L-Arginine Plus (formerly Perfusia Plus-name change only by manufacturer)

Significant research supports the cardiovascular benefits of L-arginine in promoting vascular health and blood flow.* L-arginine enhances nitric oxide production in the arteries, which in turn relaxes blood vessels and maintains healthy blood flow. Thorne’s L-Arginine Plus, with nutrients for added support, combines sustained-release L-arginine with nutritional cofactors that enhance nitric oxide synthesis in the blood vessels (5-MTHF and ascorbic acid), in addition to antioxidants and botanicals that promote normal blood flow (R-lipoic acid, green tea extract, and resveratrol).

Thorne’s L-Arginine Plus is available for individuals who only want to supplement with L-arginine.

L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is involved in multiple areas of human physiology and metabolism.  It has a significant effect on endocrine function and helps regulate the release of neurotransmitter chemicals, insulin, glucagon (which has the opposite effect of insulin; i.e., it raises blood sugar), 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.* The lining of the arteries (the vascular endothelium) creates nitric oxide from L-arginine, resulting primarily in the relaxation of the blood vessels.* This process is important to maintaining good vascular health, heart health, reproductive health, and protection against oxidative damage.

Maintaining the healthy vascular endothelium function depends on an adequate supply of L-arginine being available to these cells.* Without adequate L-arginine – and the subsequent production of nitric oxide – available to the vascular endothelium, arteries don’t optimally dilate, which results in less than optimal blood flow to the organs and extremities.

A recent study demonstrated blood flow improvement after L-Arginine Plus supplementation in individuals who had less than optimum heart health.* In another study, after L-Arginine Plus was given to 29 healthy volunteers for one week, significant support for a healthy cardiovascular system was observed.

Studies on L-Arginine Plus show increased blood flow to the heart muscle and the extremities, maintenance of already normal blood pressure, and improved vascular elasticity.

In a large, double-blind clinical trial that studied male reproductive health issues, 1.6 grams of L-arginine given daily for six weeks resulted in improvements in reproductive health in men who previously had low nitric oxide metabolism.

Like most amino acids, L-arginine is a building block for proteins; however, its presence also appears to support wound healing.* Numerous studies indicate L-arginine supplementation benefits wound healing time and tissue strength in and around a wound during the healing phase.