Overview

L-citrulline is an amino acid found in watermelon. It is also made in the body. The body changes L-citrulline into another amino acid called L-arginine.

The name citrulline comes from Citrullus vulgaris, the Latin term for watermelon. Unlike some amino acids, L-citrulline isn't used to make protein, but it might help increase other chemicals the body needs to make protein. It might also help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

People use L-citrulline for athletic performance, sickle cell disease, erectile dysfunction (ED), high blood pressure in the lungs, heart disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Athletic performance. Taking L-citrulline by mouth might help improve some types of exercise performance such as weight lifting. But its effects on aerobic exercises such as running are unclear.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). Taking L-citrulline by mouth does not seem to increase muscle strength in older adults who regularly exercise.
There is interest in using L-citrulline for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: L-citrulline is possibly safe when used for up to 2 months. It's usually well-tolerated. Some people might experience stomach discomfort or heartburn.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: L-citrulline is possibly safe when used for up to 2 months. It's usually well-tolerated. Some people might experience stomach discomfort or heartburn.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-citrulline is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: L-citrulline is possibly safe when taken by mouth.

Surgery: L-citrulline might affect blood pressure. It might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking L-citrulline at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with L-CITRULLINE

    L-citrulline might lower blood pressure. Taking L-citrulline along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications for male sexual dysfunction (Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors) interacts with L-CITRULLINE

    L-citrulline might lower blood pressure. Some medications for male sexual dysfunction can also lower blood pressure. Taking L-citrulline along with these medications might cause blood pressure to go too low.

Dosing

L-citrulline has most often been used by adults in doses of 1.5-5 grams by mouth daily for up to 4 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.