Herbalife Niteworks is a lemon-flavoured powder drink mix, taken at night, that provides L-arginine and L-citrulline — two amino acids your body uses to produce nitric oxide. It was co-developed with Dr Louis Ignarro, who shared the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning nitric oxide as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system. That is the "Nobel Prize formula" story in one line — and in this guide we unpack what it actually means for you.
The science story: how nitric oxide became famous
For most of the 20th century, nobody suspected that a simple gas could act as a messenger inside the human body. In the 1980s and 1990s, research by Dr Ignarro and his colleagues showed that nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in helping blood vessels relax and widen — a discovery so significant that it earned the 1998 Nobel Prize.
After the prize, Dr Ignarro partnered with Herbalife to translate that research into a consumer product. The result, launched in 2003, was Niteworks: a night-time drink mix built around the amino acids the body uses as raw material for its own nitric oxide production.
What is inside Niteworks?
- L-arginine — the primary amino acid substrate the body converts into nitric oxide.
- L-citrulline — an amino acid the body can recycle into L-arginine, supporting a steadier supply.
- Vitamins C and E — antioxidant vitamins that contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- Lemon flavour — designed to be mixed with cold water before bed.
Why take it at night?
Nitric oxide production naturally follows daily rhythms, and the formula was designed to be taken in the evening so the amino acids are available overnight. Practically, it is simple: mix two scoops with water and drink it before going to sleep. Many customers pair it with the classic Herbalife morning routine — aloe, tea and shake in the morning, Niteworks in the evening.
Who is Niteworks for?
Niteworks suits adults who want to support their wellness routine with targeted amino acid nutrition — particularly people over 40, active people, and anyone building a heart-smart lifestyle alongside the fundamentals: balanced nutrition, regular movement, not smoking, and managing stress and sleep.
Important: Niteworks is a food supplement, not a medicine. It does not treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a heart condition, take medication (especially for blood pressure), or are pregnant or nursing, speak to your doctor before adding any supplement.
How to use Niteworks
- Add two scoops of powder to 250 ml of cold water.
- Stir or shake until dissolved.
- Drink in the evening, ideally shortly before bed.
- Use consistently — like all nutrition habits, regularity matters more than any single serving.
Frequently asked questions
Does Niteworks contain caffeine?
No. Niteworks is caffeine-free and designed specifically for evening use, so it will not interfere with your wind-down routine.
Can I combine Niteworks with other Herbalife products?
Yes. It is commonly used alongside Formula 1, Herbal Aloe Concentrate and Herbalifeline omega-3 capsules, which many customers consider the natural partner product in a heart-smart routine.
How long does one canister last?
Used daily at the standard two-scoop serving, one canister is designed to last about a month.
Did Dr Ignarro really win the Nobel Prize for Niteworks?
Not for the product itself — the 1998 Nobel Prize recognised the underlying scientific discoveries about nitric oxide. Niteworks came later, as a product co-developed with Dr Ignarro based on that field of research.
Ready to try it?
You can order Niteworks directly from HL Nature Shop with delivery across South Africa. Questions about combining it with your current routine? Get in touch — we are happy to help you build a plan that fits.