What is L-Arginine? L-Arginine is one of the many amino acids that the body needs to function properly. Taking it as a supplement may benefit the heart and muscles, however, it may cause adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract. Like other amino acids, L-arginine plays a role in protein production. The body uses protein to build muscle and repair tissue. L-arginine is also converted to nitric oxide (NO) gas in the body. Nitric oxide is important for erectile function because it helps blood vessels relax and dilate, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to circulate through the arteries. Healthy blood flow to the penile arteries is essential for normal erectile function. How effective is L-arginine for erectile dysfunction? L-arginine has been studied extensively as a possible treatment for erectile dysfunction and many other conditions. The results suggest that the supplement, while generally safe and well-tolerated by most men, alone may not help restore healthy erectile function. The world-famous American Mayo Clinic gives L-arginine a grade C when it comes to scientific results for the successful treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, L-arginine is often combined with other supplements that have different results in the disorder, these include: L-arginine and yohimbine hydrochloride Yohimbine hydrochloride, also known as yohimbine, is an approved treatment for erectile dysfunction. A 2010 study on the combination of L-arginine and yohimbine hydrochloride showed promising results. However, it shows that the treatment is only indicated for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. L-arginine and Pinus maritima Although L-arginine alone may not cure erectile dysfunction, the combination of L-arginine and an herbal supplement that is based on an extract from the bark of the European pine (Pinus maritima) may help in the condition. A study in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that the combination of L-arginine and this dietary supplement helped a significant number of men aged 25 to 45 with erectile dysfunction to achieve normal erections. The treatment also does not cause side effects that commonly occur with some erectile dysfunction therapies. Other supplement ingredients may include peanut shell extracts, grape seeds, and witch hazel bark. What are the side effects of treating erectile dysfunction with L-arginine? Like any drug or supplement, L-arginine has several possible side effects. These include: Increased risk of bleeding; Unhealthy imbalance of potassium in the body; Change in blood sugar levels; Low blood pressure. Caution should be exercised when taking L-arginine if prescription erectile dysfunction drugs such as sildenafil or tadalafil are also taken at the same time.L-arginine can cause a drop in blood pressure, so if you have low blood pressure or are taking medication to control blood pressure, L-arginine should be avoided or a doctor should be consulted. References: 1. Mayo Clinic. Arginine: Evidence 2. University of Michigan. Eggers R. (2007). How much do you NO? 3. Healthline. The Facts About L-Arginine Supplements and Erectile Dysfunction