L-citrulline
L-citrulline
L-citrulline (pronounced as el-si-truh-leen) is a naturally occurring amino acid found in the body. It is named after the Latin word for watermelon, Citrullus, from which it was first isolated.
Etymology
The term "L-citrulline" is derived from Citrullus, the Latin word for watermelon, and the prefix "L-" which refers to the levorotatory form of the amino acid. The levorotatory form is the naturally occurring form of citrulline and is the one that is used in proteins and other biological functions.
Function
L-citrulline plays a crucial role in the urea cycle, which is the process in the liver of converting ammonia into urea. This process is vital for removing excess ammonia from the body. L-citrulline is also known to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure, making it a popular supplement among athletes and those with cardiovascular conditions.
Related Terms
- Amino Acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are fundamental components of life.
- Urea Cycle: The process of converting ammonia into urea in the liver.
- Ammonia: A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. It is a byproduct of the metabolism of nitrogenous compounds.
- Urea: A nitrogenous compound containing a carbonyl group attached to two amine groups with osmotic diuretic activity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on L-citrulline
- Wikipedia's article - L-citrulline
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