Citrulline malate consists of two complementary components: L-citrulline and malate (a salt of malic acid). L-citrulline is an important intermediate amino acid in arginine and nitric oxide metabolism, which is converted into L-arginine in the body. L-arginine is a key precursor for the production of nitric oxide (NO); NO is involved as a signaling molecule in the regulation of vascular tone and muscle metabolism.

Overall, citrulline malate is a complex form of amino acid that supports the body with a dual mechanism of action: on the one hand, through the arginine-NO pathway, and on the other hand, through the malate component involved in energy production.