-3, 1992.
10. Zhu MY, Wang WP, Cai ZW, Regunathan S, & Ordway G. (2008). Exogenous agmatine has neuroprotective effects against restraint-induced structural changes in the rat brain. The European Journal of Neuroscience. 27(6), 1320-32.