1119-34-2

Biochem/physiol Actions

L-Arginine is considered as a semi essential amino acid. In most mammals including humans, L-Arginine synthesis occurs through intestinal-renal axis, from glutamine, glutamate and proline. Abnormal levels of L-Arginine is associated with the development of kidney and cardiovascular disease. L-arginine is found to decrease fat mass and visceral adiposity.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. Mildly toxic by ingestion. An experimental teratogen. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of NOx and HCl.

Purification Methods

A likely impurity is ornithine. Crystallise the salt from H2O at pH 5-7, by adding EtOH to 80% (v/v). [Greenstein & Winitz The Chemistry of the Amino Acids J. Wiley, Vol 3 p 1841 1961, Beilstein 4 IV 2649.]

Chemical Composition

Arginine Hydrochloride, also known as l-Arginine hydrochloride, is composed of the amino acid arginine and hydrochloric acid.

Mechanism of Action

Arginine Hydrochloride acts as an aggregation suppressor, reducing protein aggregation in solution. It interacts with protein molecules through hydrophobic and aromatic interactions, decreasing solution viscosity.

FDA Approval

The approval of arginine HCl for intravenous administration was reflected in the FDA's authorization of R-Gene 10 as a 10 gram (GM)/100 mL (100 mg/mL; 10 percent) injection for intravenous use. Additionally, arginine HCl is proposed for use in compounding single-ingredient drug products for oral use. Arginine HCl is considered suitable for compounding oral formulations for certain patients, particularly those with specific urea cycle disorders (UCDs).

Brand name

R-Gene 10 (Pharmacia & Upjohn).