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L-Arginine and Pycnogenol are two supplements that are promoted for male sexual performance and their ability to improve circulation throughout the body.
Specifically, this combination has been studied for its effects on Erectile Dysfuntion and to improve sexual function, libido, arousal and sexual enjoyment.
Both of these supplements are reported to increase nitric oxide (NO) levels in the blood and may help chronic endothelial dysfunction which is a major cause of ED. By increasing nitric oxide levels, blood flow to the penis can be improved, making it easier to become erect.
L-Arginine and Pycnogenol are effective vasodilators; agents that relax and expand blood vessels. L-arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid and pycnogenol is a proprietary form of pine bark extract.
Both substances are believed to act without causing any serious or permanent adverse side effects in people of normal health. What is the best way to use L-Arginine with Pycnogenol for ED and what are the other benefits of this combination?
Pre-Workout
Muscle Growth
Sexual Health- Boosts nitric oxide production for workouts
- Reduces fatigue & promotes muscle growth
- Supports immune function & sexual health
Top L-Arginine Products* ❯What Is L-arginine?
Related Topics
- Pycnogenol
- Pine Bark Extract
- Pycnogenol Benefits
- Pycnogenol Uses
- Pycnogenol Review
- Pycnogenol Dosage
- Pycnogenol Side Effects
- Buy Pine Bark Extract
- Pine Bark Extract vs Pycnogenol
- L-arginine and Pycnogenol
- L-Arginine
- L-Arginine Benefits
- Benefits for Men
- Benefits for Bodybuilding
- Effects on Blood Pressure
- Suggested Dosages
- Food Sources
- Comparison to L-Citrulline
- Best Supplement
- Side Effects
L-arginine is an amino acid that is classified as “conditionally essential”.
This means that the body can synthesize it most of the time, but it may need to be supplemented in some instances.
L-arginine is obtained in the diet via foods like red meats, dairy products and some grains. It is also plenteous in nitrate-rich foods like beets and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
Some of the biological functions of L-arginine include:
- Accommodating cell division and proliferation;
- Enhancing healing capacities, especially in bone tissues;
- Moderating growth hormone synthesis and secretions;
- Regulating immune system functioning;
- Serving as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO) synthesis;
- Lowering blood pressure.
Medical Uses of L-arginine
The diverse biologic actions of L-arginine make it valuable as a medicinal agent. L-arginine supplementation is used in clinical settings for the following:
- Treating cardiovascular conditions and diseases including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina;
- Treating intermittent claudication (repetitive leg pains due to poor circulation);
- Improving mental capacities in the elderly (senile dementia);
- Ameliorating symptoms of erectile dysfunction and infertility in males;
- Treating gestational hypertension, including pre-eclampsia;
- Strengthening kidney functioning, especially after transplant procedures;
- Improving athletic performance;
- Improving the effects of radiation therapies and chemotherapies;
- Treating cachexia (muscular wasting) in cancer and AIDS patients;
- Decreasing post-surgery recovery times;
- Improving peripheral circulation in patients with chronically cold feet and hands;
- Upregulating insulin release.
In normally healthy subjects, L-arginine produces no adverse side effects. In subjects that are using certain prescription or OTC drugs, or have certain pre-existing health conditions, L-arginine may cause bloating, nausea, diarrhea, gout, worsened asthma symptoms, inflammation of the air passage, low blood pressure and/or abnormalities of the blood.
What Is Pycnogenol?
Pycnogenol is one trademarked brand of French Maritime pine bark extract supplements. Pine bark extracts have been used for centuries in traditional medicinal systems. It is currently used to:
- Induce vasodilation and enhance circulatory system efficacy;
- Strengthen and regulate immune system responses;
- Improve glucose absorption and decrease risks for developing diabetes;
- Improve blood lipid profiles and decrease risks for developing heart disease, stroke, obesity and various other associated conditions and diseases;
- Improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction;
- Treat learning and behavioral issues in patients with ADHD;
- Increase sex drive and improve sexual endurance;
- Improve menopausal symptoms including mood swings, hot flashes and irregular periods;
- Scavenge reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), decreasing free radical damage throughout the body;
Like grape seed extracts and cocoa extracts, pine bark extracts such as pycnogenol are generally free of side effects. The only side effects commonly observed are stomach upset and nausea, and these always seem to pass quickly.
Heart Health
Longevity
Skin Health- Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports healthy blood sugar & heart
- Aids in collagen integrity for skin health
L-arginine and Pycnogenol for ED
L-arginine and Pycnogenol can be safely combined to improve erectile function and sexual performance.
Erectile Dysfunction is often associated with poor blood flow. This can become more common as we age and as endothelial function declines.
Drugs like Viagara (Sildenafil) temporarily improve blood flow to the penis, but they do not address the underlying factors related to cardiovascular health and circulatory function.
Taking L-Arginine with Pycnogenol or Pine Bark Extract supplements is purported to work by improving cardiovascular health and increasing blood flow. Both of these substances are vasodilators, meaning they trigger your blood vessels to dilate. They do this by increasing nitric oxide production in the body.
Pycnogenol is observed to increase the release of nitric oxide synthase from endothelial cells. This is an enzyme that is necessary to produce nitric oxide from L-arginine. By stacking Pycnogenol with L-Arginine, there is a synergistic result which causes a greater increase in nitric oxide production than if you were to take one of these substances alone.
With higher levels of nitric oxide, blood flow is improved and it becomes easier to achieve and sustain an erection. These supplements have also been shown to boost male fertility, increase libido and increase sexual stamina.
Recommended Dosages
Research studies that have investigated the use of this stack have administered dosages of 1.7 g L-Arginine with 80 mg of Pycnogenol.
After 30 days of use, 80% of study participants with ED reported improved sexual function.
Icariin is another supplement that is sometimes included in this stack. Icariin is a flavonoid that is found in the Horny Goat Weed Plant.
Always pay close attention to the manufacturer’s dosing instructions when taking these supplements. Also, be aware that both L-arginine and pycnogenol may interact with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Pregnant women, surgery patients and those with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension should not use this combination. Always consult with your doctor before stacking L-arginine and pycnogenol for ED or for any other purpose.
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Article last updated on: April 14th, 2018 by Nootriment