Several months ago I reported on a unique drug, Neo40, which has now been approved by Health Canada. To find out more about Neo40, now available in health food stores, I interviewed Dr. Nathan Bryan, Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Texas Health Center in Houston and creator of the formula.

G-J – “What is Neo40?”

NB – “Neo40 is a lozenge that contains L-Citrulline, an amino acid derived from protein, Vitamin C, beet root and hawthorn, a potent combination that produces nitric oxide. Early in life our bodies manufacture large amounts of nitric oxide (NO). But after age 40 production of NO decreases. This sets the stage for hypertension, kidney dysfunction, diabetes, heart attack or stroke, just to name a few major illnesses. It’s called the “miracle molecule” because it helps so many diverse problems.”

G-J – “But is there science behind its claims?”

NB – “The discovery of NO resulted in a Nobel Prize for three U.S. scientists and now over 130,000 scientific papers about this molecule have been published in medical literature. NO is produced in the inner lining of all blood vessels. Lay a single layer of these cells on a flat surface and it would occupy a soccer field. The cells cause arteries to relax, thus lowering blood pressure. But with insufficient NO, arteries constrict, resulting in hypertension, bringing increased pressure in the heart and other organs.”

G-J – “But there must be more to NO than the dilation of blood vessels.”

NB – “Experiments show that NO prevents blood platelets from sticking together, decreases plaque formation and chronic inflammation in arteries, all factors that increase the risk of heart attack. Other research shows NO lowers triglycerides, bad cholesterol, and raises good cholesterol. And it prevents bone destruction from osteoclasts.”

G-J – “Can N0 help the epidemic of type 2 diabetes?”

NB – “High blood sugar destroys the circulatory system and 50 per cent of diabetes patients die of heart attack. Diabetes causes insulin resistance which makes it hard for glucose to enter cells. Raising NO levels helps to control these problems and also decreases the risk of diabetic ulcers and gangrene of the legs by improving blood flow.”

G-J – “Does NO help other conditions?”

NB – “Many people suffer from glaucoma, increased pressure in the eye. This is caused by a clogged trabecular meshwork that drains fluid from the eye. Hungarian researchers report that NO may benefit this problem.”

NB – “Twenty-seven million Americans also suffer from asthma and its inflamed, constricted, mucous-clogged airways. Experts say it’s due to pollution, allergies and stress. Now research at Hammersmith Hospital in London, England, reports that NO helps to maintain a biochemical balance in air passages and that it could be helpful in treating inflamed airways. Another Dutch study reports that NO can calm nerves in tightened airways and relax muscles.”

G-J – “Can patients increase the production of NO by natural means?”

NB – “The big problem is that obesity decreases NO and 50 per cent of the population is overweight, so for them it’s difficult to increase NO by dietary measures. Exercise can also boost NO levels, but people with endothelial dysfunction don’t produce the same amount of NO during exercise as healthy people. We know that weight-loss surgery can boost N0 by as much as 40 per cent. But this is a radical and risky way to lose weight.”

G-J – “Are foods helpful?”

NB – “Leafy green vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, arugula, spinach, chicory, wild radish and bok choy are all high sources of bioactive NO. Dark chocolate and wine also increase NO.”

G-J – “What about the use of supplements?”

NB – “Neo40 is the only answer if people refuse to change their lifestyle. This is one lozenge that must be dissolved slowly in the mouth twice a day until NO increases and then used once a day. Neo40 is supplied with a quick saliva test to determine the current level of nitric oxide.”

G-J – “Dr. Bryan, it’s been a pleasure to learn of your work at the Institute of Molecular Medicine. I’ll consider your advice about bok choy. But it will be difficult to say no to one of your Texas steaks!”

For more information see www.neogenis.com. For information, visit www.docgiff.com.