L-Arginine Plus (formerly Perfusia Plus) Details 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 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.*

ALLERGY WARNING This product is contraindicated in an individual with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients. PREGNANCY If pregnant, consult your health professional before using this product. INTERACTIONS 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) supplementation is not recommended concurrent with methotrexate cancer therapy, as it can interfere with methotrexate's anti-neoplastic activity; however, this folate source has not been shown to interfere with the anti-inflammatory activity of methotrexate. An individual taking methotrexate for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis can safely take a supplement containing folate. Individuals with a known herpes infection should not take L-arginine without also taking lysine, as L-arginine alone has been noted to cause herpes eruptions in susceptible individuals. L-arginine supplementation is contraindicated in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma.