1. Alysse Milano, Carolina Chaves, Megan Freedle
Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Objectives
• To identify the role of the amino acid, arginine, and its
derivatives on female sexual function, both
physiologically and psychologically.
• To compile research on specific supplements like
ArginMax that contain arginine and are debated to
enhance female sex drive
• To provide more information for the female population in
regards to potential solutions for lack of sexual function.
Introduction/Background
Sexual dysfunction and decreased libido are a prevalent issue in the
female population in the United States with 25-63% of women
experiencing both.1,2 Sexual dysfunction is described as an alteration in
the psycho-physiology of the sexual response cycle and thus, a lack of
sexual desire.1 There is a greater scarcity of research and potential
solutions for sexual dysfunction in women than for men; however, the
issue is more extensive in the female population.
The little research that has explored potential resolutions in enhancement
of female sexual function has identified a derivative of the amino acid
arginine as the most prospective. L-arginine has reportedly been a
potential enhancer of female sexual function through its conversion in the
human body to the vasodilator, nitric oxide; thereby, leading to a cascade
of responses in the
female sexual response system.
Physiological Aspects
The amino acid derivative, Larginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO) in
the human body. Nitric oxide is a cellsignaling molecule that plays a key
role in various physiological mechanisms, most notoriously in the
cardiovascular system. Release or creation of nitric oxide and subsequent
increases in concentration within the human body result in vasodilation of
blood vessels.3
In the female sexual response system, vasodilation results in smooth
muscle relaxation in the clitoral cavernosal artery and helicine arteriolar.
Subsequent blood flow increase in the clitoral cavernosal artery results in
engorgement of the clitoris and ultimately, enhanced sensitivity. The
elevated capillary inflow causes lack of Na+ reabsorption and increases in
vaginal transudate, which is essential for lubrication. Relaxation of the
vaginal smooth muscles also results in increases in vaginal diameter and
length.4
Related Nutrients
Dietary delivery of L-arginine is a simple way to increase
nitric oxide activity. L- Arginine is found mainly in protein
sources such as white meats, seeds and beans. Studies have
demonstrated that increasing nitric oxide by dietary L-
arginine leads to vasodilatation and may potentially
increase sexual arousal.
Multiple studies have examined the effects of L-arginine in
supplements compromised of extracts of L-arginine and
polyphenols. Although trials with L-arginine have shown
mixed results, polyphenols may enhance sexual function by
affecting several enzymes closely connected to the NO
system. Foods containing large amounts of polyphenols
are: fruit, chocolate and wine.
Applications
For women unsatisfied with their sexual drive and
function, ArginMax may be a viable option.
Improvements in sexual desire, satisfaction, and
frequency of intercourse were found in the
experimental groups taking this supplement.
Arginmax contains arginine in addition to a
variety of other nutrients. Additional arginine
supplementation can be found in the forms of:
Yohimbine with l-arginine gluatamate, l-arginine
as a topical cream, and arginase enzyme. These
might be other options for women who want to
enhance sexual desire, reduce vagina dryness,
increase frequency of sexual intercourse, and
increase levels of clitoral stimulation.
Conclusion
The issue of sexual dysfunction is prevalent in the
American female population. The lack of research
for prospective resolutions for this problem is
alarming, but the research that has been conducted
has opened the door for topics in future studies.
Arginine and its derivatives are a potential solution
for the enhancement of female sexual function.
Arginine acts via the nitric oxide pathway to
increase blood flow in the female sexual response
system. There are various supplements containing
arginine that females desiring aid in sex drive and
function can access. While the ultimate evidence for
the effectiveness of these supplements is seemingly
inconclusive, arginine has been reported to enhance
female sexual function.
References
1. Laumann EO, Paik A, Rosen RC. Sexual Dysfunction in the United States. Jama 1999;281(6):537.doi:10.1001/jama.281.6.537.
2. Arcos B. Female Sexual Function and Response. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 2004;4(1):S16–S20.
3. Allahdadi K, Tostes R, Webb R. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Therapeutic Options and Experimental Challenges. CHAMC Cardiovascular &
Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2009;7(4):260–269. doi:10.2174/187152509789541882.
4. Munarriz R, Kim NN, Goldstein I, Traish A. Biology of female sexual function . Urologic Clinics of North America 2002;29:685–693.
5. Ito TY, Trant AS, Polan ML. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of ArginMax, a Nutritional Supplement for Enhancement of Female
Sexual Function. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2001;27(5):541–549. doi:10.1080/713846828.
6. Lunberg JO, Gladwin MT, Weitzberg E. Strategies to increase nitric oxide signaling in cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews drug discovery
2015; 14(9):623-641. doi 10.1038/nrd4623.
7. Polan ML, Hochberg RB, Trant AS, Wuh HC. Estrogen Bioassay of Ginseng Extract and Arginmax®, a Nutritional Supplement for the
Enhancement of Female Sexual Function. Journal of Women's Health. 2004;13(4):427–430.
8. Laumann EO, Paik A, Rosen RC. Sexual Dysfunction in the United States: Prevalence and Predictors. JAMA. 1999;281(6):537-544.
9. Ito T, Polan M, Whipple B, Sontag A. The Enhancement of Female Sexual Function with ArginMax, a Nutritional Supplement,
Among Women Differing in Menopausal Status. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 2006; 32:5,: 369-378,
10. Ito T, Trant A, Polan M. A. double-blind placebo-controlled study of ArginMax, a nutritional supplement for enhancement of female sexual
function. Journal of Sex &Marital Therapy. 2001; 27(5): 541-549.
11. Kellogg-Spadt, Susan, and Jeffrey A. Albaugh. Herbs, Amino Acids, and Female Libido. Urologic Nursing. 2003; 23.2: 160-61. Web.
12. Image provided by: Becker's World of the Cell, 8th Edition, by Jeff Hardin, Gregory P. Bertoni & Lewis J. Kleinsmith, 2012.
Figure 1. The conversion of arginine to nitric oxide by nitric oxide synthase in
the endothelial cell leads to activation of a protein kinase. The kinase functions
in a phosphorylation event within the smooth muscle cell that eventually leads
to the relaxation of smooth muscles and resulting dilation of blood vessels.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Dr. Sabo-Cunningham, Dr. Burke, and Colleen Wysocki for their immense
help and support in the creation of our project.
Spring 2016
Abstract
Conclusion
ApplicationsRelated Nutrients
Physiological Aspects
Introduction/Background
Objectives