Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate

Table of Contents

Other names

OKG
Ornithine AKG
Ornithine-2-Oxoglutarate

Synopsis

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is a salt compound formed by combining two molecules of L-ornithine, a non-essential amino acid, with one molecule of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle. This combination creates a synergistic compound that enhances protein metabolism, tissue repair, nitrogen balance, and immune function—making it especially useful in clinical nutrition, athletic recovery, and age-related muscle maintenance.

OKG is primarily used to promote wound healing, prevent muscle wasting, and support anabolic processes in the body. It is frequently administered in clinical settings to patients with burns, trauma, sepsis, or surgery recovery needs, where it helps preserve lean body mass and improve nitrogen retention. The ornithine component plays a vital role in the urea cycle, assisting with ammonia detoxification and supporting liver function, while AKG supports energy production and the synthesis of glutamine and other amino acids.

In sports nutrition, OKG is marketed as a performance-enhancing supplement for reducing muscle breakdown, improving recovery, and boosting growth hormone release, particularly in strength and endurance athletes. Research suggests OKG may help stimulate the release of insulin and anabolic hormones, enhancing muscle protein synthesis and glycogen storage post-exercise.

Studies have also explored OKG’s potential to support immune function, intestinal barrier integrity, and overall metabolic balance, especially in catabolic states such as aging or chronic illness. While not a typical herb or natural remedy, OKG plays a key role in modern clinical nutrition and functional medicine.

Historical Use in Medicine
OKG is a synthetic compound and does not have traditional or ancient use in herbal or folk medicine. Its development stems from 20th-century advancements in biochemistry and nutritional science, particularly in understanding amino acid metabolism and metabolic support in clinical environments.

Its use began to gain traction in the 1980s and 1990s when researchers began looking for ways to reduce catabolism and improve recovery outcomes in hospitalized patients. OKG was identified as a potent anabolic and anticatabolic agent, and several clinical trials supported its effectiveness in improving outcomes in patients with trauma, surgery, and severe infections.

Though not rooted in historical botanical medicine, OKG reflects a modern evolution of nutritional therapeutics, where targeted amino acid formulations are used to optimize healing, resilience, and metabolic function. It is now included in various medical foods, postoperative nutrition plans, and sports performance supplements.

Uses: Health Conditions

Abrasions (Neither)
Abuse and Trauma (Neither)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Body Building (Scientific)
Bruises (healing) (Neither)
Burns and Scalds (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Neither)
Convalescence (Scientific)
Cuts (Neither)
Debility (Scientific)
Exercise (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Injuries (Scientific)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Scientific)
Post Partum Weakness (Neither)
Stress (Neither)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)

Body Systems

Immune System (Science)
Liver (Science)
Muscles (Science)
Structural System (Science)
Blood (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)