● What Is L-Citrulline ?
L-Citrulline is a non-proteinogenic α-amino acid, named after scientists who first isolated it from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice in 1930. Its chemical name is (S)-2-amino-5-ureidopentanoic acid, with a molecular formula of C₆H₁₃N₃O₃ (molecular weight 175.19) and a CAS number of 372-75-8237. Modern industrial production mainly occurs through two pathways:
Natural extraction: isolated from cucurbitaceae plants such as watermelon and cucumber, but with low efficiency and high cost;
Biosynthesis: catalytic generation in the urea cycle using ornithine and carbamoyl phosphate as substrates, or oxidative conversion of arginine under the action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
Physical and chemical properties of L-Citrulline :
Properties and solubility: white crystalline powder, slightly sour taste; easily soluble in water (solubility 200g/L, 20℃), almost insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether;
Optical properties: specific rotation +24.5°~+26.8° (c=8, 6N HCl), which is the key indicator for authenticity identification;
Stability defects: sensitive to light and heat, melting point is 214-222℃ (different crystal forms), easy to decompose above 100℃; need to be sealed and stored away from light and at low temperature (0-5℃);
Quality control standards: pharmaceutical-grade products require heavy metals ≤10ppm, water content ≤0.30%, and ignition residue ≤0.10% (AJI92 standard).
● What Are The Benefits Of L-Citrulline ?
The core value of L-citrulline lies in its ability to convert into arginine and release nitric oxide (NO), thereby activating multiple physiological effects:
Cardiovascular Protection
Relieve vascular pressure and improve blood flow through NO-mediated vascular smooth muscle relaxation;
A study by Texas A&M University in the United States confirmed that its vasodilatory effect mechanism is similar to "natural Viagra", with an improvement rate of 40% for erectile dysfunction and no drug side effects.
Metabolism And Immune Regulation
Promote liver urea cycle, accelerate ammonia metabolism, and reduce blood ammonia concentration;
Increase macrophage activity and enhance antiviral ability (such as influenza virus clearance rate increased by 35%).
Nerve And Motor Function
Cross the blood-brain barrier to increase NO levels in the brain and enhance the ability to retrieve memory information;
Neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by exercise and extend muscle endurance time by 22%.
● What Are The Application Of L-Citrulline ?
1. Health Industry:
Sports nutrition products: compounded with branched-chain amino acids, the blood ketone concentration after exercise is maintained above 4mM, and the muscle recovery time is shortened by 30% (the global market share in 2024 is 45%);
Sexual function improver: citrulline can promote vasodilation and improve erectile dysfunction
2. Food Industry:
Natural preservative: inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms in aquatic meat products, and the total colony count of refrigerated salmon is reduced by 90%;
Functional additives: "L-Citrulline + γ-aminobutyric acid" functional yogurt, synchronously regulates vascular pressure and anxiety.
3. Biomedicine:
Alzheimer's disease treatment: activate the cAMP/PI3K-Akt pathway, enhance the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and improve the learning and memory ability of model mice by 40%;
Gene delivery system: as a pDNA nanocarrier, the transfection efficiency is 100 times higher than that of liposomes, and it will enter the Phase I clinical trial for brain tumor treatment in 2025.
4. Cosmetic Innovation
Combined with polysaccharide moisturizers, the effectiveness of treating dry skin is over 80%;
Inhibits the transmission of nerve signals in pruritic dermatitis and repairs the barrier function of the stratum corneum.
● Newgreen Supply High Quality L-Citrulline Powder
Post time: Jul-16-2025
