DL-Arginine hydrochloride
[CAS# 32042-43-6]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Amino acids and their derivatives >> Arginine derivatives
• Name: DL-Arginine hydrochloride
• Synonyms: 2-amino-5-(diaminomethylideneamino)pentanoic acid hydrochloride
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄N₄O₂.x(HCl)
• Protein Sequence: R
• CAS Registry Number: 32042-43-6
• EC Number: 250-903-0
• SMILES: C(CC(C(=O)O)N)CN=C(N)N.Cl

Properties

• Melting point: 208 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Discovery and Applications

DL-Arginine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of DL-arginine, an amino acid that is commonly used in both biological and chemical research. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is involved in the production of proteins and plays an important role in several metabolic processes in the body. The DL form of arginine is a racemic mixture of both the L- and D- forms of arginine, with the L-form being biologically active, while the D-form is less commonly utilized in biological systems.

The discovery of arginine dates back to 1886, when it was first isolated from the protein casein by the German chemist Ernst Schultze. Its role in biological systems, particularly its involvement in the urea cycle and as a precursor to nitric oxide, was elucidated in the 20th century. The production of DL-arginine hydrochloride as a salt form of the amino acid has been useful for improving its solubility and stability, making it easier to handle in laboratory and industrial applications.

DL-Arginine hydrochloride is commonly used as a supplement and is often added to dietary supplements aimed at improving nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule that plays a key role in vasodilation and blood flow regulation. As such, DL-arginine is frequently used in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension and erectile dysfunction, due to its ability to enhance nitric oxide production.

In addition to its use in medical applications, DL-arginine hydrochloride is also used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products, especially in the production of compounds that require the incorporation of arginine or its derivatives. It is also employed in cell culture and biochemical studies, as arginine is an essential amino acid for protein synthesis in many organisms, including bacteria and mammalian cells.

DL-Arginine hydrochloride has several applications in clinical and research settings. It is used as a precursor in the synthesis of nitric oxide, which has applications in the treatment of conditions such as heart disease, erectile dysfunction, and wound healing. The amino acid is also involved in the biosynthesis of creatine, a compound important for muscle function and energy metabolism. Additionally, DL-arginine is utilized in veterinary medicine, particularly in the formulation of supplements for livestock to promote growth and improve overall health.

Given the known role of arginine in various biological functions, DL-arginine hydrochloride is also studied for its potential use in other therapeutic areas. For example, research has explored its potential to improve exercise performance, support immune function, and modulate growth hormone secretion.

In conclusion, DL-Arginine hydrochloride is an important compound used in medical, pharmaceutical, and biochemical applications due to its role in nitric oxide production, protein synthesis, and various metabolic processes. Its use as a supplement and in clinical treatments reflects its well-established biological activity and therapeutic potential.

References

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DOI: 10.1007/s11705-015-1532-4

2014. Phenotypic characterization of Astragalus glycyphyllos symbionts and their phylogeny based on the 16S rDNA sequences and RFLP of 16S rRNA gene. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 105(6).
DOI: 10.1007/s10482-014-0163-y

2012. Pattern recognition methods in the study of thermal decomposition of α-amino acids. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 110(1).
DOI: 10.1007/s10973-012-2550-9