Supports Protein Metabolism. Helps Maintain Muscle Tissue. Arginine and Citrulline are two amino acids that are integral to protein metabolism and utilization, as well as to the maintenance of muscle tissue. Both are key intermediates in the urea cycle, where they participate in the detoxification of ammonia via the production of urea. In addition, any arginine not converted to urea enters general circulation where it is distributed to various tissues and metabolized for other uses such as protein synthesis.