Essential brain nutrients
L-citrulline
Introduction to L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that supports blood flow regulation and vascular health. Naturally found in watermelon and cucumber, it is also available as a supplement. L-Citrulline plays a role in nitric oxide (NO) production, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and support circulation. Additionally, NO is involved in the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Role in Brain Health
L-Citrulline is one of the fastest-acting ingredients in the Axolt formula, delivering rapid effects on blood flow and performance. It supports brain health by boosting nitric oxide (NO) production—a powerful molecule with numerous roles in circulation and vascular function. Nitric oxide supports cerebral blood flow, oxygen delivery and the glymphatic system, which clears metabolic waste from the brain. Additionally, L-Citrulline may support the structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier, ensuring the brain’s protective shield remains strong. As the precursor to nitric oxide, L-Citrulline stands out as one of the most potent and essential components in Axolt’s formula.
Axolt Formulation Principles
Axolt only uses ingredients native to the body. Native means something that your body creates or uses from nature. Our bodies (and brains especially) are incredibly complex systems, and introducing foreign substances can have unintended consequences. By utilizing natural, body-native ingredients, we ensure optimal safety and effectiveness.
L-Citrulline is native to the body and is essential for our systemic approach in creating our unique formula.
L-Citrulline is native to the body and is essential for our systemic approach in creating our unique formula.
Core Benefits and Claims
- Supports nitric oxide production, which plays a role in vascular function. (5)
- Helps maintain oxygen delivery in the brain (10).
- Supports natural waste removal from the brain (8).
- Supports the body's natural immune response through increased nitric oxide levels (6).
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Helps support blood-brain barrier integrity (9).
Resources
1. Miyatake S, Hino K, Ebisu G, Fujita S. Oral administration of l-citrulline alters the vascular delivery of substances to rat skeletal muscles. Biochem Biophys Rep. 2021 Oct 8;28:101149. Doi: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101149. PMID: 34693038; PMCID: PMC8515244.
2. Tarazona-Díaz MP, Viegas J, Moldao-Martins M, Aguayo E. Bioactive compounds from flesh and by-product of fresh-cut watermelon cultivars. J Sci Food Agric. 2011 Mar 30;91(5):805-12. Doi: 10.1002/jsfa.4250. PMID: 21384347.
3. Ucar RA, Pérez-Díaz IM, Dean LL. Content of xylose, trehalose and l-citrulline in cucumber fermentations and utilization of such compounds by certain lactic acid bacteria. Food Microbiol. 2020 Oct;91:103454. Doi: 10.1016/j.fm.2020.103454. Epub 2020 Feb 11. PMID: 32539957.
4. Yabuki Y, Shioda N, Yamamoto Y, Shigano M, Kumagai K, Morita M, Fukunaga K. Oral L-citrulline administration improves memory deficits following transient brain ischemia through cerebrovascular protection. Brain Res. 2013 Jul 3;1520:157-67. Doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.05.011. Epub 2013 May 16. PMID: 23685189.
5. d’Unienville NMA, Blake HT, Coates AM, Hill AM, Nelson MJ, Buckley JD. Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 Dec 29;18(1):76. Doi: 10.1186/s12970-021-00472-y. PMID: 34965876; PMCID: PMC8715640.
6. Rapovy SM, Zhao J, Bricker RL, Schmidt SM, Setchell KD, Qualls JE. Differential Requirements for L-Citrulline and L-Arginine during Antimycobacterial Macrophage Activity. J Immunol. 2015 Oct 1;195(7):3293-300. Doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500800. Epub 2015 Aug 26. PMID: 26311904; PMCID: PMC6432794.
7. Gonzalez AM, Yang Y, Mangine GT, Pinzone AG, Ghigiarelli JJ, Sell KM. Acute Effect of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Resistance Exercise Performance and Muscle Oxygenation in Recreationally Resistance Trained Men and Women. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2023 Jun 22;8(3):88. Doi: 10.3390/jfmk8030088. PMID: 37489301; PMCID: PMC10366749.
8. Toda N, Ayajiki K, Okamura T. Cerebral blood flow regulation by nitric oxide: recent advances. Pharmacol Rev. 2009 Mar;61(1):62-97. Doi: 10.1124/pr.108.000547. Epub 2009 Mar 16. PMID: 19293146.
9. Lee KE, Kang YS. Characteristics of L-citrulline transport through blood-brain barrier in the brain capillary endothelial cell line (TR-BBB cells). J Biomed Sci. 2017 May 10;24(1):28. Doi: 10.1186/s12929-017-0336-x. PMID: 28490336; PMCID: PMC5424428.
10. Bailey SJ, Blackwell JR, Lord T, Vanhatalo A, Winyard PG, Jones AM. L-Citrulline supplementation improves O2 uptake kinetics and high-intensity exercise performance in humans. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2015 Aug 15;119(4):385-95. Doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00192.2014. Epub 2015 May 28. PMID: 26023227.
