Agmatine sulfate

Agmatine was discovered in 1910 by Nobel Prize winner Albrecht Kossel as a naturally occurring compound. Despite over a hundred years since its discovery, its action on the nervous system remained relatively unknown until the recent decades, when its properties became a subject of scientific interest. When L-arginine undergoes decarboxylation, a process that results in the removal of a carboxylic acid group, it becomes agmatine sulfate.

This compound is stored in the neurons of the brain and released when those neurons are activated, which sets it apart from its amino acid counterpart. Agmatine acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the central nervous system. It binds to various receptors, including imidazoline, α2-adrenergic, and NMDA receptors, to modulate neurotransmitter release, nitric oxide production, and synaptic plasticity.

It appears to interact particularly strongly with glutamate receptors and certain pathways, where agmatine levels have been shown to increase in the regions of the brain involved in learning. Studies suggest that agmatine sulfate may promote healthy levels of oxidation, partly due to its ability to limit glutamate activity, thus acting neuroprotective against excitotoxicity. High glutamate levels have also recently been linked to anxiety and depression, conditions the symptoms of which agmatine helps alleviate, as mentioned in numerous anecdotal reports.

A glutamate-GABA imbalance in favor of the former is also what is believed to characterize the nervous system in autism spectrum disorder, which is consistent with recent study results, where remarkably lower plasma agmatine level were found in patients with ASD compared with the control group.

As NMDA antagonist, agmatine has been shown to reverse tactile hypersensitivity in rodent models of neuropathic pain. While it is capable of inducing analgesia to some extent, it has also been found to potentiate the analgesic effects of morphine by modulating the opioid system.

Furthermore, agmatine has established its reputation in the bodybuilding community for its ability to create huge muscle pumps via Nitric oxide regulation. In addition to that, agmatine has vasodilative properties by acting as a calcium antagonist.

While further research on the matter is required, preliminary animals studies have yielded promising results as far as the treatment of alcohol addiction is concerned. Agmatine supplementation resulted in a decrease of withdrawal symptoms such as tremors and anxiety.

Benefits of taking agmatine

• enhanced mood;
• decreased anxiety;
• reduced pain;
• improved blood flow;
• neuroprotection;
• enhanced neuroplasticity;
• possible aid in drug use cessation;
• potentially alleviates the symptoms of ASD;
• may promote lean muscle growth and muscle definition;
• anticonvulsant effects;
• potentiation of certain substances;
• increased glomerular filtration rate (better kidney function).

Side effects

• nausea;
• gastrointestinal discomfort;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• mild drop in blood pressure.

Contraindications

Individuals with kidney disease or ulcers should consult their doctor prior to using agmatine.

Agmatine may interact with blood pressure, anti-diabetic medications and medications that affect liver function.

Dosage

A typical daily dose of agmatine sulfate ranges from 500 to 2500 mg per day, usually split into several smaller doses spread throughout the day.

It is ingested orally, in capsule or powder form. Some individuals found that they tolerate it better when they take it with food.