What is Agmatine Sulfate?
Agmatine sulfate is a compound extracted or derived from the amino acid L-arginine. Due to its potential role in neurotransmission and nitric oxide regulation, it has become a popular ingredient in dietary supplements. It has the molecular formula C5H16N4O4S and a molecular weight of 228.27 g/mol. Typically found as a white crystalline powder, agmatine sulfate is known for its solubility in water and stability in supplement formulations.
Agmatine sulfate powder is frequently included in sports nutrition and cognitive health supplements. It is being studied for its potential impact on nitric oxide modulation, which may support blood flow and vascular function. Additionally, it has been studied for its possible interactions with neurotransmitter systems. However, due to regulatory differences, there have been discussions about agmatine sulfate banned in certain regions, making it essential for manufacturers to verify compliance with local guidelines.
For those looking to source agmatine sulfate near me, bulk suppliers and speciality ingredient distributors typically offer it for formulation in pre-workouts, nootropic blends, and health supplements.
Common Sources
- L-Arginine
- Agmatine is a natural metabolite of L-Arginine, produced through arginine decarboxylase (ADC)-catalyzed decarboxylation.
- In industrial production, chemical synthesis or microbial fermentation is commonly used to convert L-Arginine into Agmatine, which is then reacted with sulfuric acid to form agmatine sulfate powder.
- Synthesis Pathways:
- Chemical Synthesis: Typically, L-Arginine or its hydrochloride is used as the starting material. It undergoes a decarboxylation reaction to produce Agmatine, which is then neutralized with sulfuric acid to yield Agmatine Sulfate.
- Microbial Fermentation: Certain bacteria and yeast strains can produce Agmatine through the arginine metabolic pathway. The Agmatine is then extracted, purified, and combined with sulfuric acid to obtain Agmatine Sulfate.
Most agmatine sulfate suppliers use L-Arginine (sourced from plant extraction or fermentation) as the base material. This is then refined through advanced processing techniques to achieve high-purity powder.
What Does Agmatine Sulfate Do?
Agmatine sulfate exerts its effects through multiple complex mechanisms within the body. At its core, agmatine acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator, interacting with various receptor systems. It functions as a non-competitive antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, modulating glutamate signalling in the central nervous system.
Additionally, agmatine binds to imidazoline receptors and α2-adrenergic receptors, influencing diverse physiological processes. A crucial aspect of agmatine sulfate’s mechanism is its regulation of nitric oxide synthesis. It selectively inhibits neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and iNOS) while potentially enhancing endothelial NOS (eNOS) activity, thereby modulating nitric oxide production in various tissues.
Agmatine also interacts with polyamine binding sites on NMDA receptors and other ion channels, further influencing cellular signalling. At the enzymatic level, agmatine sulfate powder inhibits arginine decarboxylase and agmatinase, affecting the metabolism of arginine and agmatine itself. These multifaceted actions contribute to agmatine’s ability to modulate neurotransmitter release, including glutamate, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
How to Produce Agmatine Sulfate Powder?
- L-Arginine preparation: High-quality L-arginine is sourced and purified to ensure no contaminants are present. This step is crucial as the purity of the starting material directly affects the quality of the final product.
- Decarboxylation: L-arginine undergoes a decarboxylation reaction, typically using heat and a catalyst. This process removes the carboxyl group (-COOH) from the L-arginine molecule, resulting in the formation of agmatine.
- Agmatine isolation: The resulting agmatine is isolated from the reaction mixture using various separation techniques such as filtration, crystallization, or chromatography. This ensures the purity of the agmatine before proceeding to the next phase.
- Sulfuric acid preparation: Concentrated sulfuric acid is carefully diluted to the appropriate concentration for the reaction with agmatine. Due to its corrosive nature, this requires precise measurements and safety precautions.
- Salt formation: The purified agmatine is slowly combined with the prepared sulfuric acid solution under controlled conditions. This reaction forms agmatine sulfate, the desired salt compound.
- Crystallization: The reaction mixture is cooled and allowed to crystallize. Specific temperature and time parameters are maintained to ensure proper crystal formation and purity.
- Filtration: The crystallized agmatine sulfate is separated from the remaining solution using filtration techniques. This may be repeated to ensure maximum yield and purity.
- Drying: The filtered agmatine sulfate crystals are dried using methods such as vacuum or hot air drying. This is crucial to producing the final powder form and preventing clumping or degradation during storage.
- Milling: The dried agmatine sulfate is milled or ground to achieve a consistent particle size, resulting in the fine powder form typically found in supplements.
- Quality control: The agmatine sulfate powder undergoes strict quality control, ensuring purity, potency, and the absence of contaminants. These tests may include chemical analysis, microbial testing, and verification of physical properties.
- Packaging: The approved agmatine sulfate powder is packaged in appropriate containers, often with desiccants, to prevent moisture absorption. Packaging is typically done in a clean, controlled environment to maintain product integrity.
Specification Sheet Reference
Property | Details |
Type | Supplement Ingredients |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Purity | >98% |
CAS Number | 2482-00-0 |
Molecular Formula | C5H16N4O4S |
Molecular Weight | 228.27 g/mol |
Solubility | Soluble in water |
Test Methods | HPLC |
Certifications | ISO available. Please contact sales team for details. |
MOQs | 25kg |
Sample | Available (10-20g/bag) |
OEM Service | Available |
ODM Service | Available |
Private Label | Available |
Contract Manufacturing | Available |
Agmatine Sulfate: Benefits, Side Effects, and More
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: Agmatine sulfate powder became popular among individuals seeking to improve athletic performance. This compound may help increase muscle pumps and endurance during workouts. A published study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2018) found that agmatine sulfate supplementation improved anaerobic running capacity in trained male subjects.
- Pain Management: For those searching for “agmatine sulfate near me,” this supplement may offer relief from chronic pain conditions. Agmatine sulfate has shown promise in modulating pain perception, particularly in cases of neuropathic pain. A 2015 study in the journal Pain Research and Management demonstrated that agmatine sulfate reduced pain intensity in patients with lumbar disc-associated radiculopathy. Agmatine Sulfate is emerging as a promising alternative for individuals who require pain management but face a high risk of opioid addiction and related side effects. Studies suggest that Agmatine Sulfate not only helps reduce pain effectively but also results as a safer option for long-term use. Additionally, some research indicates that its health benefits surpass those of Arginine, further solidifying its position as a preferred choice among health supplement manufacturers.
- Mood Regulation: Agmatine sulfate has been investigated for its potential mood-enhancing properties. Research suggests it may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. A 2013 study published in the European Neuropsychopharmacology journal found that agmatine produced antidepressant-like effects in animal models.
- Cognitive Function Support: While not banned in most regions, some may wonder if “agmatine sulfate banned” applies to their area due to its cognitive-enhancing potential. This compound has been studied for its neuroprotective properties and potential to improve memory and learning. A 2014 study in the Behavioural Brain Research journal showed that agmatine administration enhanced spatial learning and memory in rats.
- Blood Sugar Management: Agmatine sulfate may regulate blood sugar levels. This could be particularly beneficial for diabetics or those at risk of developing the condition. A 2018 study in the Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology journal demonstrated that agmatine improved glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats.
- Cardiovascular Health: Users of agmatine sulfate powder may experience cardiovascular benefits. This compound has been shown to have vasodilatory effects, potentially supporting healthy blood pressure levels. A 2016 study in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology found that agmatine reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats.
Potential Side Effects: Is It Safe?
- Gastrointestinal discomfort in high doses
- Possible interaction with medications affecting blood pressure and neurotransmitters
FDA Approval: Is It Legal?
- United States: Sold as a dietary supplement, but not FDA-approved for specific medical use.
- European Union: Classified as a novel food and not authorized for sale.
- Canada: Not listed as an approved natural health product by Health Canada.
- Australia: Not registered with the TGA, meaning it is not approved for therapeutic use.
- Japan: Limited regulatory information; approval status is unclear.
What is Agmatine Sulfate Used for?
- Muscle Pump & Endurance: Enhances performance and supports muscle pumps during exercise.
- Pain Relief: It may provide pain relief by modulating neurotransmitters.
- Metabolic Support: Supports insulin sensitivity and helps with metabolic function.
- Cognitive Health: May improve mood and protect against cognitive decline.
Recommended Dosage and Usage
- General Use: 500–1000 mg per day, typically divided into 1-2 doses.
- For Muscle Pump and Endurance: 500–1000 mg daily, often taken 30–60 minutes before a workout to enhance performance.
- For Pain Relief: 500–1000 mg daily may be used, with some individuals benefiting from splitting the dosage throughout the day.
- For Metabolic Support: 500–1000 mg per day to potentially improve insulin sensitivity and support overall metabolic function.
- For Cognitive Health: 500–1000 mg per day may help with mood regulation and neuroprotective benefits.
How to Store Agmatine Sulfate Powder?
To maintain stability, agmatine sulfate powder should be stored at a low temperature and humidity away from direct sunlight and heat.
Agmatine Sulfate VS L-Arginine
Agmatine sulfate and L-arginine, while related, differ significantly in their characteristics and effects. Agmatine sulfate (CAS: 2482-00-0, molecular formula: C5H14N4·H2SO4, molecular weight: 228.26 g/mol) is a metabolite of L-arginine, formed through decarboxylation. L-arginine (CAS: 74-79-3, molecular formula: C6H14N4O2, molecular weight: 174.20 g/mol) is one of the 20 standard amino acids. Both appear as white crystalline powders, are hygroscopic, and are highly soluble in water.
L-arginine serves as a precursor to nitric oxide, promoting vasodilation, while agmatine sulfate powder has a more complex mechanism, modulating neurotransmitter systems and regulating nitric oxide synthase enzymes. L-arginine is found in protein-rich foods and is often used for cardiovascular benefits and exercise performance. In contrast, agmatine sulfate is not commonly found in food sources, leading some to search for agmatine sulfate near me for supplementation. It’s valued for potential cognitive enhancement, pain management, and mood regulation.
L-arginine directly increases nitric oxide production, whereas agmatine’s effect on nitric oxide is more regulatory. While L-arginine is widely studied and generally recognized as safe, agmatine sulfate is not banned but has a less established safety profile due to limited long-term studies. L-arginine’s melting point (244°C) is slightly higher than that of agmatine sulfate (229-231°C).
Both compounds are typically synthesized for supplement use, with agmatine sulfate often produced by reacting agmatine with sulfuric acid. Users considering either supplement should consult healthcare professionals, taking into account these differing specifications and effects to determine the most suitable option for their health goals.
Property | Agmatine Sulfate | L-Arginine |
CAS Number | 2482-00-0 | 74-79-3 |
Molecular Formula | C4H9N3•H2SO4 | C6H14N4 |
Molecular Weight | 226.26 g/mol | 174.2 g/mol |
Powder Color | White to Off-White | White |
Appearance | Fine crystalline powder | Fine crystalline powder |
Solubility | Soluble in water | Soluble in water |
Primary Function | Neurotransmitter, supports nitric oxide production, mood regulation, and pain management | Precursor to nitric oxide, supports cardiovascular health, and muscle recovery |
Common Uses | Supplements for mood enhancement, cognitive function, and muscle pump | Used for improving blood flow, cardiovascular health, and muscle performance |
Mechanism | Increases nitric oxide synthesis and modulates neurotransmitters such as serotonin | Increases nitric oxide levels by converting to NO, improving blood flow and vascularity |
Absorption Rate | Rapidly absorbed, crosses the blood-brain barrier | Absorbed in the intestines, but has variable bioavailability |
Source | Synthetic form, derived from arginine | Naturally found in food sources like red meat, poultry, and dairy |
Other Information | May offer additional benefits for brain health and pain relief | Popular for pre-workout supplementation, can be taken with other amino acids |
Conclusion
Agmatine sulfate is a versatile and promising ingredient for supplement manufacturers. Its potential benefits in cognitive function, mood regulation, and pain management make it an attractive addition to various formulations. As a metabolite of L-arginine, agmatine sulfate powder offers unique properties that set it apart in the nutraceutical market. While not as commonly available as some other supplements, the growing interest in agmatine has led more consumers to search for agmatine sulfate near me, indicating a rising demand.
Manufacturers should note that agmatine sulfate is not banned in most regions, allowing for widespread product development and distribution. However, due to its hygroscopic nature and specific storage requirements, careful handling during production and packaging is essential. As research on agmatine continues to evolve, manufacturers have the opportunity to be at the forefront of introducing innovative products featuring this compound. By ensuring high-quality sourcing and production of agmatine sulfate, manufacturers can meet the increasing consumer interest in this promising supplement ingredient.
Buy Agmatine Sulfate Near Me from Nutri Avenue
As a leading FDA-registered supplier in the dietary supplement industry, Nutri Avenue specializes exclusively in raw materials. It serves as a vital partner to supplement product manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and private labellers worldwide.
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