Indicator Explainer
Arginine
An essential amino acid in juvenile humans, Arginine is a complex amino acid, often found at active site in proteins and enzymes due to its amine-containing side chain. Arginine may prevent or treat heart and circulatory diseases, combat fatigue, and stimulate the immune system. It also boosts production of nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels, and treating angina and other cardiovascular problems. Arginine is also an important intermediate in the urea cycle and in detoxification of nitrogenous wastes. (NCI04)
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C62008. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-20. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
Related Tests
Tests that measure or involve this indicator.
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Arginine (C62008)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C62008. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Structure-property insights of ZnO-embedded poly(acrylamide-co-itaconic acid) hybrid networks functionalized with carboxymethyl cellulose, collagen, L-arginine, or dextrin. — Int J Biol Macromol, 2026-10-20 (PMID 42901344; literature)
- Diagnostic challenges of masked arginine vasopressin deficiency in neurosarcoidosis complicated by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use. — JCEM Case Rep, 2026-10-16 (PMID 42891093; literature)
- A methylation-dependent reader couples arginine methylation to S6K2 signaling in vivo. — Sci Adv, 2026-10-23 (PMID 42913003; literature)
- Protein arginine methylation promotes global 3'UTR shortening in proliferating cells. — Mol Cell, 2026-10-21 (PMID 42906543; literature)