Does Citrulline have Anti-Depressant or Mood Lifting Effects?

Citrulline antidepressant effects have not been clinically validated. Citrulline is an alpha amino acid which was first isolated in watermelon – its most prevalent natural source.

Some citrulline is converted inside the body to another amino called L-arginine. Some uses of citrulline are founded on raising levels of L-arginine.

Citrulline is also important in the urea cycle; a process which detoxifies the blood by converting toxic ammonia to urea. All mammals use this process to excrete ammonia.

The effects of L-citrulline on depression, mood, anxiety and cognitive function have not been well-researched. Some research has suggested that the absence of L-arginine could lead to fatigue, lethargy and depressed moods. This has led to some medical professionals suggesting L-citrulline to support mood, but more research is needed to rate efficacy.

L-Citrulline

Amino Acid

Pre- Workout

Body- building

Stamina

How It Works:

• Shown to raise blood arginine levels
• Increases Nitric Oxide & Growth Hormone
• Delays onset of fatigue during intense training

Dosage:

Between 1 - 3 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Does L-Citrulline Induce Antidepressant Effects?

Whether or not citrulline has antidepressant properties is not currently established.

In the 1970s, L-citrulline was studied in France for its capacities to improve mental functioning and reduce fatigue in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. However, these studies were conducted with substandard methodology and were never followed up on.

Citrulline is produced from L-arginine in the body during NO (nitric oxide) synthesis. This occurs via the actions of an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase.

Nitric oxide is a vital compound in mammals because it induces vasodilation. Vasodilation relaxes blood vessels and accommodates increased blood delivery to organs and tissues throughout the body.

Depression is a blanket term for various physiological effects that cause feelings of despondency and despair. No cases of depression are the same.

One depressed person may be a diligent worker, have plenty of energy and be very irritable. Another may not be capable of holding a job, experience chronic fatigue and cry several times a day.

There is no known singular cause for depression. Most scientists agree that depression results from hormone and/or brain chemical imbalances.

Common antidepressant medications attempt to benefit users by inducing very slight modifications of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are the most targeted.

Some have theorized that deficiencies in amino acids – like L-Arginine – could exacerbate depressed moods and low energy levels. According to HealthLine.com, “One study has suggested that the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway may be linked to the development of bipolar affective disorder.”

If this is the case, L-citrulline could potentially affect mood and depression. However, it might be the case that L-citrulline could worsen or cause manic or depressive symptoms. In one research trial, nitric oxide levels were found to be higher in patients with bipolar disorder. Significantly more research is needed before any definitive statements can be made.

Does Citrulline affect Neurotransmitter Levels in the Brain?

The effects of L-citrulline supplements on neurotransmitter levels have not been well-researched.

Arginine and citrulline are closely related. Some research suggests that supplementing the diet with citrulline increases L-arginine levels more than supplementing with L-arginine itself.

Arginine is involved with several processes which may affect mental functioning, and possibly depression. Besides being important for removing ammonia accumulations, arginine also helps to balance hormones, support immunity, support wound healing and facilitate cellular division.

Arginine imbalance is not usually thought of as a reason for depression. However, arginine does affect protein synthesis. Inadequate protein and/or amino acid availability can cause fatigue, depressed moods, lethargy and certain other related symptoms.

If the body lacks sufficient citrulline, then arginine synthesis may be partially compromised. Without adequate arginine in the body, certain compounds and hormones may not be produced in adequate amounts, which could theoretically affect mood. However, the direct link has not been thoroughly explored.

Another way that citrulline may be involved with depression pertains to its roles in ammonia detoxification. If ammonia was to accumulate excessively in the system, the liver would eventually not be able to perform its roles.

If contaminants like heavy metal residues build up too much because the liver cannot detoxify them, then brain chemical imbalances that cause depression, dementia and/or intense mood changes could theoretically result. Research is needed to prove or disprove this theory.

Why Use Citrulline?

Citrulline supplements are normally taken orally in the form of citrulline mallate. This supplement is most commonly used to enhance athletic performance. Typical daily doses for this purpose range from 6 to 18 grams.

Citrulline is most commonly used to support cardiovascular function via nitric oxide synthesis. This supplement is used by bodybuilders as a pre-workout supplement and is purported to support energy levels and athletic performance.

It has also been studied for its effects on ED (erectile dysfunction). By stimulating blood flow to the corpus cavernosum, the ability to gain and maintain effective erections is increased.

L-arginine used to be the target of ED researchers. However, high doses of L-arginine that appeared to help ED symptoms caused serious side effects in some subjects.

Since then, citrulline has been studied in this area instead of L-arginine. Multiple studies show that citrulline does at least as good of a job for ED as L-arginine, but it is apparently much safer.

What to do if You Are Depressed

If you feel that you are chronically depressed, then there are steps you can take. First, you should talk with a doctor.

Explain your situation, how you are feeling, medications and/or herbal supplements you take, your health history and other factors, like your diet. All of these can contribute to the development of depression.

Some ways to naturally combat depression include getting daily exercise, choosing water-rich foods, meditating and drinking plenty of fresh water.

Imbalanced brain chemicals are believed to be the most prevalent cause of depression. Making healthy lifestyle choices goes a long toward maintaining a healthy, well-balanced brain.

No long term studies on citrulline supplement antidepressant effects exist. The effects of citrulline, L-arginine, nitric oxide and various other compounds are being explored for their possible roles in depression. Currently, there is no proof that citrulline has any antidepressant effects at all and it could potentially have a negative effect on mood balance.

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