Agmatine Sulfate – Nitric Oxide Perpetual Pump

WHAT IS AGMATINE?

Agmatine is a small molecule that the body produces naturally from the amino acid arginine. Agmatine is a decarboxylated arginine metabolite. More simply, agmatine is what is converted to arginine within the body.

Agmatine has dual functions:

A) Selective inhibition of the enzyme that breaks down nitric oxide: the result is an increase in (NO) nitric oxide.

B) Direct stimulation of NO. With increased NO, you create an environment for increased nutrient delivery, better metabolic waste removal, and most importantly, higher overall performance.

NITRIC OXIDE – Vascularity, blood volume, pump:

Agmatine modulates nitric oxide (NO) in different ways. It stimulates some types of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and inhibits others, which is why it is considered “selective.” This is essential for the proper functioning of the polyamine biosynthetic pathways. There are 3 forms of NOS, iNOS (inducible), nNOS (neuronal), and eNOS (endothelial).

Research suggests that Agmatine is unique in that it stimulates eNOS while limiting iNOS and eNOS. This is a very important difference for those of us who seek increases in vascularity, increased blood flow and volume. Among bodybuilders, Agmatine has become legendary for its ability to produce long-lasting pumps. It has even been coined by some as the “Perpetual Pump”.

LEAN BODY MASS – Improved insulin response:

Agmatine has been shown in some research to help improve insulin production and lead to a better insulin response. This allows positive effects in achieving body composition goals. While the research is still considered preliminary, it could point to a better response to insulin; if so, this could have an impact on a leaner and tougher physique.

Agmatine has been shown to act on the release of catecholamines (epinephrine> norepinephrine> dopamine). These are chemical messengers that play an important role in energy production, fat loss, and stress. There are well-established effects that epinephrine can have on the body, including:

• Increased stamina
• Improving performance
• Decrease body fat

ANTIOXIDANT ACTION – Reducing agents (advanced glycation end products):

Agmatine has been shown in some research to have an antioxidant role. There can be no greater source of accumulation of free radicals than that observed in the daily activity of the athlete. The great stress the body takes on when you’re an athlete in the trenches (i.e. the gym, the field, etc.) could ultimately have significant detrimental effects with continued build-up. Agmatine may offer some protection against the damaging effects that free radicals can have on the body.

STRESS – Cortisol’s response:

Agmatine has shown anxiolytic (anxiety relieving) activity in some research and may offer potential control of elevated cortisol levels in the stressful life of the athlete.