Description
Agmatine sulfate is a compound metabolite of Agmatine, a substance formed by processing arginine. The human body occurs naturally in the small intestine, liver, adrenal glands or kidneys and accumulates in nerve cells. Agmatine is produced in an enzymatic way as a result of bacterial action. It can be found in fermented foods, but its concentration in ingested foods is too low to achieve therapeutic effects. For this reason, agmatine sulfate can be supplied through supplementation.
Characteristics of Agmatine
Agmatine is a biogenic amine composed of one or two positive charges. Its molecule is essential and stable, and its lipophilicity and a high proportion of hydrogen bonds translate into poor absorption. This substance is seen not only as a neurotransmitter but also as a neuromodulator. In the body, Agmatine affects nitric oxide levels as well as the process of blood vessel dilation. This compound blocks nitric oxide synthesis by regulating and inhibiting the main enzymes responsible for its production. Agmatine was first discovered by Albrecht Kossel in 1910. As a result of his research, he observed the production of this substance from arginine in a natural fermentation process, leading to the decarboxylation of the amino acid. Humans can produce agmatine sulfate by converting arginine. Depending on the organ, this process occurs at different intensities.
Biosynthesis and metabolism of Agmatine
L-arginine naturally converts to nitric oxide by secreting it as a byproduct through the action of a synthesis enzyme. On the other hand, Agmatine can affect the metabolism of nitric oxide, but it is not directly converted into it. Its primary metabolic pathways include the enzyme diamine oxidase DAO, which also handles histamine metabolism. Studies in rats discovered that this pathway likely accounts for up to 50 per cent of the Agmatine metabolized in the body. The inhibition of the DAO enzyme raises plasma agmatine, most highly expressed in the stomach, intestinal, epithelial, and kidney tissues. It is probably not found in cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, or the brain. Agmatine can be converted to polyaminoprescin directly through the enzyme agmatinase present in urea as a byproduct. There is also the possibility of conversion to carbamiloputrescin, a byproduct of ammonia, and then to putrescine itself – by the enzyme putrescine transcarbamylase.
Structure of agmatine
Regardless of the metabolic pathway, only about 10 per cent of Agmatine is metabolized into polyamines. This substance increases a protein’s activity, inhibiting the intracellular accumulation of polyamines and their synthesis from ornithine due to inhibition of L-ornithine decarboxylase. The polyamines induce this enzyme, whereas Agmatine is the only known molecule to generate a non-polyamine enzyme. Agmatine sulfate is absorbed after oral ingestion; even low doses increase its concentration in organs. In systemic circulation, the half-life of this substance is less than 10 minutes. Agmatine cannot be transported across plasma membranes passively and, therefore, requires the presence of transporters. Uptake into cells is probably mediated by putrescine transporters, with high concentrations showing an inhibitory effect on agmatine uptake and vice versa.
Properties of agmatine sulfate
Agmatine sulfate has solid neuroprotective properties, thus supporting the nervous system and protecting it from toxic substances. This compound also has a vasodilatory effect, improving endothelial function and effectively lowering blood pressure. Agmatine sulfate also contributes to increased protein synthesis, and its action on cyclic AMP enhances the process of lipolysis and promotes weight loss. Like arginine, this substance accelerates regeneration and takes part in the production of nitric oxide. Stimulating this process promotes the health of the cardiovascular system and minimizes the risk of many diseases. It exhibits antioxidant functions, thus counteracting free radicals that limit cell development and proper functioning. Agmatine sulfate dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow, thus improving blood supply and oxygenation of tissues.
Effects of agmatine sulfate
Agmatine sulfate exhibits analgesic effects while sensitizing the body to stimulants. It has a beneficial impact on reducing stress hormones by optimizing cortisol levels. It contributes to an increase in adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine. Its use thus improves mood and has an anti-anxiety effect, preventing depression. Agmatine can improve mental performance by increasing concentration and improving many cognitive processes. Due to its properties of expanding psychophysical performance, it is often classified as a nootropic agent. Agmatine sulfate is also used in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, caused by insulin resistance and accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. This is because the substance prevents cognitive decline and also improves glycemic.
Agmatine for athletes
Athletes value agmatine sulfate because this agent can induce a substantial so-called muscle pump. This is directly due to vasodilation, which improves muscle performance by supplying more blood and nutrients to support muscle building and regeneration. This process occurs with adequate blood supply and oxygenation of muscle tissues, thanks to which their work is optimized even during intensive exercise. Thus, agmatine sulfate can be found in the composition of many pre-training products, significantly improving athletes’ effectiveness and efficiency.