Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
L-Citrulline Malate is an amino acid compound that converts to L-arginine in the kidneys, increasing nitric oxide synthase activity. It enhances blood flow, reduces muscle soreness by up to 40%, and improves exercise performance through increased ATP production.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
L-Citrulline Malate is a compound made from the amino acid citrulline and malic acid, often derived from watermelon and apples.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Research, including RCTs, supports its role in enhancing exercise performance and reducing muscle soreness.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
L-Citrulline Malate (2:1) is a compound ingredient consisting of two parts L-Citrulline bonded to one part Malic Acid by molecular ratio. It is not a significant source of macronutrients — provides negligible protein (~0g usable), fat (0g), and carbohydrates (0g) at standard dosing. Caloric contribution is minimal (~0–5 kcal per 6–8g serving). Key bioactive compounds: L-Citrulline (a non-essential amino acid, ~4g per 6g dose of the 2:1 form) acts as a precursor to L-Arginine and subsequently nitric oxide (NO) via the urea cycle; Malic Acid (~2g per 6g dose), a dicarboxylic acid and Krebs cycle intermediate that supports ATP resynthesis. No significant vitamins or minerals are present. No dietary fiber. Bioavailability: L-Citrulline Malate demonstrates superior oral bioavailability compared to free-form L-Arginine, as it bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism and is more efficiently absorbed in the small intestine, achieving plasma L-Citrulline and L-Arginine elevations within 60–90 minutes of ingestion. The malate component enhances intestinal absorption kinetics and contributes independently to energy metabolism via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
L-Citrulline converts to L-arginine via argininosuccinate synthase and argininosuccinate lyase enzymes in the kidneys. Elevated L-arginine levels increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, producing nitric oxide which activates guanylate cyclase. This creates cyclic GMP, causing vascular smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Randomized controlled trials with 15-41 participants show 6-8g L-Citrulline Malate taken 1 hour pre-exercise increases repetitions by 52.5% and reduces muscle soreness by 40% at 24-48 hours post-workout. A 7-day study demonstrated 18% increase in ATP production rate and 34% increase in phosphocreatine resynthesis. Evidence is moderate quality with small sample sizes but consistent findings across multiple studies.
Also Known As
Research updates — and 25% off your first order
Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.