Agmatine is a metabolite of the amino acid L-Arginine that can be consumed as a dietary supplement. Agmatine may relieve neuropathic pain, anxiety, depression, and even drug addiction.
Also known as 4-aminobutyl-guanidine, agmatine was discovered in 1910 by Albrecht Kossel. Early on, researchers explored agmatine for its uses in people with diabetes. Recently, it’s been suggested as a mental health aid and nervous system booster.
Agmatine may significantly benefit the central nervous system (CNS) and mental health because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. I was so compelled by reading the research on agmatine’s benefits and minimal side effects that I asked all of the providers at our clinic to get familiar with it, too.
Here’s what agmatine treatment may do (and its limitations).
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1. Relieves Neuropathic Pain
Agmatine may treat neuropathic (nerve-related) pain. Clinical studies have shown that agmatine supplementation can alleviate painful symptoms associated with various types of neuropathy. Causes of neuropathic pain include multiple sclerosis, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux), and certain cancers.
According to our current evidence, agmatine seems to treat neuropathic pain via the following mechanisms:
- NMDA receptor antagonism: Agmatine binds to and inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are implicated in neuropathic pain.
- Nitric oxide formation: This molecule can be beneficial but may be toxic if over-produced, leading to neuropathic pain.
- Imidazoline receptor activation: Agmatine activates imidazoline receptors, associated with pain modulation.
- Endorphin release: Agmatine may help release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Releasing more endorphins may relieve neuropathic pain.
For more high-quality information and research about agmatine for nerve health, see the Gilad&Gilad website.
2. Utility in Depression
Agmatine has shown promise in reducing depression symptoms.
Substantial evidence from animal studies and one human case study indicatethat agmatine supplementation can exert an antidepressant effect — potentially as a monotherapy, meaning without any other depression treatment.
The relationship between agmatine and depression is multi-faceted. Here are some potential mechanisms of action that may explain agmatine’s antidepressant effects:
- Agmatine has been shown to have potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and brain-blood barrier protective properties.
- Agmatine is a neuromodulator, meaning it can modulate the activity of neural pathways involved in depression, independent of its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Studies have shown lower agmatine levels in certain parts of the brain of people who died by suicide.
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3. Potential Anxiety Treatment
Agmatine may have anti-anxiety effects when consumed as a supplement. Agmatine treatment has minimal side effects as compared to anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals like Xanax or Ativan.
Research with animal models published in Brain Research says that under stressful conditions, agmatine treatment exhibits anti-anxiety effects and (anti-stress properties), as well as anti-depressive and enhanced cognitive functions. In multiple studies, agmatine has reversed stress-induced anxiety, making it a potential treatment for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Read next: Natural Supplements for Anxiety
4. Improves Cognitive Functions
Agmatine may improve cognitive functions and protect against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Animal studies on agmatine have shown consistent improvement in neurological disorders like ADHD or cognitive dysfunction.
A recent animal study concluded, “Treatment of pregnant mice with agmatine exerts a protective effect against negative consequences of prenatal stress on the development of affective circuits in the offspring.” This has implications that agmatine may help with cognitive development in babies.
5. Helps With Drug Addiction
Animal studies show that agmatine may help reduce dependence on morphine, alcohol, and other drugs. While animal studies are promising, randomized human studies need to be conducted before conclusions are made.
Agmatine has shown potential in helping with drug addiction in multiple ways:
- Alleviating withdrawal symptoms: Agmatine may reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with certain drugs by stabilizing neurotransmitter levels and reducing stress responses.
- Reversing neuroplastic changes: Chronic drug use leads to unwanted neuroplastic changes in the brain region of the hippocampus. Agmatine’s neuroprotective properties may reverse or prevent these changes and reduce the risk of addiction.
- Inhibiting behavioral sensitization: Behavioral sensitization is when repeated stimuli induce a more robust response or craving. Agmatine can inhibit sensitization to opioids, slowing the development of drug dependence.
- Modulating neurotransmitter systems: Agmatine interacts with neurotransmitter systems that involve dopamine and serotonin, both associated with addiction. Agmatine modulates these systems, potentially reducing the addictive impact of drugs.
Dosage Recommendations
There are no standard agmatine dosage recommendations because large-scale human studies are still limited. However, the recommended dosage for agmatine generally ranges from 500 milligrams to 2.7 grams a day. Following dosage recommendations on packaging is best unless a healthcare provider suggests otherwise.
A long-term human study has been conducted to show that agmatine treatment is safe. Most research reports indicate zero adverse effects when using agmatine.
The lower limit of effectiveness seems to be around 500 milligrams of agmatine per day. The upper limit of safety is around 2.7 grams per day.
Factors that influence recommended dosage include the following:
- Body weight
- Age
- Health conditions
- Individual goals
Consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new dietary supplements. You and your doctor can discuss the best dosage recommendation for your unique needs.
FAQs
What is agmatine used for?
Agmatine, a cationic amine, is a dietary ingredient to treat neuropathies and has potential utility mental health support, healthy nervous system function, and depression relief. Some use it for an athletic performance and bodybuilding, but there is no high quality evidence supports this benefit. Human studies are looking into agmatine as an experimental treatment for health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, psychiatric conditions, and more.
Read more: Mental Health for Men
Is agmatine an endogenous anxiolytic/antidepressant agent?
Agmatine is a putativeanxiolytic and antidepressant agent. Here’s what those words mean:
- Endogenous — produced within the body (biosynthesis), not just administered by supplement
- Anxiolytic — reducing anxiety symptoms
- Antidepressant — decreasing depression symptoms
Agmatine is biosynthesized through the enzymatic decarboxylation of the amino acid L-arginine.
What are the potential side effects of agmatine supplementation?
Agmatine sulfate is generally safe for everyone. Consuming agmatine as a supplement may cause minor gastrointestinal problems, in rare cases. People with low blood pressure should discuss with their healthcare provider whether agmatine is safe. There is not enough evidence to determine whether agmatine is safe or unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
How does agmatine interact with nitric oxide synthesis?
Agmatine modulates nitric oxide formation. In some circumstances, agmatine promotes nitric oxide synthesis. In other situations, it suppresses nitric oxide synthesis. If you have high levels of inflammation or oxidative stress, agmatine inhibits nitric oxide production.
Does agmatine lower blood pressure?
Some studies have suggested that agmatine can lower blood pressure. This supplement’s hypotensive effects may depend on overall health, dosage, and other smaller factors. People with low blood pressure should exercise caution when taking agmatine.
Is Agmatine Right for You?
Agmatine is safe for almost everyone and is effective at reducing neuropathic pain. There are indications that it may improve mental health, and treat mental health conditions.
For a healthcare provider who will help you find the best supplements for your health concerns, come see us at PrimeHealth in Colorado.
Sources
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