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Arginine is an amino acid (formula C6H14N4O2, molecular weight: 174.20). The “L” form is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids. In mammals, arginine is classified as a semi-essential or conditionally essential or non-essential amino acid, depending on the developmental stage and health status of the individual. Infants are unable to effectively synthesize arginine, making it nutritionally essential for infants. Adults, however, are able to synthesize arginine in the urea cycle. Arginie is produced in the human body by the digestion, or hydrolysis of proteins. Arginine can also be produced synthetically. Because it is produced in the body, it is referred to as "nonessential," meaning that no food or supplements are necessary for humans to ingest.

Research has shown the use of l-arginine has many benefits including: improves immune response to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells. promotes wound healing by repairing tissues. plays a crucial role in the regeneration of liver. responsible for release of growth hormones promotes muscle growth improves cardiovascular functioning

L-arginine is a precursor of Nitric Oxide (NO), urea, ornithine and agmatine and is necessary for the synthesis of creatine. A recent Johns Hopkins study testing the addition of L-arginine to standard postinfarction treatment has implicated L-arginine supplementation with an increased risk of death in patients recovering from heart attack. Data derived from NIST (National Institute of Standards Technology). Much more physical and chemical property data is available from the NIST/TRC Table Database