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Dear Health Enthusiast: RG Max   ...there is more to this new product than meets the eye! By Chris Ritchason and Patti Keplinger RN BSN RG-Max, NSP’s newest amino acid drink formula, is a revolutionary new product which contains 5 grams of l-Arginine (free-form amino acid) in combination with an amazing Amino Acid Blend. When NSP releases a new product, such as the RG-Max, the NSP family has come to understand that there must be something special about a product in order for NSP to add it to their extensive line. Therefore, we continued to ask, "What makes this amino acid formula so special?" The investigation began... Our searching revealed more spectacular details than we could have ever imagined. It was evident that Nature’s Sunshine had once again produced the best product of this type available on the market today. The Back to Herbs team is excited to share the amazing information that we have uncovered in investigating the impact that this new product might have on health and wellness. Guess what...there was even a Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded on the work that provides the foundational premise for this new product. What is the function of l-Arginine and why is it important? As we continued to read about l-Arginine, it became apparent that the key component in the supplementation with this amino acid is that of Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide (NO) is produced in the human body when l-argentine is converted to nitric oxide with the aid of molecular oxygenation and NADPH, "...an enzyme complex found in the plasma membrane of cells ( 1)." It (NO), "... is a gas. It is highly reactive; that is, it participates in many chemical reactions ( 2 )." "The Nobel Prize landmark discovery of the functions of Nitric Oxide (NO) highlighted the fact that without NO, human life would be impossible. Even more revolutionary was the irrefutable evidence that L-Arginine is the sole NO molecule in the human body ( 3 ).". "...without nitric oxide, human life would not be possible!"( 4 ) Dr. Louis J. Ignarro, UCLA-Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, and 1998 Nobel Laureate, has spent over 30 years on the topic of nitric acid. Dr. Ignarro was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for his "...discovery that nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule produced organically, is a vasodilator that helps control blood flow to every part of our body...by relaxing and enlarging blood vessels (5)." This award "...recognized the huge potential for health the understanding of the Nitric Oxide (NO) Pathway affords (6)." More details pertaining to the Nobel Prize can be found at: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1998/ At each systole, the period in the cardiac cycle when the chambers of the heart contract, "...the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels release a puff of NO. This diffuses into the underlying smooth muscle cells causing them to relax and thus permit the surge of blood to pass through easily (7)." It is also interesting to note that "Hemoglobin transports NO at the same time it carries oxygen. When it unloads oxygen in the tissues, it also unloads NO (8)." There is also evidence that "in laboratory animals (mice and rats), NO is released by neurons...and stimulates the NMDA receptors there that are responsible for long-term potentiation (LTP) — a type of memory (and learning) (9)." Impact on the Heart and Circulatory System "Nitric oxide does a variety of jobs," explains Dr. Jason Allen of Duke University. "It tends to be antiatherogenic, which means that it helps prevent your arteries from becoming clogged. From start to finish, this is a 40-year process which depends on lifestyle." That is, it's a function of what you eat, how you exercise, and the stresses you are under (10)." It is written that NO "...regulates blood pressure, prevents blood clots that trigger strokes and heart attacks, and protects against the accumulation of vascular plaque (11)." NO also keeps inappropriate clotting from interfering with blood flow. "Johns Hopkins scientists investigating nitric oxide (NO) ...have figured out how it can block blood vessel inflammation and prevent clotting, a process that has long stumped biologists (12)." In his book, No More Heart Disease, (New York: St. Martin’s Press), Dr. Ignarro explains his 3-part plan for assisting individuals in "age-proofing your cardiovascular system." His 3-part plan includes "...taking NO-boosting supplements...incorporating NO-friendly food into your diet, and following a moderate NO-boosting exercise program." "We've done a lot of work to show that one does not have to take prescription drugs to be effective in treating cardiovascular disease," says Ignarro. One can just engage in natural sorts of things -- dietary supplements, exercise, diets that are low in fat, and so on. All of these things increase or enhance nitric acid production in the body; and the more nitric oxide that is produced, the more protection you have against cardiovascular disease. (13)" Dr. J. Joseph Prendergast MD, a board certified Internal Medicine physician specializing in Endocrinology and Metabolism with over 30 years experience in the field, wrote an article entitled "L-Arginine: a Primer for its power©." According to Dr. Prendergast, "...there are many studies on the effect of l-Arginine on the lining of the artery, the endothelium... Nothing works in every situation but in my experience it works in 99% of the patients I see with vascular disease (14)." Human Sexuality and the l-Arginine Conncection Nitric Oxide...Is it Nature’s Viagra? It might be interesting to note that "...the first practical application of Dr. Ignarro’s research led to the development of Viagra!" "Knowledge of the biology and chemistry of NO led Dr. Ignarro to make the first observation that NO is a neurotransmitter mediating penile erection (15)." According to Dr. David Christianson, University of Pennsylvania, "Nitric oxide is the messenger, if you will, the signaling molecule, and without that signal you can't get that signal from the brain to the penis for the erectile process (16)." The NO in this process is "...released from nerve endings close to the blood vessels of the penis (17)." Three popular prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction, sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), and tadalafil (Cialis®) are based on this scientific research. It might be interesting to note that NSP has products on the market that could possibly assist in this area such as Men’s X-Action, etc. In the article, "L-Arginine, the Pro-sexual Nutrient with Numerous Health Benefits" the correlation between NO and sexual performance is discussed at great length. This article can be accessed at: http://www.smart-publications.com What are some of the things that L-Arginine does? L-Arginine is essential to several systems in the body. Among its many roles, L-Arginine: Is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO); Promotes circulation resulting in improved blood flow; Stimulates the release of growth hormone; Improves immune function; Reduces healing time of injuries; Plays a role in the formation of bone and tendons; Increases muscle mass, while reducing body fat; Supports male fertility, improving sperm production and motility; Reduces risk of blood clots and stroke; Supports normal blood pressure; Improves vascular function for patients with angina; Helps recovery after heart attack; Helps prevent and treat cardiovascular disease; [and] Helps reduce growth of cancerous tumors (18). There is also evidence that supports L-Arginine is effective in "l-Arginine has been shown to have positive impacts on immune function, obesity concerns, human sexuality, and aging. As an adaptogen, l-Arginine helps the body adapt to changes in life, the environment, and may increase stamina and sports performance (19)." Columbia University researchers have collected more than 10,000 citations, and have nicknamed L-Arginine the " ‘Magic Bullet’ in human health." This university integrates teaching on this amino acid and its benefits into its curriculum for physicians and surgeons (20). "Twenty years ago, the idea that a simple and humble amino acid could change the face of medicine would have been dismissed. Now, physicians, researchers, and scientists are embracing the effectiveness of L-Arginine and its use has become mainstream (21)." Benefits of RG-Max NSP has shared that RG-Max "...supplies the nutrients needed to boost energy levels and blood flow throughout the body, helps protect against cardiovascular aging and supports the cardiovascular system." RG-Max may also support healthy sexual function, contribute to more productive exercise and help support overall energy levels..." as well as much, much more. Details from the NSP Product Guide/Label: (From www.naturessunshine.com) Benefits of RG-Max might include: Helps maintain healthy circulation and thereby promotes stamina during exercise; Protects against premature cardiovascular aging; Provides powerful antioxidant benefits; Supports heart function and may positively impact blood lipid profiles; Contains amino acids that support the heart and skeletal muscles; Offers the low-glycemic health benefits of xylitol. Ingredients contained in RG-Max: RG-Max contains xylitol, l-Arginine, citric acid, natural strawberry flavor, natural lemon juice, malic acid, silicon dioxide, red grape skin extract, taurine, l-isoleucine, l-leucine, l-methionine, l-tyrosine, l-threonine, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, l-glutamine and acetyl l-carnitine. Other featured ingredients: (from NSP Product Information) Acetyl-l-Carnitine-researched for its neuroprotective effects Taurine- involved in heart muscle contraction and has demonstrated antioxidant and antiatherogenic effects in humans N-Acetyl Cysteine-a precursor of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body Grapeskin Extract-high in phenolic compounds including flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) Resveratrol- that have powerful antioxidant and cardioprotective actions. Xylitol-Frequent between-meal consumption of foods high in sugars and starches promotes tooth decay. The sugar alcohol Xylitol does not promote tooth decay and is low on the glycemic index. All-natural xylitol makes RG-Max taste great without the harmful effects of sugar on the teeth and circulatory system. Recommended Adult Usage of RG-Max Adults: Mix one level scoop in 8 oz. water, shake well and drink immediately. Those who SHOULD NOT supplement their diet with RG-Max might include: Precautions (FROM NSP PRODUCT LABEL): Consult your health care provider prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing or have a known medical condition including cancer, diabetes, herpes, coronary artery disease, or have had a heart attack. Consult your health care provider before use if you take any medications including those for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, or erectile dysfunction. Other potential contraindications: There is conflicting information which discusses various contraindications of l-Arginine supplementation. The data on its use with heart health is overwhelming, thus the reason NSP is touting it for that purpose. We have contacted a 3rd Party expert in the field of L-Arginine research and are awaiting a reply regarding the individuals who should not supplement their diet with RG-Max/contraindications. We will keep you informed as to what we find out! Products to work in conjunction with RG-Max might include: CoQ10, Vitamin E with Selenium, Kidney Activator, Nattozime Plus, Mega-Chel, B-complex, Blood Pressure X, Cardio-Assurance, Omega 3, Vitamin C/Citrus Bioflavanoids, and Thai Go. Why NSP l-Arginine over its competitors? There are many l-Arginine products on the market today. NSP has performed a great deal of research on this topic over the past couple of years. Initially, NSP was going to launch an l-Arginine supplement in a liquid form. After a great deal of research, it was discovered that this amino acid was not stable in a liquid form as it lost its potency very quickly, thus NSP continued to research the best delivery method for this much needed supplement...and RG-Max was born! Thank you NSP for another amazing addition to our family of products! Please share your testimonies with us. We look forward to hearing from you! We’re Here Because We Care! Health to you... The Back to Herbs Team Chris Ritchason and Patti Keplinger RN BSN With Dr. Jack Ritchason ND Bibliography Retrieved November 10, 2007 from: http://en.wikipedia.org Retrieved November 9., 2007 from: http://users.rcn.com Retrieved November 13, 2007 from: http://www.argm2.com Retrieved November 10, 2007 from: http://www.synergyworldwide.com Retrieved November 8, 2007 from: http://www.ignarro.com. Retrieved November 11, 2007 from: http://ezinearticles.com Retrieved November 9, 2007 from: http://users.rcn.com Ibid. Ibid. Retrieved November 9, 2007 from: http://psychologytoday.com Retrieved November 8, 2007 from http://www.ignarro.com Retrieved November 9, 2007 from: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Retrieved November 9, 2007 from: http://psychologytoday.com Retrieved November 13, 2007 from: "L-arginine studies" Retrieved November 8, 2007 from http://www.ignarro.com. Retrieved November 10, 2007 from: http://www.cnn.com Retrieved November 9, 2007 from: http://users.rcn.com Retrieved November 10, 2007 from:http://www.smart-publications.com Retrieved November 10, 2007 from: http://www.synergyworldwide.com Retrieved November 13, 2007 from: http://www.argm2.com Ibid.

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