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drtbear1967
03-27-2018, 08:24 AM
theguerillachemist

Many preworkouts contain agmatine sulfate, which is a derivative of the amino acid arginine. Arginine works by converting to NO via the enzyme NOSynthase. Agmatine is actually a direct NOSynthase inhibitor. This means it will LOWER the conversion of Arginine to NO-the exact opposite of what you want in a pump product. Agmatine also inhibits NOS via inhibiting the NMDA receptor. So how does it work? Agmatine may cause some vasodilation by activating the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor, although there is conflicting data. One study shows that agmatine causes significant hypotensive effects(lowers blood pressure), but this was via injection not oral. However, if your preworkout contains yohimbine, a potent alpha-2 inhibitor, it could negate this process.

Another possible mechanism for vasodilation for agmatine is it activates your imidazoline receptors(regulates blood pressure). The prescription drug clonidine works this way and is used to lower BP. Imidazoline receptors also can help regulate perception of pain, which is why a lot of the research for agmatine shows it can help with pain relief, as well as mitigate withdrawal symptoms. What about taking agmatine and citrulline? Well, since citrulline must first convert to arginine and then NO via NOS, agmatine in theory would decrease NO production from citrulline, as well. There is one study that combined the 2 in rats that showed a decrease in citrulline production via NOsynthase. If your preworkout has agmatine AND citrulline, arginine or yohimbine, it probably will hinder any NO vasodilation pumps that you want. Remember: there is a TON of bad info online. My hope is to educate you guys with actual