How Nitric Oxide Affects the Endothelium

When the endothelium is healthy, NO is produced at optimal levels and released into the blood stream, and carried on to every other organ of the body. Since the bulk of NO is produced by the endothelium, if blood vessels become incased with plaque, or atherosclerosis, NO production is suppressed. NO continues to be further researched. For now it is believed that NO:


•Fights bacteria, viruses, and parasites
•Suppresses proliferation of some types of cancer cells
•Prevents serious complications in diabetic patients, particularly in association with impaired blood flow
•Plays major role in memory (currently being researched for prevention of Alzheimer’s)
•Is a Neurotransmitter
•Increased sexual functioning (NO findings led to development of Viagra)
•Is a powerful antioxidant: deactivates free radicals that contribute to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
While lack of NO in the body can develop when endothelial tissue is damaged by age, lack of physical activity, illness, or genetics, it is known that specific nutrients and food choices are directly related to the bodies ability--or inability--to manufacture nitric oxide.

Ignarro, Louis J. NO More Heart Disease. New York: St Martin's, 2005.