Agmatine sulfate is a sports supplement that claims to be the more biologically active form of arginine. It also has a pronounced nootropic effect and has many positive effects that improve human health. This substance, relatively new in the sports environment (although the existence of agmatine was known back in 1910), is obtained from L-arginine by decarboxylation (i.e., removal of the carboxylic acid group). It is stored in neurons and released during neuronal activation. Agmatine is considered a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Roughly speaking, this means that it acts as an intermediary in the transmission of electrical impulses from the nerve cell to the muscle tissue. In the sports nutrition industry, it is commonly used as a "nitric oxide booster". But that's not all, let's take a closer look at this substance ... The effects that Agmatine sulfate has In fact, agmatine is very far from arginine in its action. The spectrum of its action extends to a greater extent to the central and sympathetic nervous system, expressing itself in the form of the following effects: Anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, sedative and antidepressant effect. Agmatine also shows great promise in the treatment of chronic pain and drug addiction (due to its ability to interact with opioid receptors). A significant improvement in brain activity, which, by the way, made the drug very popular among users of nootropics. Vasodilating and hypotensive action, justified by a decrease in endogenous adrenaline and norepinephrine. An alleged increase in the secretion of gonadotropic hormones, leading to an increase in testosterone. However, this statement may be contradictory, as another study found that not only does agmatine not increase testosterone, but may even contribute to its decrease, which is a property inherent in some nitric oxide preparations and their derivatives. Agmatine regulates glycogenesis, thermogenesis and endogenous carnitine production, thus showing a moderate fat burning effect. Moreover, this property was demonstrated in experimental rats on a diet containing more fats. Due to this, agmatine is found in a large number of modern complex fat-burning supplements. Some sources claim that this supplement is able to increase insulin levels and thus have a pronounced effect on muscle growth. In fact this is not true. Agmatine only increases the sensitivity of cells to it, which makes it a promising drug in the treatment of insulin resistance. Effects on an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NO-synthase). Agmatine bypasses its immune and nervous components, but binds to the vascular one, which, in general, makes it attractive as a drug for pumping and accelerated muscle recovery. Reducing intraocular pressure, which has a beneficial effect on the retina and reduces the number of cells that die from apoptosis by two and a half times. By the way, this property may be necessary for athletes who work with heavy weights and, therefore, subject their retina to considerable stress due to the growing intraocular pressure resulting from straining. Some research suggests that agmatine has potential in the treatment of addiction and neuropathic pain. It is also able to protect the human brain from various toxins and circulatory disorders (strokes). Laboratory and clinical studies show that Agmatine is a natural substance that provides a wide array of impressive health benefits. Additionally, it has a number of interesting effects on the heart and kidneys. Agmatine sulfate lowers blood pressure and heart rate by helping the kidneys get rid of accumulated excess salt and fluid. This can be especially beneficial for people who suffer from chronic heart failure. The supplement improves kidney function by increasing the filtration rate and protects the kidneys from blood vessel disease and inflammation. [1] Side effects Due to its ability to interact with imidazoline and NMDA (n-methyl-d-apspartate) receptors, agmatine can cause a number of side effects, such as: Lowering blood pressure, accompanied by weakness and dizziness. Nervous system disorders such as insomnia and anxiety. The opposite effect is also possible, expressed drowsiness and apathy. Possible decrease in training performance and strength performance associated with the calming effect of agmatine. But due to the fact that in most cases this compound is taken as part of a pre-workout complex, this effect remains mild, due to the fact that it is leveled by the stimulating components of the supplement. Features of taking agmatine As a rule, agmatine is taken before training, in a dose not exceeding 1 gram (with the maximum allowable and documented by researchers dose of 2.670 grams). The optimal dosage is calculated based on the formula 6.4 mg X kg / body weight. On training days, you can take up to 1000 mg about an hour before training. It is also acceptable to use it on non-training days with food, in particular by combining it with other sports nutrition products. Agmatine is not recommended for use with the following additives: With L-Arginine and Citrulline, since with respect to this combination there is a possibility of side effects from the nervous and cardiovascular systems. With D-Aspartic acid and creatine, since they are NMDA receptor antagonists, and therefore are able to nullify the entire effect of agmatine. With yohimbine and other adrenergic fat burners. In this case, an antigonizing effect also occurs and the effectiveness of the combined drugs is mutually reduced. With alcohol, as this combination can provoke the development of stomach ulcers. At the same time, the use of agmatine is appropriate during the alcohol withdrawal syndrome, since the drug can significantly reduce psychophysical discomfort during its course. Agmatine has a reinforcing effect on antidepressants, opioid analgesics and alcohol. There are no officially registered cases of overdose resulting in serious health problems or death. Based on experiments on laboratory mice receiving overdoses of agamtin, no significant side effects were observed, except for discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, passing within a few days from the last moment of taking the drug. Sports nutrition Agmatine is found in large quantities in fat burners, post- and pre-workout complexes. These include products from brands such as USP Labs, Ronnie Coleman, SAN and Muscle Pharm. If we consider individual additives containing pure agmatine without impurities, then we can get the following list: Agmatine from GAT. Sold in packs of 75 grams of agmatine powder. It is the most profitable option, since as of 2016 the price does not exceed 1500 rubles, subject to an order with iHerb. Agmatine Anabolic Innovations. This supplement is sold in capsule form, 120 capsules (250mg/capsule). The price is similar to the above product, adjusted for a total lower amount of agmatine. Agmatine Sulphate from Allmax. Sold in jars of 34 grams. The price, at the same time, is equal to the other specified additives, and therefore, is an extremely unprofitable option. Research Evidence for the safety of agmatine sulfate in oral form. A 95-Day High-Dose Pilot Study in Rat [2] Clinical trials have shown the safety and efficacy of short-term (up to 21 days) administration of agmatine at a fairly high dose. In addition, its beneficial effect on the treatment of various diseases was noted. Unfortunately, at the moment there are practically no studies that would show the effectiveness of the substance when taken for longer periods in large dosages (for humans). Here is a little information about one clinical experiment, which was carried out on specially bred laboratory rats of the Wistar line. The rodents were given a high dose of agmatine deiminase sulfate (5.3 g/l) daily in drinking water for 95 days. Thus, the approximate amount of absorbed (assimilated by the body) substance was 100 mg per kilogram. During the study, the animal's general body parameters were regularly monitored: body weight, water intake, blood pressure, cage behavior, fur appearance, urination, and fecal appearance. These parameters were also determined 20 days after the cessation of the substance (day 115). Between 95 and 115, animals were euthanized for post-mortem evaluation. Treatment of rats with Agmatine showed a small but significant decrease in body weight and blood pressure, as well as a decrease in water consumption during the experiment, which fully recovered within 20 days of stopping treatment. No abnormalities in the behavior or pathology of the animal's organs were found. These results provide the first evidence of the apparent safety of subchronic (subacute) high-dose dietary agmatine deiminase sulfate in laboratory rats, thus providing further support for the therapeutic use of agmatine. Long-term (5 years), high daily dose of dietary agmatine - evidence of safety: case report [3] Recent clinical studies have shown that oral administration of Agmatine sulfate for up to 3 weeks provides a safe and, compared with current therapeutic agents, more effective treatment of neuropathic pain. These studies allowed the release of the product and the use of dietary agmatine in the form of a nutraceutical (in other words, an additional sports nutrition). However, given the paucity of various data and studies, evaluation of the long-term safety of oral treatment with agmatine deiminase is urgently needed. The authors of this report undertook to evaluate their own health status during continuous high daily oral agmatine intake over a period of 4-5 years. A daily dose of 2.67 g agmatine deiminase sulfate was made into gelatin capsules. The dosage regimen consists of six capsules per day, each containing 445 mg/kg. That is, three capsules - sutra and three - in the evening after meals. Clinical follow-up consists of periodic medical examinations and laboratory blood and urine tests. All measurements so far remain within normal limits, and good general health is maintained throughout the study period, up to 5 years. A similar study shows that the recommended high doses of agmatine can be consumed for at least 5 years without any side effects. These initial findings are very important