Zetpil™ Arginine Nitro-Boost Cream 6oz

Properties of Arginine

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid and serves many functions in the body.  One of its most beneficial actions is as a precursor to Nitric Oxide (NO).  Nitric oxide is extremely beneficial and is required for normal functions like wound healing, retaining skin moisture, vasodilation (proper regulation of blood flow), protection from cardiovascular disease and neural activity.   In fact, nitric oxide deficiency is one of the root causes of cardiovascular disease and contributes to endothelial dysfunction (problems within the blood vessels that damages function).

Why Arginine presents a Potential Danger when taken Orally

Did you know that approximately 80-85% of orally ingested arginine undergoes degradation by the enzyme arginase?  That means if one ingests 1 gram of arginine the body degrades that 1 gram and at best 150-200 mgs will survive and be available for the multiple biochemical pathways that utilize arginine and subsequently, nitric oxide.  One of the primary functions of arginine is in the formation of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) that is so crucial to maintaining good vascular integrity, not only throughout your body but at the skin’s surface as well.

When arginine is orally ingested (ie: dietary or supplement form) the “protective” enzymes Arginase I and II, found in enterocytes (intestinal cells) and hepatocytes (liver cells), are activated in the portal vein and liver.  When arginase is activated a “competition” sets up between 2 main competitors which want arginine available for Nitric Oxide production.  These two competitors are eNOS and iNOS. There are 3 outcomes to this battle.

1. Increasing arginase means ↑ iNOS which can be converted to extremely potent free radicals (Reactive Nitrogen Species-RNS).   These free radicals are very dangerous and can cause significant damage to the body’s circulatory system.
2. Oral arginine ↓ eNOS which is desirable and vital to the formation of nitric oxide.
3. Nitric Oxide levels ↓: This is detrimental because appropriate levels of nitric oxide are crucial to maintaining vascular health, immune surveillance/function, skin health, and disease prevention.

Simply put, orally ingested arginine actually compromises the formation of nitric oxide (NO) thus contributes to endothelial dysfunction and eventually cardiovascular disease. 

Abbreviations:  eNOS-endothelial nitric oxide synthase; iNOS– inducible nitric oxide synthase; NO– nitric oxide

KEY POINTS:

Oral arginine stimulates the release of arginase.  Arginase decreases the systemic availability of Nitric Oxide leading to poor vascular health, diabetes complications, and erectile dysfunction. ^{http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/108/16/2000.long}

“Research indicates that NO (nitric oxide) bioavailability is compromised in aged human skin.”

^{http://jp.physoc.org/content/574/2/573.full}

Decreasing arginase activity will increase blood flow, proper vascular (vessel) function, and maintain adequate nitric oxide availability. ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774993/}

The Benefits of Arginine when applied directly to the Skin

• safely and effectively bypassing arginase expression and increasing nitric oxide (NO) availability for its many functions in the body and on the skin’s surface;
• moisturizes skin;
• visibly reduces the signs of spots;
• improves the vascular integrity of the skin;
• diminishes the appearance of varicose and spider veins through its wound-healing properties;                                 
• stimulates protein synthesis promoting thicker skin, and a smoother, wrinkle-free appearance;
• precursor to creatine which supports the natural skin cell production of collagen and elastin;
• maintaining endothelial health (ie: vessel health, reduce plaque build-up) to decrease risk of cardiovascular disease.

A lesser known but extremely important fact is that

“nitric oxide (NO) is critical in defending against infection and is a potent antimicrobial. Work in humans shows that topically delivered NO (Arginine is substrate for NO and bypasses arginase when delivered through the skin vs. oral delivery) is clinically useful and no more toxic than currently available antimicrobials.” ^{http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3442839/}

Supplement Facts

Directions: Spread 1-2 squeezes/squirts onto clean skin. For best results apply cream on neck, inner forearms or inner thighs.

For those using this product as an athletic enhancing compound it is recommended that it be applied prior to workout. The product is also effective after the workout on the specific muscles trained as well as on areas of the skin throughout the day, or as directed by healthcare professional.

Warnings:

• This product is contraindicated in patients with cancer and herpes virus
• If you have diabetes and/or significant kidney or liver disease, please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product
• If pregnant or lactating, consult your healthcare provider before taking this product
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not exceed recommended dose
• For topical use only
• Avoid eyes and mucous membranes
• If you experience any adverse reaction, discontinue use of the cream and contact your healthcare provider

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is a Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act compliant combination of naturally derived FDA GRAS (Generally regarded As Safe) herbal, nutraceutical, vitamins, minerals and amino acids products legally sold in the USA.  In accordance with FDA regulations, when taken orally, this product may be considered a dietary supplement as defined by section 201(ff) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 321(ff).

Also, this product consists ONLY of a combination of naturally derived FDA GRAS (Generally regarded As Safe) herbal, nutraceutical, vitamins, minerals and amino acids products legally sold in the USA. Therefore, this product cannot be considered a drug as defined in section 201(g)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 321(g)(1). This product is not intended to affect the structure or function of the body and is not intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease in man. Any nutritional suggestions and research regarding this product are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease nor should any information provided be used as a  substitute for sound medical advice.