Ornithine

Scientific Name:  2,5-diamino pentanoic acid (C5H12N2O2).

Ornithine is a nonessential amino acid produced during the creation of urea, the metabolized product of ammonia in the liver that is excreted in mammalian urine. 

It is not one of the coded amino acids and is not involved in protein synthesis.

Forms of Ornithine: 

Ornithine is found in abundance in nature, especially in foods high in:

  • protein such as fish
  • eggs
  • dairy products
  • beef or other meats

Sources of Ornithine:

Ornithine is the product of L-arginine with acted on by the enzyme arginase during the creation of urea.

Home Remedies using Ornithine:

Benefits and Uses of Ornithine:

Ornithine is a part of the urea cycle which aids in the disposal of excess nitrogen. 

While not part of the genetic code, it is quite important as an intermediate in the metabolic processes that are part of arginine biosynthesis. 

It acts as a precursor to proline, citrulline, and glutamic acid within the body. 

Supplementation in elderly people recovering from acute illnesses shows improvement in appetite, weight gain, and general quality of life. 

It can also be beneficial for those suffering from brain abnormalities due to liver cirrhosis.

Ornithine induces the release of growth hormone and can also assist in fat metabolism. 

It works to detoxify ammonia and maintain a properly functioning immune system.

It is found in the skin and body tissues and can be quite helpful in the healing and repair of these particular parts of the body. 

Unsupported claims of increased muscle building with ornithine supplementation cannot be verified. 

However, it has been shown to aid in increasing levels of insulin and other anabolic hormones. 

In studies of individuals suffering from burns, ornithine showed a significant increase in wound healing and decrease in hospital stay.

Side Effects Ornithine:

While there are no reported side effects, doctors and scientists warn against the use of L-ornithine as a supplement by women who are pregnant or nursing and by individuals suffering from schizophrenia.