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L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid involved in numerous areas of human biochemistry, including ammonia detoxification, hormone secretion, and immune modulation. Arginine is also well known as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a key component of endothelial-derived relaxing factor, an endogenous messenger molecule involved in a variety of endothelium-dependent physiological effects in the cardiovascular system.
L-arginine is required for the body to synthesize nitric oxide, which enables the arterial system to retain its youthful elasticity. Nitric oxide also helps to produce endothelial relaxation factor, which is needed by the arterial system to expand and contract with each heartbeat.1-15 L-arginine may also help stimulate the immune system.16-20
Surgical or traumatic injury greatly increases the body’s need for L-arginine, a key building block to maintaining healthy tissue and bone. L-ornithine may also be used for this purpose.21-31
Some studies suggest a combination of arginine and ornithine appear to stimulate growth hormone (GH) based on the increase in strength and muscle mass that was produced while intensely working out.32-34 However, studies suggest that low doses of L-arginine and/or L-ornithine are unlikely to effect GH release. A minimum dose of L-arginine to promote GH release is probably 250 mg/kg of body weight.35-36 | 
