L-citrulline
Scientific names: 2-amino-5-(carbamoylamino)pentanoic acid
Alternate names: Citrulline, Citrulline Malate, L-Citrulina, L-Citrulline AKG, L-Citrulline-Alpha Ketoglutaric Acid, L-Citrulline Malate, Malate de Citrulline
Background
L-citrulline is an amino acid found in watermelon. It is also made in the body. The body changes L-citrulline into another amino acid called L-arginine.
The name citrulline comes from Citrullus vulgaris, the Latin term for watermelon. Unlike some amino acids, L-citrulline isn't used to make protein, but it might help increase other chemicals the body needs to make protein. It might also help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
People use L-citrulline for athletic performance, sickle cell disease, erectile dysfunction (ED), high blood pressure in the lungs, heart disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
The name citrulline comes from Citrullus vulgaris, the Latin term for watermelon. Unlike some amino acids, L-citrulline isn't used to make protein, but it might help increase other chemicals the body needs to make protein. It might also help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
People use L-citrulline for athletic performance, sickle cell disease, erectile dysfunction (ED), high blood pressure in the lungs, heart disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: L-citrulline is possibly safe when used for up to 2 months. It's usually well-tolerated. Some people might experience stomach discomfort or heartburn.
Children: L-citrulline is possibly safe when taken by mouth.
Surgery: L-citrulline might affect blood pressure. It might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking L-citrulline at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-citrulline is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: L-citrulline is possibly safe when taken by mouth.
Surgery: L-citrulline might affect blood pressure. It might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking L-citrulline at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Athletic performance. Taking L-citrulline by mouth might help improve some types of exercise performance such as weight lifting. But its effects on aerobic exercises such as running are unclear.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). Taking L-citrulline by mouth does not seem to increase muscle strength in older adults who regularly exercise.
Dosing & administration
L-citrulline has most often been used by adults in doses of 1.5-5 grams by mouth daily for up to 4 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
L-citrulline might lower blood pressure. Taking L-citrulline along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications for male sexual dysfunction (Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
L-citrulline might lower blood pressure. Some medications for male sexual dysfunction can also lower blood pressure. Taking L-citrulline along with these medications might cause blood pressure to go too low.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: L-citrulline might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
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Per 6 g:
- Citrulline 1.5 g
- Hibiscus sabdariffa ext. 250 mg
- Taurine 1.5 g
- Magnesium citrate 971 mg equiv. magnesium 150 mg
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 250 mg
- Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium (Activated B2) 15 mg equiv. riboflavin 11.4 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 25 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate (P5P) 5.35 mg equiv. pyridoxine 3.41 mg
- Calcium folinate (Activated folate) 109 μg equiv. folinic acid 100 μg
- Levomefolate glucosamine (Activated folate) 270 μg equiv. levomefolic acid 150 μg
- Mecobalamin (Vitamin B12) 250 μg
- Menaquinone 7 (Vitamin K2) 90 μg
- Selenomethionine 124.2 μg equiv. selenium 50 μg
Practitioner product
Per 6 g (Fruit Punch):
- Citrulline 1 g
- L-arginine 3 g
- Citric acid anhydrous 880 mg
- Carnitine tartrate 500 mg
- R,S-alpha lipoic acid 200 mg
- Natural pineapple flavour 150 mg
- Natural orange flavour 120 mg
- Silicon dioxide 90 mg
- Thaumatin 60 mg
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Per 8 g (Lemonade Ice Block):
- Citrulline malate amino acid (L-Citrulline) 3 g
- Creatine monohydrate 1.5 g
- Caffeine 150 mg
- Guanidinoacetic Acid (GAA) (Creatine) 500 mg
- Betaine hydrochloride 1 g
- Natural flavours
- Stevia rebaubiana
- L-theanine 125 mg
- L-tyrosine 500 mg
- L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC) 150 mg
- Huperzia serrata equiv. huperzine A 2.5 mg
- Silicon dioxide
- Citric acid anhydrous
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Per 36 g (Wild Berry):
- Citrulline malate amino acid (L-Citrulline)
- Magnesium aspartate
- Sodium citrate
- Potassium aspartate
- Calcium citrate
- Glucose monohydrate (Dextrose)
- Maltodextrin
- Rice amylopectin
- Beta vulgaris powder
- Beta alanine
- Silicon dioxide
- Honey (powder)
- Raspberry flavour
- Creatinol-O-Phosphate (Creatine)
- Malic acid
- Schisandra chinensis (berry) ext.
- Trimethylglycine (TMG)
- Stevia rebaubiana
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This monograph was last reviewed on 04/07/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 16/11/2020 19:26:05. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
