| abstract |
The use of orally administered L-arginine in conjunction with a topical preparation for producing enhanced blood flow in tissue thus causing beneficial effects such as warming cold tissue of the hands and feet, promoting hair growth on bald scalp tissue, promoting healing of superficial ulcers such as leg ulcers in persons with diabetes, and overcoming male erectile failure (impotence) is disclosed. Specifically, use of orally administered L-arginine in conjunction with this is topical preparation provides local delivery of the amino acid L-arginine, an important biological precursor to the main substance which is responsible for relaxation of blood vessels permitting enhancement of blood flow. In the preferred embodiments, the L-arginine is provided so that it can be topically applied to the cold tissue. The preparation also contains an agent which aids in the transfer of L-arginine into the tissue. In the preferred embodiments this agent overcomes the resistance to transfer caused by the high charge density of L-arginine. In the preferred embodiments this means is high ionic strength created by addition of sodium chloride. This preparation, when topically applied to cold tissue, warming begins within 10 to 45 minutes and is sustained for periods as long as 2 to 18 hours. Further this preparation when applied nightly to bald scalp tissue for a period of time causes substantial growth of hair on the bald scalp, causes the healing of superficial ulcers such as leg ulcers and overcomes impotence. |