L-Arginine Studied for Heart Health

by CP Staff

In a recent study, researchers examined the effect of the amino acid L-arginine on the health of heart tissue. Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid, which means that even though the body can produce this amino acid, in times of increased nutritional or metabolic demand, additional intake is necessary. In the body, arginine can be metabolized into nitric oxide, which is a molecule that causes relaxation of blood vessels by causing them to dilate. Blood vessel dilation is important in health conditions that require increased blood flow, whereas decreased blood flow (ischemia) may result in increased production of free radicals and tissue damage.

In this new study, researchers examined the effect of L-arginine supplementation in subjects with decreased blood flow to the heart resulting in tissue damage. The subjects received 3 grams of L-arginine per day for 15 days. The subjects were then evaluated for levels of free radical-scavenging enzymes, pro-oxidant enzymes, antioxidants and oxidants.

The results of the study showed that L-arginine supplementation resulted in an increase in activity of the free-radical scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase, as well as increased levels of the antioxidant ascorbic acid and total thiols. There was also a decrease in the activity of the pro-oxidant enzyme xanthine oxidase, and decreased lipid peroxidation (the oxidation of lipids), reduced carbonyl content (measurement of oxidation) and lower serum cholesterol levels.

The researchers concluded that these findings suggest that the supplementation of L-arginine along with regular therapy may enhance heart health.

Reference:

Tripathi P, Chandra M, Misra MK. Oral administration of L-arginine in patients with angina or following myocardial infarction may be protective by increasing plasma superoxide dismutase and total thiols with reduction in serum cholesterol and xanthine oxidase. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009 Sep-Oct;2(4):231-7.