AOR L-Arginine - Conditionally Essential Amino Acid - 600 mg 180 Vcaps

The amino acid Arginine was first characterized in 1886 by the Swiss Chemist Ernst Schulze. Little research was conducted subsequently and there was widespread belief that adequate amounts of arginine could be synthesized in the body which undoubtedly delayed further research. In the 1930's research showed that arginine deprivation decreased the rate of growth and/or lead to severe metabolic disorders and even death. In the last forty years numerous studies have emphasized the diverse range of arginine’s physiological effects including release of growth hormone, glucagon and insulin, amino acid detoxification and for the synthesis of creatine-an important compound for generating ATP the “cellular currency” of the cell. Arginine is a physiological precursor of nitric oxide a potent vasodilator. In the mid 80's the importance of nitric oxide (NO) as a ubiquitous signaling molecule was highlighted and helped explain arginine's diverse effects. Physiological Effects a) Cardiovascular Disorder Extensive studies have demonstrated arginines antiatherogenic, antiischaemic and antithrombic properties. The eventual consequence is formation of plaque in the arteries, which leads to compromised endothelial function which in turn leads to reduced vasodilation. Arginine has been shown to not only prevent further progression but also even regression of plaque formation! An interesting study by Boger and colleagues compared the effects of standard cholesterol drug lovastatin (Mevacor) with arginine in cholesterol fed rabbits. Lovastatin reduced cholesterol by 32%, but had only a weak effect on formation of plaque. Interestingly, arginine had no effect on cholesterol yet completely blocked the formation of plaque. The initiating event in atherosclerotic plaque formation is monocyte adhesion to the endothelium followed by entry of these monocytces into the subintimal layer of lipids and eventually fatty streak/foam cell formation. Arginine is reported to reduce the adhesion of monocytes to the endothelial cells in coronary patients and in smokers. Another mechanism through which arginine may be acting is that NO has potent free radical quenching properties and hence acts as an antioxidant. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of high dose arginine for the prevention and treatment of a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, in preventing endothelial damage and restoration of endothelial function including: arterial hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, angina and the so called “Syndrome X”. Arginine has been successfully employed for the treatment of mild-to-moderate but not severe congestive heart failure, a dose of 12.6g per day demonstrated a beneficial effect. b) Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which strongly predisposes an individual to cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycemia is thought to cause diabetic complication via the follwing mechanism: formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause direct endothelial damage; and increased formation of advanced glycating end products (AGE's) which are toxic species that changes structure and function of physiological proteins. The net result is an increase in retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. High blood glucose levels also reduce NO availability. Arginine however, can reverse the vascular effects of high glucose concentration. A small randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study, demonstrated that 6 grams of arginine improved exercise capacity in angina patients. Arginine reduces platelet aggregation, blood viscosity and improves blood flow and helps repair vascular injury. Arginine is considered a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of restenosis and improving the outcome following heart transplantation and coronary bypass. Other Benefits a) Interstitial cystitis A dose of 1.5g daily for 6 months in a clinical trial resulted in a significant decrease in urinary voiding discomfort and diminished abdominal and vaginal/urethral pain. Urinary frequency was significantly decreased. b) Spermatogenesis Arginine has been used for treating male infertility by improving spermatogenesis. Since arginine is a precursor of NO, and NO is a potent vasodilator it is conceivable that arginine would be of benefit in Penile erectile dysfunction much like the mechanism of action of Viagra. c) Liver and brain injury Animal studies have reported benefits in acute liver and brain injury.