Thorne Research, Perfusia-SR 120 capsules

L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid involved in multiple areas of human physiology and metabolism. Arginine significantly affects endocrine function and helps regulate the release of catecholamines, insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone. However, one of L-arginine’s most compelling contributions to human physiology is its role as a biological precursor of nitric oxide (NO). The vascular endothelium creates NO from L-arginine, resulting in endothelial relaxation and reduced platelet aggregation. These properties are critical to blood pressure maintenance, myocardial function, erectile function, inflammatory response, and protection against oxidative damage.

For oxidized cholesterol to embed in the wall of an artery, there first must be a breakdown of the normal protective mechanisms in the vascular endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels. This makes it vital to not only lower the amount of circulating cholesterol, but to also support the natural preventive functions of the vascular endothelium, which depend on an adequate amount of L-arginine being available to these cells. As mentioned above, the conversion of L-arginine to NO is responsible for vascular smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow. Adequate nitric oxide production also makes endothelial cells more resistant to oxidative damage and adhesion by monocytes, platelets, and LDL cholesterol. Numerous studies have demonstrated individuals with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and heart failure have reduced nitric oxide production by endothelial cells and that L-arginine supplementation improves blood flow, blood pressure, and homocysteine levels.

In a large, double-blind trial of men with erectile dysfunction (ED), 1.6 g L-arginine daily for six weeks resulted in improvement in ED in those with abnormal nitric oxide metabolism.

Like most amino acids, L-arginine functions as a building block of proteins; however, its presence also appears to be a crucial element in wound healing. Numerous clinical studies have shown L-arginine supplementation increases the speed of healing and the strength of the tissue in and around the wound during the healing phase. Without adequate L-arginine (and subsequently, nitric oxide) available to vascular endothelial cells, arteries cannot dilate when necessary, resulting in poor blood flow. Diabetics and other individuals with peripheral vascular disease commonly have altered endothelial function and reduced blood flow to the extremities. Diabetics also tend to exhibit poor wound healing in the extremities. L-arginine supplementation has been shown to improve both peripheral blood flow and wound healing time in diabetics.

Regular L-arginine, however, is absorbed and metabolized very quickly, necessitating the use of large doses or frequent dosing throughout the day. Sustained release Perfusia-SR maintains a therapeutic level of L-arginine over 24 hours with twice-daily dosing. Studies on Perfusia-SR have shown increased blood flow to the heart muscle and the extremities, reduced blood pressure, and improved vascular elasticity. A 2004 study found Perfusia-SR potentiated the beneficial effect of statin drugs on the vascular endothelium, resulting in better blood flow. Another recent
study demonstrated improved myocardial blood flow after Perfusia-SR supplementation in patients with coronary heart disease. This study utilized myocardial PET scans to determine a 22-percent increase in high-level myocardial functioning. Perfusia-SR was given to 29 healthy volunteers for one week and significant improvement was seen in diastolic blood pressure (mean 4 mm Hg) and vascular compliance. In individuals with borderline or frank hypertension, a significant reduction was seen in systolic blood pressure (mean 11 mm Hg).

No rating yet... Be the first to rate this product!