What are agmatine’s main benefits?

    Written by:
    Katherine Nguyen

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Gregory Lopez
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Agmatine may influence pain perception and has shown weak general analgesic properties, and there is some evidence of dose-dependent pain relief for neuropathic pain. Additionally, preliminary studies suggest that it may help reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms and that it has potential for treating depression and nerve-related pain, though more research is needed for its effectiveness in drug addiction.

    Agmatine plays a role in influencing receptors associated with pain perception, but studies show it has weak general analgesic properties.[1] However, in vitro studies have suggested the neurotransmitter does show dose-dependent pain-relieving effects in the context of treating neuropathic pain.[2]

    Agmatine’s effectiveness for drug addiction requires further research, but preliminary animal studies show promise in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. These studies showed a decrease in alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as tremors and anxiety after supplementation.[3][4] Agmatine has also been studied for its potential benefits for treating cocaine addiction, but animal studies have not shown promising results.[5]. Limited human evidence suggests agmatine may show efficacy for treating depression[6] and nerve-related pain.[7][8][7]