Agmatine Sulfate Review, Benefits, Side Effects + Doses

Agmatine Sulfate is a nootropic and bodybuilding supplement that is sometimes referred to as “Super Arginine”. It exerts many of the same effects as this compound, although there are also novel effects not observed with its parent compound.

Agmatine is a naturally-occurring biogenic amine that is derived from the conditionally essential amino acid L-Arginine. This occurs due to a process called decarboxylation, which is the removal of a carboxylic acid group from the amino acid.

The resulting compound, Agmatine Sulfate, appears to be stored within the neurons of the brain and is released as these neurons become activated.

As a result of this storage mechanism, Agmatine Sulfate has actions and activities that are very different from its predecessor. It also appears to be a promising supplement in terms of neuropathic pain, drug addiction, stroke protection, and general cognitive health.

Agmatine Sulfate

Bodybuilding Supplement

Muscle Strength

Nitric Oxide

Stamina

How It Works:

• Regulates Nitric Oxide synthesis
• May promote muscle growth & stamina
• Improves post-workout recovery

Dosage:

Between 1.6-6.4 mg/kg of bodyweight per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top Agmatine Sulfate Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Agmatine Sulfate Effects:

Agmatine is also known as (4-aminobutyl)guanidine and it functions as both a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter.

It is sometimes referred to as “Super Arginine” as it exhibits greater potency of effects compared to this amino acid.

This naturally-produced molecule is present in both the brain and spinal cord. It is also found naturally in several common foods, including beer, wine, coffee and other fermented foods.

Agmatine Sulfate is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and exhibits psychoactive effects.

It has been shown to inhibit receptors for the neurotransmitter acetycholine (NMDA and nicotinic receptors) and to activate imidazoline receptors. Acetylcholine is one of the neurotransmitters that plays a central role in memory and reasoning.

The imidazoline receptor is implicated in certain mental health conditions. It functions an inhibitor of the sympathetic nervous system and works to lower blood pressure and regulate insulin secretion.

The Agmatine supplement also regulates levels of Nitric Oxide by the affecting nitric oxide synthase enzyme. It is further believed to regulate cellular energy levels by influencing polyamine metabolism and function.

Agmatine Sulfate also exhibits analgesic activities, and may affect the release of endorphins (endogenous opioid chemicals), as well as inhibiting calcium channels and some sub-types of neuronal serotonin receptors

In some studies, it has been shown to enhance the effects of both morphine and fentanyl to increase pain killing, reduce tolerance, and lower addiction. It even appears to work in synergy with marijuana.

More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action for this compound, particularly in human subjects.

Most studies conducted to date have involved animal models and typically use agmatine in an injection form, as opposed to oral supplementation.

Agmatine Sulfate Benefits:

Agmatine is purported to have mental (nootropic), physical and analgesic benefits. It appears to demonstrate many of the same effects as l-Arginine supplementation, but at a greater potency.

It is typically used as a pre-workout supplement by bodybuilders to improve “muscle pumps” and promote the growth of muscle tissue. It may help athletes achieve better body composition, improved stamina and reduced pain after a workout.

The supplement is also used to promote mental well-being and cognitive performance. According to anecdotal reports, it supports a healthy mood, has anti-anxiety properties, and may have synergistic benefits when stacked with Nootropic supplements like Aniracetam and other Ampakines.

The cognitive enhancement effects are believed to be mediated by the NMDA receptor, which plays a role in memory formation and synaptic plasticity.

Agmatine Sulfate also acts as an anti-oxidant and is being studied for pro-longevity effects. It has been found to exhibit neuroprotection against damage and injuries to the Central Nervous System (CNS). It is also believed to to limit the activity of glutamate receptors and thus, over-excitation of certain neurons in the brain.

Some individuals will take Agmantine Sulfate to prevent excitotoxicity which can occur when using too much Sunifiram, Unifiram, Modafinil or other similar nootropic supplements. Removal of free radicals, toxins, and other poisons can help to keep not only the brain but the entire body in a better state of health.

There are also a number of athletic effects related to sport nutrition. This includes enhancing and improving insulin response of the body. This has long been thought to be one of the keys to building a leaner, stronger, and more muscular body.

The supplement is additionally thought to stimulate the production and increase of GH (Growth Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) which can have positive effects upon overall body composition and lean muscle tissue.

Like the amino acid l-Arginine, this supplement also acts as a Nitric Oxide (NO) booster and activates the enzyme Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS). Due to the regulation of Nitric Oxide production in the body, Agmatine Sulfate may also lead to better muscle “pumps” in weight training athletes.

Muscle pumps refer to the sensation of increased blood filling up your muscles and causing them to swell. The pump is believed to improve nutrient delivery to your muscle cells, which may support growth and faster recovery.

Compared to L-arginine supplementation, Agmatine is believed to have better oral bioavailability and require a lower dosage to increase nitric oxide.

This supplement is also reported to act as an analgesic, which means that it may have a positive effect on the relief of pain. In one study, it was found to reduce pain, inflammation and tissue damage following spinal cord injury in rats.

Agmatine is observed to release several types of endorphins and natural opioid substances in the brain. It has also been used in conjunction with morphine and marijuana, having a synergistic effect. Some researchers feel that there may be therapeutic uses for Agmatine in helping to treat addictions.

This supplement may affect energy metabolism, though it is unclear what the practical result of this will be in humans. Bacteria studies show that it can be used to generate ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is the energy molecule used within your cells.

Agmatine seems to be able to up-regulate or down-regulate polyamine accumulation in the cells. The enzyme agmatinase converts this compound into the polyamine putrescine, but it can also reduce polyamine activity through the protein antizyme.

Depression and Anxiety

Agmatine exhibits some antidepressant effects and may promote improved mood and anxiety reduction. When used in conjunction with an antidepressant like Wellbutrin (bupropion), agmatine enhances the overall effect.

Furthermore, Supplementing with agmatine apparently helps fight the adverse effects of stress. When someone is under increased stress, the body naturally produces more agmatine, potentially as a protective measure

Agmatine may help the brain and body deal with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting a feeling of well-being.

Appetite and Weight Gain

Individuals who struggle to gain weight may find it easier when supplementing with agmatine.

In animal trials, Agmatine has been shown to increase appetite even after reaching satiety.

In some studies, subjects increased food consumption rates by 44% to 54% in a 24-hour period.

Blood Glucose and Insulin Levels

It has been shown that taking agmatine can stimulate the imidazoline receptors. There are different types of these receptors and the I3 receptors have been shown to regulates insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cells.

By stimulating the release of more insulin, this amino acid derivative may promote anabolic growth and help to lower blood glucose levels.

Taking Agmatine sulfate supplements may allow more glucose to be absorbed into the muscles, even when the individual is inactive.

Increased uptake of blood glucose supports muscle tissue repair and may have performance benefits during athletic competition or training.

Blood Pressure, Nitric Oxide & Muscle Pumps

Agmatine has been demonstrated to help regulate blood pressure and reduce symptoms of hypertension. Improving blood pressure has a number of indirect benefits for health, including better cardiovascular function and reduced risk of certain medical conditions.

One of the ways it may work to improve blood flow through the body is by supporting vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels.

Agmatine has been shown to positively modulate nitric oxide synthase, which is the enzyme that functions to produce nitric oxide.

The increased activity of nitric oxide increases vasodilation, which further enhances muscle pumps for bodybuilders.

This effect is believed to increases the delivery of nutrients to muscle tissue as well as improving the protein synthesis rates in muscles.

Luteinizing Hormone

Supplementing with agmatine may cause a dose-dependant increase in the secretion of luteinizing hormone. This hormone is involved in the synthesis of male testosterone.

While there have not been any studies examining the direct effects of Agmatine on testosterone levels in humans, this mechanism suggests that it could have benefits as a test booster.

More research is needed to determine whether it is effective for this use or whether the effect on luteinizing hormone will only be observed in animal studies.

Pain Reduction

In research studies, Agmatine has been shown to provide pain relief from symptoms of thermal hyperalgesia for short periods of time.

This is a condition in which the body has a painful response to changes in the detection of temperatures. The body may become hypersensitive to heat or cold. Agmatine improved pain sensations, which may be a result of its pro-circulatory effects.

However, in another study looking at pain reduction in neuropathic conditions or inflammatory pain, agmatine was not found to produce a statistically significant effect.

Neuroprotective Benefits and Strokes

There is some preliminary evidence that Agmatine is effective at reducing symptoms of stroke when administered at the onset of symptoms. As a pre-treatment, it may reduce or limit the neuronal damage caused by a stroke.

Significantly more research is needed to validate this claim, but there is other evidence for its potential neuroprotective activities.

Agmatine Sulfate Dosage:

The generally accepted daily dosage range for Agmatine Sulfate is between 250 mg and 2.5 grams. Avoid taking higher than necessary dosages to reduce the risk of side effects.

In one research study on the treatment of neuropathic pain in humans, Agmatine powder was administered at a dosage of between 1.3 to 2.6g per day.

Individuals taking Agmatine sulphate for the nootropic effects typically take between 500 to 750 mg per day. Individuals using it for the treatment of pain or for bodybuilding and athletic training generally take dosages at the higher end of the range.

As a pre-workout supplement, the best way to use product is to take it approximately 30-45 minutes before a workout. For those looking to take this dietary supplement for its cognitive or analgesic effects, it is typically divided into smaller doses throughout the day.

According to online reports, Agmatine has low oral bio-availability when consumed alongside other proteins. It may be better absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract if consumed on its own and not with food.

Depending on your individual goals, your daily Agmatine supplement may be stacked with other ingredients to achieve greater benefits. For athletes, bodybuilders and endurance runners, a common combination is a 500 mg Agmatine dosage with 2.5 grams of the amino acid Betaine.

In research studies, Betaine has been shown to increase nitric oxide production levels and improve lean muscle mass as well as bench press strength among exercise-trained males.

Agmatine Sulfate Side Effects:

According to studies conducted so far, it appears that Agmatine Sulfate is safe even in relatively high doses. While there have been few studies conducted thus far, they have not shown any side effects to be associated with this supplement.

If you follow the recommended Agmatine sulfate dosage protocol and do not have any pre-existing contraindications for use, the risk of serious adverse effects is very low.

In animal studies, this compound has been observed to promote vasodilation, which is the dilation (widening) of blood vessels. This can have benefits for circulatory function and blood flow, but may also cause a drop in blood pressure. Consult with a doctor before using if you have been diagnosed with hypotension or low blood pressure.

Consumption of Agmatine sulphate at high dosages for long periods of time may also cause stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal distress. In one study in which 3.5 g per day was administered for 3 weeks, some participants experienced nausea and temporary gastrointestinal side effects.

Some bodybuilders have also reported increased appetite and weight gain when using this supplement. In one study on rats, this supplement was found to increase carbohydrate intake in rats that were satiated, and not hungry.

However, in another study involving rats force-fed while taking Agmatine, there was actually a reduction in body weight gain reported. This may be due to a body re-composition effect.

While some online sources suggest that using Agmatine during a fat loss diet may be counter-productive, this result suggests that there could be benefits for fat loss.

More research is needed to determine the safe upper dosage limit for Agmatine powder. There have been limited studies examining the effects of this nutritional supplement at dosages greater than 2.6 g per day.

Agmatine Sulfate Review:

There are a large number of potential benefits associated with Agmatine Sulfate related to sport nutrition, mental well-being, pain reduction and cognitive health.

Agmantine is also used by individuals taking Glutamatergic Ampakine nootropics that want to reduce the risk of excitatory neurotoxicity.

Compared to the amino acid Arginine, significantly less is known about the mechanisms of this natural brain chemical. However, it appears to exhibit many similar effects such as increasing nitric oxide synthesis and blood flow, improving insulin response and boosting growth hormone levels.

This dietary supplement is continuing to be researched for its possible anti-aging and life extension or longevity promoting benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much agmatine should I take per day?

Agmatine is typically used at a dosage of 1.6-6.4 mg/kg of bodyweight per day. This supplement is considered safe, but there have not been many studies done on humans taking more than 2.6 grams a day. Individuals should avoid taking too much or super-loading with this dietary supplement to reduce the risk of adverse effects.

Do any of the foods we commonly eat contain agmatine?

Agmatine is contained in fermented foods (produced by bacteria) like beer, wine and instant coffee. The concentration of agmatine would be very low, far lower than in agmatine sulfate supplements.

What is the difference between Arginine and Agmatine?

Although agmatine is derived from l-arginine, an essential amino acid, they do not provide the same health benefits. The body needs arginine because it supports many vital bodily functions, but taking arginine supplements does not exhibit the same effects as agmatine.

Arginine can convert directly into nitric oxide, whereas agmatine cannot. However, agmatine can have a positive effect on nitric oxide levels and muscle pumps by way of other mechanisms.

Can agmatine relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

Supplementing with agmatine does appear to relieve certain symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, specifically anxiety and the shakes.

However, it has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal or alcoholism. More research is needed to clinically validate these findings.

This supplement has also been used recreationally for opioid withdrawal and detoxification, but there is no research available to evaluate this use.

Should you stack agmatine with other supplements to enhance benefits?

There may be some benefit in stacking agmatine with a supplemental growth hormone or protein powder to improve muscle building effects. There are many other bodybuilding supplements that could be stacked with it as well to promote better athletic performance, stamina and/or recovery.

Using L-Arginine or L-Citrulline with Agmatine may have synergistic effects for improving Nitric Oxide production. Beta Alanine, D-Aspartic Acid, Creatine, Caffeine or AAKG may also be stacked with this supplement

Agmatine and carbohydrates work well together in boosting glycogen resynthesis, which can have benefits for pre-workout energy recovery.

For individuals using Agmatine sulfate for the mood enhancing effects, some commonly stacked compounds include Phenibut, Kratom, Tianeptine, Picamilon and GABA.

What supplements should agmatine NOT be taken with?

Research suggests yohimbine may inhibit the absorption of agmatine, resulting in lower oral bioavailability. If you are using both of these products, it may be recommended to spread out their administration over a long time period.

Rate This Article

(72 votes, average: 3.51 out of 5, rated)