PlainPill

L-Citrulline

People mainly take L-Citrulline for libido, performance, heart & lipids. Based on 116 first-hand reports and 14 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #24 of 1,974 overall.

60
User score
Mostly positive
38% positive8% mixed2% negative53% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 79% are positive.

Clinical research
AStrong research base
14
meta-analyses
101
RCTs
1,877
papers

What L-Citrulline does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

AStrong research base

3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2021 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Conclusion: Foods rich in polyphenols and nitrate provide trivial benefits for endurance exercise performance, although these effects may be food dependent. Highly trained endurance athletes do not appear to benefit from consuming nitrate-rich foods but may benefit from polyphenol consumption. Further research into food sources, dosage and supplementation duration to optimise the ergogenic response to polyphenol consumption is warranted. Further studies should evaluate whether differential sex-based responses to nitrate and polyphenol consumption are attributable to physiological differences or sample siz

PubMed 34965876 ↗
J Am Coll Cardiol · 2022 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Micronutrient Supplementation to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

Conclusion: Supplementation of some but not all micronutrients may benefit cardiometabolic health. This study highlights the importance of micronutrient diversity and the balance of benefits and risks to promote and maintain cardiovascular health in diverse populations. (Antioxidant Supplementation in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases; CRD42022315165).

PubMed 36480969 ↗
J Strength Cond Res · 2020 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature

Conclusion: Nevertheless, several studies have reported that L-citrulline supplementation can enhance exercise performance and recovery. Given the positive effects observed from some investigations, future studies should continue to investigate the effects of both acute and chronic supplementation with L-citrulline and citrulline malate on markers of blood flow and exercise performance and should seek to elucidate the mechanism underlying such effects.

PubMed 31977835 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

8 g3x/week
10-15 gas reported
6 gdaily
3 gdaily
2 gtwice daily
2.4 to 6 gdaily over 7 to 16 days

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

herpes outbreak ×1blood pressure ×1blood pooling ×1orthostatic hypotension ×1heartburn ×1diarrhea ×1

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

“Legion L-Citrulline - 8g 3 times per week, to reduce oxygen cost of energy during intense workouts”
Source discussion ↗
“L-Citruline 10-15g”
Source discussion ↗
“pure l-citruline, 6 g daily one hour before workout”
Source discussion ↗
“l-citrulline and taurine are a great combo for that.. waking up with solid boners err day like im 18 again”
Source discussion ↗
“Something I found that makes my meds work way better is Citrulline 2g + Arginine 2g twice daily.”
Source discussion ↗
Top discussions (5)

Other options for libido

User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate