Learn More About Bladder-Control™

Nitric Oxide, the Hottest Substance Around.

Nitric Oxide has received a great deal of attention since it was found to play a critical role in a variety of bodily functions. A Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to three scientists for their work in discovering the role of Nitric Oxide in allowing blood vessels to relax. Portions of this research led to the revolution in treatment of erectile dysfunction. Equally remarkable research is now uncovering the vital role Nitric Oxide plays in normal and abnormal bladder functioning ^1,2.

What does Nitric Oxide Do?

Nitric Oxide acts as a messenger to increase the level of a substance known as cyclic-GMP. This elevation of cyclic-GMP leads to relaxation of smooth muscle. Research now points to a decrease in Nitric Oxide as playing a role in bladder overactivity³. Decreased Nitric Oxide may also be associated with reducing the amount of urine a bladder can hold⁴. Researchers have shown that providing Nitric Oxide from outside sources or from the body itself causes the bladder muscle to relax⁵.

What about giving nitrates by mouth?

It has been found that giving nitrates orally allows the bladder to empty more completely⁵. Scientists found that a certain type of induced bladder hyperactivity could be suppressed by giving Nitric Oxide donors in the bladder⁶.

Does Bladder-Control™ contain Nitric Oxide?

Nitric oxide cannot be provided in a capsule. Bladder-Control™ contains L-Arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid that is converted in the body to Nitric Oxide. It also supplies Ginseng, which enhances the conversion of L-Arginine into Nitric Oxide by Nitric Oxide Synthase. This results in a greater efficiency of the Nitric Oxide pathway, an increase in Nitric Oxide production and support for relaxation of the bladder muscle.

How else does Bladder-Control™ Work?

Bladder-Control™ also contains 5 additional herbs and 1 additional amino acid, integral components of a proprietary blend designed to promote a strong bladder.

Alpinia oxyphylla, Cornus officinalis and Schisandra chinensis are time tested herbs. They have been used for centuries as components of formulas prescribed by herbalists for problems of the urinary tract, including frequent urination, urgent urination and incontinence.

Valerianna officinalis is a tall perennial herb with hollow stems that bear white or reddish flowers. A 1985 study conducted in the Netherlands found that didrovaltrate, and valeranon, components of the herb, produced a pronounced smooth-muscle relaxant effect on parts of the body. The researchers concluded that certain valerian preparations may produce a calming effect indirectly through local spasmolytic activity.

Passiflora incarnata is an herb rich in alkaloids and flavone glycosides. Recent studies have pointed to the flavonoids as the primary constituents responsible for its relaxing and anti-anxiety effects. The effects of Passiflora in earlier studies were believed to be primarily on the nervous system. It is also said to have an anti-spasmodic effect as well.

Methionine is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; acts as a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation. A recent study suggests that Methionine can prevent bacteria from sticking to urinary tract cells, similar to the mechanism thought to be responsible for the effectiveness of Cranberry juice for the bladder⁷.

References:

1. Andersson KE, and Persson K: The L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic relaxation of the lower urinary tract. Gen Pharmacol 24:833-839, 1993.
2. Andersson KE, and Persson K: Nitric oxide synthase and the lower urinary tract: possible implication for physiology and pathophysiology. Scan J Urol Nephrol 29(Suppl):43-52, 1995.
3. Haab, F: Discussion: nitric oxide and bladder overactivity. Urology 55(5A):58-59, 2000.
4. Persson K, Igawa Y, Mattiasson A, et al: Effects of inhibition of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway in the rat lower urinary tract in vivo and in vitro. Br J Pharmacol 107:178-184, 1992.
5. Mumatz, FH, Khan, MA, Thompson, CS, et al: Nitric oxide in the lower urinary tract: physiological and pathological implications. Br J Urol 85:567-578, 2000.
6. Ozawa H, Chancellor MB, Jung SY, et al: Effect of intravesical nitric oxide therapy on cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. J Urol 162:2211-2216, 1999.
7. Funfstuck R, Straube E, Schildbach O, et al: Prevention of reinfection by L-methionine in patients with recurrent urinary tract infection. Med Klin 92:574-581, 1997.