Summary
The present study tested the efficacy of the natural amino acid L-arginine in protecting against atherosclerosis. Special interest was given to early vascular changes in the arteries, the thickening of the inner layer of the artery (intima), also called intimal hyperplasia. The study was performed with 26 rabbits that received either normal drinking water or L-arginine-enriched drinking water over a period of 3 weeks. The subsequent investigation of the arteries revealed that the blood vessel walls of animals treated with L-arginine had a significantly lower tension. This indicates a reduced blood pressure. Moreover, in the L-arginine group the diameter of the intima layer of the vascular walls was significantly decreased. The results suggest that L-arginine may counteract pathological vascular changes. More details can be found in the study.
References
W C Tarry, R G Makhoul