Amino acids
L-citrulline
Also called: citrulline, citrulline malate
An amino acid from watermelon that the body turns into arginine.
- Why people take it
- Exercise performance, blood flow.
- What the evidence says
- May slightly improve endurance and reduce soreness; results vary.
- How it is usually taken
- Usually 3 to 6 g a day, or 6 to 8 g of citrulline malate before exercise.
- Be careful
- Generally well tolerated. Can add to blood pressure and erection medicines.
- Medicines it can interact with
- Adds to blood-pressure lowering with nitrates, sildenafil and BP medicines.
Other amino acids
Common questions
What is L-citrulline?
An amino acid from watermelon that the body turns into arginine.
Why do people take L-citrulline?
Exercise performance, blood flow.
Does L-citrulline work?
May slightly improve endurance and reduce soreness; results vary.
How much L-citrulline do people take?
Usually 3 to 6 g a day, or 6 to 8 g of citrulline malate before exercise.
Is L-citrulline safe?
Generally well tolerated. Can add to blood pressure and erection medicines.
Does L-citrulline interact with medicines?
Adds to blood-pressure lowering with nitrates, sildenafil and BP medicines.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
🔎 Search all supplements