A product of the amino acid arginine, agmatine is sometimes overshadowed by its popular big brother. However, agmatine is emerging as a powerful supplement in its own right, boasting several unique and specific physical benefits.
Labeled the “Holy Grail of Supplements” by writers at BodyBuilding.com, there’s little agmatine can’t do—at least if you believe supporters.
Here’s a more specific look at agmatine benefits backed by solid scientific and anecdotal evidence.
RELATED: Agmatine Side Effects

1. Modulates Nitric Oxide Production
As an arginine byproduct, agmatine triggers greater nitric oxide production.[1] Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which means it expands blood vessels to allow for greater blood flow. This provides many benefits, including increased heart health and improved strength.
According to Nobel-winning research Louis Ignarro, nitric oxide—and by extension, agmatine—is the “body’s natural way of preventing strokes and heart attacks."[1] By increasing blood flow, agmatine prevents blood clots from forming and causing cardiac problems.
And because agmatine is a chemical neurotransmitter, it likely improves strength. In a 2001 study from Baylor University, nitric oxide supplementation through nutrients like agmatine improved subjects’ max bench press by a greater amount than in subjects taking a placebo.[3]
However, because agmatine is not arginine, it affects nitric oxide production in different ways. While it promotes some types of nitric oxide synthase, it inhibits others. This promotes proper functioning of the polyamine biosynthetic pathways, which is optimal for healthy cell growth.[4]

2. Increases Energy and Endurance
In addition to promoting strength through nitric oxide production, agmatine also improves energy levels and endurance.
Agmatine influences release of the catecholamine hormones: epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.[5] These hormones influence many physical functions, including energy production and stress management.
Epinephrine is especially associated with improved energy metabolism. In one study, young men given epinephrine infusions had higher energy expenditure, heart rate, and blood pressure than men in a control group. The improvement in metabolic rate was visible in both long- and short-term results, including in protein metabolism.[6]
Dopamine, meanwhile, increases endurance and subjective strength. In other words, a person with higher dopamine levels does not feel like he or she is exerting as much effort despite better performance. This benefit was demonstrated in a 1997 involving cyclists on stationary bikes. Subjects taking a dopamine precursor increased time to exhaustion.[7]

3. Decreases Cortisol Production
Agmatine takes down another barrier to quality exercise by decreasing cortisol production. Cortisol is a stress hormone that piles weight onto the abs and breaks down muscle. As a catabolic hormone, it reduces protein synthesis and prevents tissue growth.
Agmatine possesses anxiolytic and antidepressant properties that combat these effects. In a 2012 study, subjects fed agmatine showed significantly fewer markers of depression and anxiety in a stressful physical situation.[8] Anecdotal evidence also suggests agmatine decreases anxiety. This translates to less cortisol production.
In this way, agmatine ensures workouts will be longer, more manageable, and produce better outcomes.

4. Improves Insulin Response
Agmatine enhances insulin production for a better overall insulin response.[9] This mean blood sugar levels stay relatively static, making it easier to build muscle and burn fat.
Healthy blood sugar levels mean healthy body composition, greater energy, and fewer unhealthy cravings. In general, a healthy insulin response and balanced blood sugar levels mean optimal physical and emotional health.
In this way, agmatine improves nearly every aspect of health and wellness.

5. Promotes Post-Workout Recovery
Perhaps most interesting to athletes, agmatine is also a pain fighter. It enhances post-workout recovery and increases analgesic effects when used after an injury.
These benefits were demonstrated in a recent study involving spinal cord injuries. Mice fed agmatine demonstrated faster recovery times, less neuronal loss, and less scar tissue than mice in a control group.[10]
Anecdotal evidence suggests these benefits carry over the humans, allowing for faster workout recovery through anti-inflammatory effects.[11] Users say agmatine increases relaxation without affecting alertness.
References
- [1] Morrissey, J.J. and S. Klahr. 1997. Agmatine activation of nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells. Europe PubMed Central: Vol. 109, Issue 1.
- [2] Bezaitis, Athan. 18 February 2009. How Nitric Oxide Maintains Health. USC News.
- [3] Bloomer, Richard J., Tyler M. Farney, John F. Trepanowski, Cameron G. McCarthy, Robert E. Canale, and Brian K. Schilling. 2010. Comparison of pre-workout nitric oxide stimulating dietary supplements on skeletal muscle oxygen saturation, blood nitrate/nitrite, lipid peroxidation, and upper body exercise performance in resistance trained men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: Vol. 7, Issue 16.
- [4] Thomas, T. and T.J. Thomas. 2001. Polyamines in cell growth and cell death: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences: Vol. 58, Issue 2.
- [5] Li, Y.F., Z.H. Gong, J.B. Cao, H.L. Wang, Z.P. Luo, and J. Li. 2003. Antidepressant-like effect of agmatine and its possible mechanism: European Journal of Pharmacology: Vol. 469, 1-3.
- [6] Matthews, D.E., G. Pesola, and R.G. Campbell. 1990. Effect of epinephrine on amino acid and energy metabolism in humans. The American Journal of Physiology: Vol. 258, 948-956.
- [7] Meeusen, R., J. Roeykens, L. Magnus, H. Keizer, and K. De Meirleir. 1997. Endurance performance in humans: the effect of a dopamine precursor or a specific serotonin (5-HT2A/2C) antagonist. International Journal of Sports Medicine: Vol. 18, Issue 8.
- [8] Zomkowski, Andrea, Luciana Hammes, Jaime Lin, Joao Batista Calixto, Adair Roberto S. Santos, and Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues. 2012. Agmatine produces antidepressant-like effects in two models of depression in mice. Neuroreport: Vol. 13, Issue 4.
- [9] Su. C.H., I.M. Liu, H.H. Chung, and J.T. Cheng. 2009. Activation of I2-imidazoline receptors by agmatine improved insulin sensitivity through two mechanisms in type-2 diabetic rats. Neuroscience Letters: Vol. 457, Issue 3.
- [10] Park, Y.M., W.T. Lee, K.K. Bokara, S.K. Seo, S.H. Park, J.H. Kim, M.A. Yenari, K.A. Park, and J.E. Lee. 2013. The multifaceted effects of agmatine on functional recovery after spinal cord injury through modulations of BMP-2/4/7 expressions in neurons and glial cells. PLoS One: Vol. 8, Issue 1.
- [11] Longecity.org. 24 July 2010. Agmatine, anybody try this one?
- [12]. Primaforce.com. 2013. Agmatine.