Nitric Oxide

Nitric Oxide (NO), also known as Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factor (EDRF), is a colorless, neutral gaseous compound of Nitrogen and Oxygen (i.e., a Nitrogen Oxide). Although most exogenous Nitrogen Oxides are toxic to human health, endogenous Nitric Oxide participates in several essential functions within the body. Researchers have recently elevated Nitric Oxide to the status of a Neurotransmitter. Nitric oxide (NO) is generated by three different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms: endothelial NOS (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS).

Nitric Oxide is beneficial when produced by the correct cells, at the proper levels, at the right time. Nitric Oxide's toxicity occurs when it is produced by the wrong cells, at the incorrect levels, at the wrong time.

Aging Process

 Nitric Oxide may possess Life Extension properties. ^[1]

Cardiovascular System

 Angina patients produce insufficient NitricOxide in their Blood Cells; therefore, strategies that increase Nitric Oxide production are beneficial for Angina patients. ^[2]

 Nitric Oxide inhibits Atherosclerosis by relaxing the Arteries and preventing Cholesterol and White Blood Cells, especially Monocytes, from traveling to and attaching themselves to Artery walls. ^[3]

 Nitric Oxide increases Blood Circulation to the Penis - thereby facilitating Erections.

 Nitric Oxide helps to control Blood Pressure - NO formed in the Endothelium of Arteries passes directly into the Smooth Muscle that surrounds the Artery, causing the Artery to relax (dilate), subsequently leading to a reduction in Blood Pressure:

 Increased Nitric Oxide production helps lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients, and suppression of Nitric Oxide production can cause Hypertension. ^[4]

 Nitric Oxide is manufactured in the Endothelium of Blood Vessels. 

Excretory System

 Nitric Oxide plays an essential role in regulating the function of the Kidneys. ^[5]

Enzymes

 Nitric Oxide activates the Guanyl Cyclase enzyme. ^[6]

Hair

 Nitric Oxide may stimulate Hair growth in persons afflicted with Male Pattern Baldness. The Hair Growing Smart Drug, Minoxidil, is a synthetic form of Nitric Oxide.  ^[7]

 It has been proposed that the destruction of Nitric Oxide by Superoxide Free Radicals dramatically contributes to the development of Male Pattern Baldness. 

Immune System

 Nitric Oxide may promote the destruction of certain types of Cancer cells.

 It can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibit tumor growth by disrupting angiogenesis, and enhance the immune system's ability to target cancer cells. Additionally, NO can sensitize cancer cells to radiation and chemotherapy, improving treatment efficacy. 

 Nitric Oxide stimulates the Immune System.

 Nitric Oxide helps to suppress/kill Microorganisms - Detrimental.

Metabolism

 Impaired Nitric Oxide production may cause Insulin Resistance. ^[8]

 Nitric Oxide quenches Superoxide Free Radicals (it reacts with Superoxide Free Radicals to form Peroxynitrite Free Radicals). 

Musculoskeletal System

 Nitric Oxide facilitates the healing of Fractures. ^[9]

 Nitric Oxide improves muscular Coordination.