The use of L-arginine in male reproductive abnormalities: An educational article and expert opinion

Dietary health supplements have been increasingly used in the treatment of a variety of conditions. During the previous decades, L-arginine has been reported to have beneficial effects on male reproductive functions. Arginine is an amino acid that is important for being a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide, and playing a role in the regulation of blood pressure. The aim of this paper is to review L-arginine research findings relevant to its use in male reproductive abnormalities. Conclusion and expert opinion: A variety of agents have been used in the treatment of poor semen quality of unknown etiology (Idiopathic) with a beneficial effect including mesterolone, zinc sulphate, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, folic acid, pentoxifylline, and L-carnitine. A beneficial effect of arginine on oligospermia has been suggested as early as 1947. There is convincing research evidence suggesting that L-arginine can improve male reproductive abnormalities and can be useful in the treatment of some form’s male infertility and erectile dysfunction. The addition of a safe therapeutic supplement to the already known therapeutic armamentarium is desirable. The current evidence-based opinion suggests that because L-arginine is safe and can be beneficial when used in patients with male reproductive abnormalities, to be aware of such potentially important therapy.