Topical and oral arginine to cause beneficial effects

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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for delivering a nitric oxide precursor to an area of the body for the purpose of increasing local blood flow.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered forms of L-arginine such as capsules, tablets, liquid or other oral form in dosage sufficient to produce the desired effect.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicles are orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle are orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream of hydrophobic nature containing little or no water, but oils, waxes and other hydrophobic substances, containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes or liposome like structures which contain within them L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide extra force to cause absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as t create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine hydrochloride (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine glutamate (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25%-25%).  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine (0.25% to 25%) and choline chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         13 . A method for warming cool or cold tissue by providing, through means of a delivery vehicle, to the cold or cool tissue an effective dose of a precursor to the endothelial relaxing factor, nitric oxide.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine contained in capsules, tablets, liquid or other oral form in dosage sufficient to cause the desired effect.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, and ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction-with a penetrating cream of hydrophobic nature containing oils, waxes and other hydrophobic materials and little water sufficient to aid in the absorption of the nitric oxide precursor L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a-complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide extra force to cause absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine administered in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine administered in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) administered in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine hydrochloride (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) administered in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine glutamate (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25%-25%).  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 13  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) administered in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine (0.25% to 25%) and choline chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         25 . A method for promoting hair growth on bald scalp, through means of a delivery vehicle, to the bald scalp an effective dose of a precursor to the endothelial relaxing factor, nitric oxide.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine contained in capsules, tablets, liquid or other oral form at a dosage sufficient to obtain the desired effect.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine administered in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, and ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine use in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream of hydrophobic nature containing oils, waxes and other hydrophobic materials and little water sufficient to aid in the absorption of the nitric oxide precursor L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide extra force to cause absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine hydrochloride (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine glutamate (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25%-25%).  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 25  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine (0.25% to 25%) and choline chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         37 . A method for promoting healing of superficial ulcers such as leg ulcers secondary to diabetes or other causes, through means of a delivery vehicle, to the ulcer and the area surrounding it an effective dose of a precursor to the endothelial relaxing factor, nitric oxide.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine in capsules, tablets, liquid or other oral forms in a dosage sufficient to produce the desired effect.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, and ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine administered in conjunction with a penetrating cream of hydrophobic nature containing oils, waxes and other hydrophobic materials and little water sufficient to aid in the absorption of the nitric oxide precursor L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide extra force to cause absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine hydrochloride (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine glutamate (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25%-25%).  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 37  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine (0.25% to 25%) and choline chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         49 . A method for overcoming impotence by delivering to the penis an effective dose of a precursor to the endothelial relaxing factor, nitric oxide.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine in capsules, tablets, liquid or other oral forms in a dosage sufficient to produce the desired effect.  
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, and ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine administered in conjunction with a penetrating cream of hydrophobic nature containing oils, waxes and other hydrophobic materials and little water sufficient to aid in the absorption of the nitric oxide precursor L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion, an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a penetrating cream, a liquid, a lotion an ointment or other topical preparation containing liposomes in which are encapsulated L-arginine, salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide extra force to cause absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose.  
     
     
         57 . The, method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine used in conjunction with a trans-dermal patch or its equivalent where the patch contains L-arginine, a salt or salts of L-arginine, a complex of L-arginine or a derivative of L-arginine in an effective dose in addition to other ionic salts such as to create an ionic strength environment high enough to provide an extra force to cause tissue absorption of the L-arginine species.  
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine hydrochloride (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25% to 25%).  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine glutamate (0.25% to 25%) and sodium chloride (0.25%-25%).  
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 49  where the delivery vehicle is orally administered L-arginine (0.5-30 g/day) used in conjunction with a cream containing water, aloe vera, mineral oil, glycerol stearate, squalene, wheat germ oil, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid/collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D, sorbitan stearate, triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, bha, L-arginine (0.25% to 25%) and choline chloride (0.25% to 25%).