What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for aging that aim to enhance nitric oxide production and improve vascular function, such as L-Citrulline, generally have mild side effects. These can include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and diarrhea, and potential allergic reactions like rash or itching. In some cases, there may be interactions with other medications, leading to changes in blood pressure or heart rate. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to monitor and manage any adverse effects.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments aimed at improving vascular function, which can be beneficial in aging populations. While L-Citrulline itself is not specifically mentioned as FDA-approved for aging, its mechanism of enhancing nitric oxide production is similar to that of other approved drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), which are used to treat conditions like pulmonary hypertension and erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow. These drugs work by increasing nitric oxide availability, thereby enhancing vascular function, which can indirectly benefit aging-related vascular issues.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to L-Citrulline for enhancing nitric oxide production and improving vascular function in aging patients include: 1) GLP-1 analogs such as Liraglutide and Semaglutide, which have shown potential in reducing atherosclerosis and improving endothelial function. 2) Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors like Empagliflozin and Canagliflozin, which have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits. 3) Antisense oligonucleotide therapies targeting specific genetic pathways involved in vascular health. These alternatives are supported by recent clinical trials and research findings.

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Amino Acid

L-Citrulline for Endothelial Function in Aging

Phase 1

Recruiting

Led By Andriy Yabluchanskiy, MD, PhD

Research Sponsored by University of Oklahoma

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 1 week

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is studying the effects of L-Citrulline on brain blood vessel function. L-Citrulline is a supplement that can help improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide levels in the body. The study focuses on older and less active people who often have lower nitric oxide levels. L-Citrulline has been shown to increase nitric oxide production, which can improve blood flow and has been studied for its effects on exercise performance and cardiovascular health.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 21-45 or 55-90 with good hearing and vision, who can read/write in English, and give informed consent. It's not for those with active brain diseases, recent strokes, major uncontrolled psychiatric conditions, substance abuse issues, or those on similar treatments recently.

What is being tested?

The study tests the effects of a capsule containing L-Citrulline (2500 mg) on brain blood vessel function in healthy individuals as well as those experiencing aging-related changes.

What are the potential side effects?

While the side effects are not detailed here, L-Citrulline is generally considered safe but could potentially cause digestive symptoms like heartburn or changes in stomach acid production.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 1 week

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~1 week

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 week for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in neuronal activity

Change in neurovascular coupling using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Change in neurovascular coupling using the dynamic retinal vessel analysis

Secondary study objectives

Blood collection

Change in Attention

Change in Executive Function

+8 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: L-CitrullineExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

L-Citrulline 50 g/day per os for 1 week

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for aging, such as L-Citrulline, work by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) production, which is crucial for improving vascular function. NO is a key molecule that helps relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and reduce oxidative stress. This is particularly important for aging patients as it can mitigate endothelial dysfunction, a common issue that contributes to cognitive decline and cardiovascular diseases. By improving vascular health, these treatments help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for older adults.

L-Arginine Improves Cognitive Impairment in Hypertensive Frail Older Adults.Acute ingestion of citrulline stimulates nitric oxide synthesis but does not increase blood flow in healthy young and older adults with heart failure.l-Citrulline and l-arginine supplementation retards the progression of high-cholesterol-diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits.