Citrulline (L-citrulline) is an amino acid produced naturally by the body and also found in some foods, such as watermelon, and to a lesser degree in cucumbers and cantaloupe. The body transforms L-citrulline into another amino acid, L-arginine, and also to nitric oxide. L-citrulline is used for people who suffer with fatigue, dementia, muscle weakness, sickle cell disease, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. It is believed to work by increasing the supply of nitric oxide and substances the body needs to produce certain proteins, and it may also help dilate veins and arteries to improve blood circulation and reduce blood pressure.
Citrulline and Erectile Dysfunction
Arginine is known to help with erectile dysfunction, however oral use of the amino acid results in extensive presystemic metabolism. L-citrulline converts to arginine in the body and is not subject to presystemic metabolism. Therefore, a team of researchers in Italy set out to test the efficacy and safety of citrulline supplements in improving erection hardness in men who had mild erectile dysfunction. Read more
