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Am7.0
Agmatine Research
Likely helpsModerate safety
30 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Agmatine appears to help in 3 of 3 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2005–2025 with a typical study size of 51 participants.
Based on 30 studies · 2 RCTs · 123 total participants
Anxiety & stressReduced anxiety and stress response · 1-2 weeks
Too few graded studies1 study
Cognitive function
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 30 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
50%
across studies
People studied
123
typical study: 51 people
Strongest designs
2
0 pooled, 2 randomised
Showed benefit
100%
3/3 studies
Populations Studied
CNS disorder patients3
mammals2
Various cardiovascular conditions1
Autism spectrum disorder patients1
Steady research
6 studies in the last 5 years
200520152025
1Cardiovascular effects of agmatineSystematic Review2025
The effects exerted by AG depend on the dose and route of administration, as well as on the receptors involved and the pathophysiological pathway used.
Manole OM et al. · Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
The effects exerted by AG depend on the dose and route of administration, as well as on the receptors involved and the pathophysiological pathway used.
2Trace amine effects on autism spectrum disorderSystematic ReviewCited 2×2025
This systematic-review examined the effects of Agmatine.
Pretorius L et al. · Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.) (2025)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1% of the population directly, but also a much higher proportion (family and caregivers) indirectly.
Secondly, we formulate our hypothesis on how this may therapeutically address symptomology, with consideration of cellular and molecular mechanism interplay across the gut-brain axis.
Finally, we provide a critical assessment of advances in therapeutics development and drug re-purposing, gaps in knowledge and priorities for medicines development going forward.
3Anti-inflammatory effects in major depressive disorderSystematic ReviewCited 114×2024
Further studies are necessary to explore the therapeutic benefits of these alternative therapies for MDD.
Kouba BR et al. · Cells (2024)
Together, neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis induce alterations in tryptophan metabolism, culminating in decreased serotonin synthesis, impairments in neuroplasticity-related mechanisms, and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity.
This review aims to highlight the inflammatory mechanisms (neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, and gut dysbiosis) involved in the pathophysiology of MDD and to explore novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches for this psychiatric disturbance.
Several lines of evidence have indicated that in addition to antidepressants, physical exercise, probiotics, and nutraceuticals (agmatine, ascorbic acid, and vitamin D) possess anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to their antidepressant properties.
4Safety and efficacy of agmatine supplementationSystematic ReviewCited 17×2024
The safety and efficacy of agmatine supplementation, demonstrated through various animal and human studies, affirm its potential as a beneficial therapeutic agent.
Rafi H et al. · Neuropeptides (2024)
The safety and efficacy of agmatine supplementation, demonstrated through various animal and human studies, affirm its potential as a beneficial therapeutic agent.
Conclusively, the diverse physiological and therapeutic effects of agmatine, spanning neurotransmission, protection against cellular damage, and modulation of various receptor pathways, position it as a promising candidate for further research and clinical application.
This review underscores the imperative for continued exploration into agmatine's mechanisms of action and its potential in pharmacology and medicine, promising advances in the treatment of numerous conditions.
5Metformin/agmatine as antidiabetic and antiepileptic agentsSystematic ReviewCited 6×2024
The present review explores the evidences and available data on possible uses of metformin/agmatine as pertinent antidiabetic and antiepileptic agents.
Nangia A et al. · Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology (2024)
The present review explores the evidences and available data on possible uses of metformin/agmatine as pertinent antidiabetic and antiepileptic agents.
Our hope is that this will stimulate further research on the therapeutic actions of these multimodal agents, particularly for subject-specific clinical outcomes.
Given the unique expression of different subunits of the well-organized NMDA receptor system by neurons.
Rafe MR et al. · Behavioural brain research (2024)
Given the unique expression of different subunits of the well-organized NMDA receptor system by neurons.
It could potentially lead to the development of medications specifically targeting certain receptor subtypes.
For a future researcher, conducting more targeted research and trials is crucial to fully understand and develop highly specific medications with good clinical effects and potential neuroprotective properties.
7Neuroprotective effects of agmatineSystematic ReviewCited 46×2014
Moreover, some molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of agmatine will be discussed.
Moretti M et al. · Frontiers in bioscience (Elite edition) (2014)
Agmatine, a cationic polyamine synthesized after decarboxylation of L-arginine by the enzyme arginine decarboxylase, is an endogenous neuromodulator that emerges as a potential agent to manage diverse central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
The aim of this review is to summarize the knowledge about the effects of agmatine in CNS and point out its potential as new pharmacological treatment for diverse neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
Moreover, some molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of agmatine will be discussed.
8Agmatine effects in central nervous systemSystematic ReviewCited 96×2012
Interactions between agmatine and other central neurotransmitter systems, such as the glutamatergic and nitrergic systems, are also very important.
Uzbay TI · Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews (2012)
Interactions between agmatine and other central neurotransmitter systems, such as the glutamatergic and nitrergic systems, are also very important.
In light of the current literature on agmatine, we can anticipate that the central agmatinergic system may be an important target in development of novel strategies and approaches for understanding the etiopathogenesis of some important central disorders and their pharmacological treatments.
The main objective of this review is to investigate and update the information on effects of agmatine in CNS and highlight its pharmacological importance in central disorders.
SLC18B1 gene knockout decreased polyamine levels by ~20% in the brain, and impaired short- and long-term memory.
Moriyama Y et al. · Biochimica et biophysica acta. Biomembranes (2020)
Large benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
SLC18B1 gene knockout decreased polyamine levels by ~20% in the brain, and impaired short- and long-term memory.
Thus, the SLC18B1 protein is responsible for the vesicular storage and release of polyamines, and functions as a vesicular polyamine transporter (VPAT).
VPAT may define when, where, and how polyamine-mediated chemical transmission occurs, providing insights into the more versatile and complex features of amine-mediated chemical transmission than currently considered.
We also briefly discuss agmatine content in foodstuffs, and a simple approach for enhancing agmatine production using the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae, widely used for the production of various Asian fermented foods.
Akasaka N et al. · Amino acids (2020)
An enzymatic activity of arginine decarboxylase which produces agmatine from arginine was low in mammals, suggesting that a large portion of the agmatine is supplemented from diets and gut microbiota.
We also briefly discuss agmatine content in foodstuffs, and a simple approach for enhancing agmatine production using the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae, widely used for the production of various Asian fermented foods.
However, it will be hasty to assert and promote agmatine as a novel therapeutic agent for neuroprotection.
Kotagale NR et al. · Neurotoxicology (2019)
However, it will be hasty to assert and promote agmatine as a novel therapeutic agent for neuroprotection.
The review is focused on the role of agmatine in different types and mechanisms of neural injuries.
The aspects of concern like dose range, pharmacokinetics of exogenous agmatine, levels of endogenous agmatine during events of injury etc. has to be addressed.
In this review, we will focus on the pathophysiological aspects of the neurological disorders regulated by these ion channels and receptors, and their interaction with agmatine in CNS injury.
Barua S et al. · Neurochemical research (2019)
The primary amine agmatine, a neuromodulator synthesized in the brain by decarboxylation of L-arginine, can regulate ion channel cascades and receptors that are related to the major CNS disorders.
In our previous studies, we established that agmatine was related to the regulation of cell differentiation, nitric oxide synthesis, and murine brain endothelial cell migration, relief of chronic pain, cerebral edema, and apoptotic cell death in experimental CNS disorders.
In this review, we will focus on the pathophysiological aspects of the neurological disorders regulated by these ion channels and receptors, and their interaction with agmatine in CNS injury.
The safety and low incidence of adverse effects indicate the vast potential therapeutic value of agmatine in the treatment of neurological diseases.
Xu W et al. · Current neuropharmacology (2018)
The safety and low incidence of adverse effects indicate the vast potential therapeutic value of agmatine in the treatment of neurological diseases.
However, most of the available studies relate to the agmatine are conducted in experimental models, more clinical trials are needed before the agmatine could be extensively clinically used.
In rat brain, agmatine, AGM and ALP are predominantly localised in areas associated with roles in appetitive and craving (drug-reinstatement) behaviors.
Benítez J et al. · Metabolism: clinical and experimental (2018)
In rat brain, agmatine, AGM and ALP are predominantly localised in areas associated with roles in appetitive and craving (drug-reinstatement) behaviors.
Thus, inhibitors of AGM or ALP are promising agents for the treatment of addictions.
In this review, the properties of DAO, AGM and ALP are discussed with a view to their role in the agmatine metabolism in mammals.
15Physiological role of polyaminesSystematic ReviewCited 115×2017
In this paper the main concepts on the history, structure and molecular pathways of polyamines as well as their physiological role on angiogenesis, and reproductive physiology are reviewed.
Lenis YY et al. · Zygote (Cambridge, England) (2017)
Intracellular production of polyamines is controlled by antizymes binding to and inactivating ODC1.
Polyamines exert effects that include stimulation of cell division and proliferation, gene expression for the survival of cells, DNA and protein synthesis, regulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and cell-cell communication activity.
Accordingly, polyamines are essential for early embryonic development and successful pregnancy outcome in mammals.
16Agmatine therapeutic potential for CNS disordersSystematic ReviewCited 40×2017
Agmatine also stimulates the expression of trophic factors and adult neurogenesis, contributing to its ability to induce endogenous repair mechanisms.
Neis VB et al. · Neurochemistry international (2017)
Agmatine also stimulates the expression of trophic factors and adult neurogenesis, contributing to its ability to induce endogenous repair mechanisms.
Therefore, considering its wide range of biological effects, this review summarizes the current knowledge about its protective and regenerative properties in the CNS.
17Role of aliphatic polyamines in physiology and diseasesSystematic ReviewCited 93×2014
As such, aliphatic polyamines play an essential role in rapidly dividing cells such as in the immune system and digestive tract.
Ramani D et al. · Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2014)
As such, aliphatic polyamines play an essential role in rapidly dividing cells such as in the immune system and digestive tract.
Because of their role in cell proliferation, polyamines are also involved in carcinogenesis, prompting intensive research into polyamine metabolism as a target in cancer therapy.
18Polyamine membrane transport mechanismsSystematic ReviewCited 94×2014
Preliminary data from our laboratory have revealed that SLC22A1 might be involved in the PA uptake; in addition to one member of ABC superfamily (MDR1 protein) might also mediate the efflux of polyamine like molecules.
Abdulhussein AA et al. · Amino acids (2014)
Although the PTS has not been fully defined, there is evidence that some of the known MTs might be involved in PA transport.
In this mini review, eight SLC transporters will be reviewed and their potential to mediate PA transport in human cells discussed.
These transporters are SLC22A1, SLC22A2, SLC22A3, SLC47A1, SLC7A1, SLC3A2, SLC12A8A, and SLC22A16.
19Arginine metabolism in asthmaSystematic ReviewCited 28×2014
Nitric oxide (NO) is important in the regulation of airway tone and airway responsiveness.
Scott JA et al. · Immunology and allergy clinics of North America (2014)
Nitric oxide (NO) is important in the regulation of airway tone and airway responsiveness.
Alterations in the L-arginine metabolism resulting in reduced availability of the substrate L-arginine for NO synthases, as well as the presence of NO synthase inhibitors such as asymmetric dimethylarginine, contribute to the reduced NO formation and airway dysfunction in asthma.
Therapeutic interventions aiming to modulate the impaired L-arginine metabolism may help correct the enhanced airway tone and responsiveness in asthma.
Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) has been known as a natural product for over 100 years, but its biosynthesis in humans was left unexplored owing to long-standing controversy.
Piletz JE et al. · Drug discovery today (2013)
Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) has been known as a natural product for over 100 years, but its biosynthesis in humans was left unexplored owing to long-standing controversy.