Thorne Perfusia-SR (120 Capsules)

There has been significant research on the cardiovascular benefits of L-arginine – the primary ingredient in Perfusia-SR – for supporting vascular health and blood flow. One of L-arginine's most important roles is as a biological precursor of nitric oxide. The vascular endothelium (the lining of the arteries) creates nitric oxide from L-arginine, resulting primarily in blood vessel relaxation. This property is important to maintaining good vascular health, heart health, reproductive health, wound healing, and protection against oxidative damage. L-arginine also promotes increased work capacity during exercise, supports lean muscle mass, and helps erections occur in the normal course of intimacy. Perfusia-SR is provided in a sustained-release formula to maintain an optimal level of L-arginine over 24 hours with suggested twice-daily use.

L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid involved in multiple areas of human physiology and metabolism. It significantly affects endocrine function and helps regulate the release of neurotransmitter chemicals, blood sugar regulating hormone, 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 vascular endothelium (the lining of the arteries) creates nitric oxide from L-arginine, resulting primarily in blood vessel relaxation. This property is important to maintaining good vascular health, heart health, reproductive health, and protection against oxidative damage. Maintaining the natural and healthy function of the vascular endothelium depends on an adequate supply of L-arginine being available to these cells. Without adequate L-arginine (and subsequently, nitric oxide) available to the vascular endothelial cells, arteries might not optimally dilate, which can result in less than optimal blood flow to the organs and extremities.

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

Studies on Perfusia-SR 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 observed male reproductive health issues, 1.6 grams of L-arginine given daily for six weeks resulted in improvement in reproductive health in those men who had low nitric oxide metabolism.

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