Arginine is a non-essential amino acid. Given the proper internal environment, the body can manufacture it. It helps maintain the body’s nitrogen equilibrium, is involved in waste detoxification, moderates glucose tolerance, and promotes wound healing and bone repair. It moderates immune activity in the thymus gland, and is involved in the formation and activation of sperm. Because nitric oxide, a potent body vasodilator, is made from arginine, research points to its value in cardiovascular function and male erectile dysfunction. Arginine is a stimulator of growth hormone, in addition to a host of other important hormones.