Ascensión Martínez-Sánchez

Ascensión Martínez-Sánchez


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 April 2021 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Encarna AguayoEncarna Aguayo
Encarna Aguayo
AMAscensión Martínez-Sánchez
Ascensión Martínez-Sánchez
BFBárbara Fernández-Lobato
Bárbara Fernández-Lobato
Fernando AlacidFernando Alacid
Fernando Alacid
L-Arginine (Arg) has been widely used due to its functional properties as a substrate for nitric oxide (NO) generation. However, L-citrulline (CIT), whose main natural source is watermelon, is a non-essential amino acid but which has important health potential. This review provides a comprehensive approach to different studies of the endogenous synthesis of CIT, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics as well as its ergogenic effect in exercise performance. The novel aspect of this paper focuses on the different effects of CIT, citrulline malate and CIT from natural sources such as watermelon on several topics, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, cancer, and exercise performance. CIT from watermelon could be a natural food-sourced substitute for pharmacological products and therefore the consumption of this fruit is promoted.