This systematic review evaluates the safety of L-arginine for the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. The authors examined data from 5 randomized and controlled trials and 2 nonrandomized studies.

Six of the seven studies reported either an increase in the total mean Female Sexual Function Index score or significant increases in multiple domains therein. Sexual desire is generally improved, such as lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, discomfort and pain, and frequency of intercourse. However, studies were mainly conducted on finished products containing L-arginine in combination with other ingredient, limiting the conclusion that can be drawn on the efficacy of L-arginine.

However, the authors concluded that products containing L-arginine may be proposed for the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women.

Cieri-Hutcherson NE, Jaenecke A, Bahia A, Lucas D, Oluloro A, Stimmel L, Hutcherson TC. Systematic Review of l-Arginine for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Related Conditions in Women. Pharmacy (Basel). 2021 Mar 27;9(2):71.

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