L-Citrulline for Erectile Dysfunction: A Concise Overview

L-citrulline is an amino acid the body converts to L-arginine, which raises nitric oxide (NO) and relaxes blood vessels. This vasodilation can improve penile blood flow and ease mild erectile dysfunction (ED); one study showed better erection maintenance, but data on moderate-to-severe ED are absent.

Food sources—watermelon, legumes, meat, nuts—contain citrulline, yet most users choose over-the-counter supplements. A British Journal of Nutrition trial deemed 2–15 g/day safe. Store products typically deliver 500 mg–1.5 g per dose, so check labels.

Evidence remains limited. Proven PDE-5 drugs (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) work better, but men wary of their side effects sometimes try citrulline. No serious adverse events are reported, though large clinical trials are lacking.

Talk to your doctor before mixing citrulline with other vasodilators; combined use can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.