Agmatine

Agmatine, also known as (4-aminobutyl)guanidine, is an aminoguanidine that was discovered in 1910 by Albrecht Kossel. It is a common natural compound synthesized by decarboxylation of the amino acid arginine, hence also known as decarboxylated arginine.

Agmatine has been shown to exert modulatory action at multiple molecular targets, notably: neurotransmitter systems, key ion channels, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and polyamine metabolism, thus providing bases for further research into potential applications.

History

The term "agmatin" (German) was coined in 1910 by Albrecht Kossel who first identified the substance in herring sperm. Most probably the term stems from A- (for amino-) + g- (from guanidine) + -ma- (from ptomaine) + -in (German)/-ine (English) suffix with insertion of -t- apparently for euphony. Within a year following its discovery agmatine has been found to increase blood flow in rabbits, but the physiological relevance of these findings was questioned given the high concentrations (high µM range) required. In the 1920s, researchers in the diabetes clinic of Oskar Minkowski have shown that agmatine can exert mild hypoglycemic effects. In 1994, the discovery of endogenous agmatine synthesis in mammals has revived research in the field.