Lee Swanson Research Update

L-Arginine Lowers Blood Pressure, Reduces Inflammation

May 2005

L-arginine

In the past, intravenous administration of the amino acid L-arginine has resulted in a substantial reduction in blood pressure in healthy adults and in patients with vascular disease. Now researchers have found that oral administration of L-arginine can yield the same effects. Plus, the orally administered L-arginine also lowers damaging homocysteine levels in the blood, another factor in cardiovascular health.

The endothelium—the cells lining the blood vessels—are critical for regulating blood pressure and blood flow. Healthy endothelial cells protect against heart attack and stroke and are critical for maintaining a high-energy, vital metabolism.

Disease or injuries to the endothelial cells cause inflammation, which is an important marker of cardiovascular disease. Stress and high cholesterol promote inflammation.

Researchers from Penn State University found that oral L-arginine supplements lowered blood pressure and homocysteine in middle-aged men with high cholesterol who were subjected to stress. They concluded that L-arginine supplements might be useful for lowering blood pressure and inflammation in the cells lining the bloodstream.

Journal of Nutrition 135:212-217, 2005

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