L-Arginine Brand Names Available in India
In India, L-arginine is available under various brand names including Argipreg, L-Argin, Nitrosun, Argimax, and Argihope, which can be found in most pharmacies across the country. 1
Overview of L-Arginine
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that serves as:
- The sole substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, which produce nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator essential for maintaining normal vascular function 2
- A precursor for multiple biologically active compounds including nitric oxide, creatine phosphate, agmatine, polyamines, ornithine, and citrulline 3
- A conditionally essential amino acid during periods of maximal growth, severe stress, and injury 3, 4
Available Formulations in India
L-arginine is available in India in several forms:
- Oral supplements (tablets, capsules, and powders) under various brand names 1
- Injectable formulations for hospital use 1
- Combination products with other nutrients 1
Dosage and Administration
Typical dosages vary by indication:
- For exercise performance: 1.2-6g daily, with optimal benefits at 3-6g daily 5
- For cardiovascular conditions: Doses of 3-8g/day appear to be safe and do not cause acute pharmacologic effects in humans 6
- For pulmonary arterial hypertension: 0.5g/10kg body weight has shown beneficial effects 2
Clinical Applications
L-arginine supplementation has demonstrated benefits in:
- Cardiovascular health through improved endothelial function and vasodilation 4, 7
- Immune function enhancement in both healthy and ill patients 3
- Wound healing stimulation 3, 7
- Potential benefits in metabolic syndrome and obesity management 4
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension management, with studies showing reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance 1, 2
Local Production in India
The availability and affordability of L-arginine in India is improving due to:
- Local pharmaceutical companies developing production capabilities for various amino acid supplements 1
- Similar to other plasma-derived products, local production of L-arginine is expected to significantly reduce costs compared to imported brands 1
- Patient support societies working to increase awareness and accessibility of such supplements 1
Limitations and Considerations
When recommending L-arginine supplements, consider:
- Results from clinical studies have been mixed, with some showing minimal effects on hemodynamics 2
- Long-term randomized trials of oral arginine supplementation are lacking in many patient populations 2
- Potential drawbacks may include increased concentration of proproliferative polyamines 2
- Individual response may vary based on endogenous levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a competitive inhibitor of L-arginine metabolism 6
Conclusion
For patients seeking L-arginine supplements in India, locally produced brands offer more affordable options compared to imported products. As with other supplements, the quality and bioavailability may vary between brands, so choosing products from reputable manufacturers is advisable.