I always love to understand outliers. Those who are critical players of the divine play yet ignored and cornered. One such element is NO (Nitric Oxide)
NO is recognized as a biological messenger in plants (and also in humans). It is a highly reactive gaseous free radical, soluble in water and lipid.
Due to its high lipophilic (having attraction for lipids, an oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells) nature, it can easily diffuse through membrane and can act as a inter- and intracellular messenger and regulate diverse physiological and bio-chemical processes in plants in a concentration-dependent manner, such as seed dormancy, growth and development, senescence, respiration, photosynthesis,programmed cell death, antioxidant defence system, and so on.
More I read about NO (Nitric Oxide), more I feel elated about my fundamental duty i.e. Gau Protection.
Gau prasad (Milk, Ghee, Gobar, Urine) are primary sources of Nitrate metabolites. The great thing is, they are in digested form. Already outcome of one divine organism i.e. Gau. Digested metabolites are easy to work with. Less usage of Prana against more physio-chemical output.
Nitric Oxide (NO) keeps the arteries in shape. Slows down aging related narrowing and thickening. Primary cause of coronary heart disease.
“Nitric oxide also acts on cardiac muscle to decrease contractility and heart rate. NO contributes to the regulation of cardiac contractility. Emerging evidence suggests that coronary artery disease (CAD) is related to defects in generation or action of NO.”
Brahmcharya also play critical role here. Unrestricted indulgence lead to reduced Prana => Dysfunctional processes => Not enough NO => Rapid aging => Rapid narrowing and thickening of arteries (including coronary) => Premature death.
Moreover, NO also has an ability to act simultaneously with other molecules and signals in plants.
So for plants, it is greatest boon possible. Healthy plants -> food with elevated Sattva -> Reduced Tamas in humans.
Who can help? Gau mata. Panchgavya based farming. You and me by performing Homa using Dung and Ghee received as prasad from mother.
Research
Anti-Atherosclerotic Effect of -Blocker with Nitric OxideReleasing Action on the Severe Atherosclerosis
http://journals.lww.com/cardiovascularpharm/Fulltext/2002/02000/Anti_Atherosclerotic_Effect_of___Blocker_with.17.aspx
It is not completely understood whether nitric oxide donors and β-adrenoceptor antagonists have anti-atherosclerotic effects. The anti-atherosclerotic effects of β-adrenergic receptor antagonists and nitric oxide donors on severe atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol and inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis were determined. Six groups of New Zealand white male rabbits were treated for 10 weeks, under the following regimens: group I: high-cholesterol diet (HCD) (standard diet plus 0.5% cholesterol); group II: HCD plus N G -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase; group III: HCD plus l -NAME and isosorbide dinitrate; group IV: HCD plus l -NAME and nitroglycerin; group V: HCD plus l -NAME and nipradilol (β-blocker with nitric oxide–releasing action); and group VI: HCD plus l -NAME and atenolol (β-blocker). Serum lipid levels did not differ among the six groups. Blood pressure and heart rates were slightly decreased in groups V and VI. The atherosclerotic area and aortic cholesterol increased in l -NAME-treated animals but not in animals in group V. The endothelium-dependent relaxations and basal nitric oxide release were impaired in the l -NAME treatment group, though not in group V, in comparison with those in group I. cGMP in the aorta was increased in groups III, IV, and V as compared with that in group II. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA was decreased in the aortae of l -NAME-treated rabbits and increased in aortae in group V, in comparison with that in group I. Conclusively, nipradilol, β-blocker with nitric oxide–releasing action, in contrast to the other β-blockers and nitric oxide donors, showed a successful anti-atherosclerotic effect through the restoration of nitric oxide bioavailability and possible interaction with oxygen radicals.
This is a rabbit study. Rabbits respond specifically that way to cholestrol by getting atherosclerosis . Rats and monkeys don’t get atherosclerosis from cholestrol. From whatever i have read, the plaque content in humans consist of oxidized cholestrol (so that would unsaturated fats from seed oils), calcium deposits and white blood cells(might be to fight some kind of infection -most likely endotoxin from our own gut bacteria). As far NO is concerned, it does act like a temporary vasolidator but elevated NO is always associated in chronic diseases like cancer, asthma etc. where it could also directly contribute to the pathology .I think with the introduction of viagra, science around NO changed :). Carbon dioxide is the primary vasolidator via the Bohr effect as far as i know. I heard that the L-NAME agent used in the study was being used in clinical trial for cancer in advanced cancer cases in a european country. I will try to find the link and post it .