L-Citrulline: A Non-Essential Amino Acid with Important Roles in Human Health

L-Arginine (Arg) has been widely used due to its functional properties as a substrate for nitric oxide (NO) generation. However, L-citrulline (CIT), whose main natural source is watermelon, non-essential amino acid but which important health potential. This review provides comprehensive approach different studies of the endogenous synthesis CIT, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics well ergogenic effect in exercise performance. The novel aspect this paper focuses on effects citrulline malate CIT from sources such watermelon several topics, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, cancer, could be food-sourced substitute pharmacological products therefore consumption fruit promoted.