Agmacore
Also known as: Agmacore, Agmatine, Agmatine Sulfate
Overview
Agmatine Sulfate, often marketed under brand names like Agmacore, is a dietary supplement ingredient derived from agmatine, a naturally occurring polyamine. Agmatine is formed in the body through the decarboxylation of the amino acid arginine and is also found in some fermented foods. It is primarily marketed for its potential roles in cognitive enhancement, mood support, neuroprotection, and sports performance, particularly for improving muscle pump and modulating nitric oxide. Agmatine is believed to act as a neuromodulator, influencing various receptors and pathways in the body, including nitric oxide synthase, neurotransmitter receptors, and ion channels. While agmatine itself has been the subject of preclinical and some human studies, high-quality clinical trials specifically on branded Agmacore are limited, and most claims are extrapolated from general agmatine research.
Benefits
Agmatine sulfate is primarily investigated for its neuromodulatory effects, potentially influencing NMDA and imidazoline receptors, which could impact mood and cognitive function. Preclinical studies suggest neuroprotective benefits through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It may also modulate nitric oxide production, potentially leading to vasodilation and improved muscle blood flow, a common claim in sports nutrition. Secondary effects observed in preclinical research include potential analgesic properties and support for metabolic health. However, it is crucial to note that human clinical data for Agmacore or agmatine supplements are sparse and largely inconclusive. There are no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with sufficient sample sizes demonstrating statistically significant clinical benefits in humans. Therefore, specific conditions or populations that benefit most are not well-established, and the strength of evidence for these benefits remains low, primarily based on mechanistic rationale and animal studies.
How it works
Agmatine sulfate exerts its effects primarily through its role as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter. It is known to interact with several key biological pathways and receptors. Agmatine influences NMDA receptors, which are crucial for learning and memory, and imidazoline receptors (I1 and I2), which are involved in blood pressure regulation and pain perception. It may also interact with serotonin and opioid systems. A significant mechanism involves its modulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, potentially helping to balance nitric oxide levels in the body. This can affect the vascular system, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow. Agmatine's actions extend to the central nervous system (CNS), influencing neurotransmission, and the peripheral nervous system. While orally absorbed, specific bioavailability data for agmatine sulfate are limited, and rapid metabolism may affect systemic levels.
Side effects
Agmatine sulfate is generally considered safe at typical supplemental doses based on limited human data and animal studies. However, there are no well-documented common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) reported in clinical trials. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are anecdotally reported to include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects (less than 1%) are not well characterized due to the limited amount of robust clinical data available. Potential drug interactions exist, particularly with medications affecting nitric oxide pathways or central nervous system neurotransmitters, though no specific interactions are well-documented in clinical literature. There are no established contraindications, but caution is advised for individuals taking CNS-active medications or those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Insufficient data exist to assess the safety of Agmatine Sulfate in special populations, including pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with chronic diseases.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Agmatine Sulfate has not been established through high-quality human clinical trials. Typical supplemental doses found in commercial products range from 250 mg to 2.67 grams per day. However, there is no consensus on optimal dosage ranges, and doses used in preliminary studies vary widely. The maximum safe dose is currently unknown, as human data are lacking, although animal studies suggest safety at relatively high doses. Agmatine sulfate is often taken pre-workout for performance enhancement or daily for cognitive support, but there are no evidence-based recommendations for timing. The standard form is agmatine sulfate salt, and the purity and specific formulation of a product may influence its absorption. While food intake might affect absorption, definitive data are unavailable, and no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Agmacore effective for muscle pump or cognitive enhancement?
Evidence is insufficient. Claims are primarily based on mechanistic rationale and animal studies, not robust human randomized controlled trials. More research is needed to confirm these benefits in humans.
Is it safe to take Agmacore daily?
Limited data suggest safety at typical doses, but long-term safety has not been thoroughly investigated. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for prolonged daily use.
How long does it take to notice effects from Agmacore?
There are no clinical data to define the onset of effects. Individual responses may vary, and any perceived effects are largely anecdotal due to the lack of robust human studies.
Can Agmacore interact with medications?
Potentially, especially with medications affecting the central nervous system or cardiovascular system. However, no specific interactions are well-documented in clinical literature. Consult your doctor if you are on medication.
Is Agmacore better than generic agmatine sulfate?
There are no comparative clinical data available to suggest that branded Agmacore offers superior benefits or safety compared to generic agmatine sulfate. Efficacy would likely depend on the quality and purity of the ingredient.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1636970/full – This article discusses dietary supplements but does not specifically list agmatine or Agmacore as a studied intervention with sufficient evidence for efficacy in muscle or weight loss. It highlights the general lack of robust evidence for many supplements.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33976376/ – This publication is a systematic review on dietary supplements for muscle mass or weight loss. It does not include agmatine or Agmacore as a primary focus, indicating a lack of strong evidence for its efficacy in these areas.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1582946/full – This source, likely a review on supplements, does not mention agmatine-based compounds in the context of skin aging or eye health, suggesting it's not a primary area of research for this ingredient.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36296956/ – This publication is a review on supplements for skin aging or eye health. It does not include agmatine-based compounds, reinforcing the idea that there is no significant research supporting its use for these conditions.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/MB3R73rgwDHr8PPPS9JjJSx/ – This article, likely a meta-analysis on frailty and other aging-related conditions, does not mention agmatine or Agmacore. This indicates a lack of evidence for its role in these specific health areas.
- https://www.cureus.com/articles/384786-the-impact-of-nutritional-supplements-on-sarcopenia-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis – This systematic review and meta-analysis on nutritional supplements for sarcopenia does not identify agmatine or Agmacore as a studied intervention with sufficient evidence. This suggests that current high-quality research does not support its use for sarcopenia.
