Scientific foundations of TNT Cream

In 1998 three American scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, Ferid Murad, Robert Furchgott and Louis Ignarro * for their discoveries concerning nitric oxide (NO) as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. Prior to thier research, it was believed that nitric oxide was an environmental contaminant. These scientists discovered the power of nitric oxide as a mechanism of increasing circulation, regulating cell functions and killing bacteria. Specifically, their research spotlighted the importance of nitric oxide as a vasodilator, which is defined as a factor which results in vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels. In action, the production of nitric oxide helps to expand the walls

The Importance of L-Arginine

In the human body, the sole amino acid which produces nitric oxide is L-Arginine. Nitric Oxide is produced from L-arginine by the enzymatic action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). This occurs in the endothelium and the NO gas lasts only a few seconds but in that time it expands the capillaries before being absorbed into the smooth muscle or red blood cells.

Thus the importance of L-Arginine to a healthy body can not be understated to a variety of specific bodily functions. As one of the 20 most common amino acids, L-Arginine is naturally found in all healthy humans. However as we age or become sick, other factors may present itself which restricts the mechanism that allows L-Arginine to function creating nitric oxide. This results in vasoconstriction, or the closing of blood vessels. The end result is a lack of blood flow, most notably in the extremities as the body works less efficiently pumping blood.

Groundbreaking research applied to real world problems

In the foot, this restricted blood flow may present itself as toenail fungus. When the body's production of nitric oxide from L-Arginine is impaired, conditions in which the body is no longer able to prevent fungal infection may arise. This is partly because the body's defense system requires an efficient flow of blood to fight disease and regenerate tissue. Because toenail fungal infection generally begins from the tip of the nail and moves to the nail bed, if a toenail is not growing fast enough, fungus can spread.

Another benefit of nitric oxide is that is that it inhibits leukocytes and platelets from adhering to vascular endothelium making their disease fighting powers act more efficiently. Finally it has been shown that L-Arginine also helps produce human growth hormone, further assisting the growth of nails.

Pilot studies show results

Whereas Murad, Furchott and Ignarro's studies were focused primarily on the cardiovascular aspects of the regulatory functions of Nitrous Oxide, Dr. Richard Jacoby built on this information and studied its effects on the human foot and most importantly the toenail. Toenail fungal infection is a disease that affects millions of people in the United States and around the World.

Until recently treatments for infections were largely ineffective using topical (8% cure) treatments or very dangerous using oral treatments. Dr Jacoby decided to use the knowledge gained by researchers on the importance of Nitrous Oxide to cardiovascular health and cell function to use L-Arginine to assist in the treatment of infected nails. Not surprisingly, he found that use of L-Arginine topically, improved nail growth which aids in the creation of new healthy toenails either with supplementary treatment using lasers, or on its own.

Arginine Therapeutics took these insights and developed TNT cream by combining, 40% Urea to soften and debride hyperkertotic nails, Tea Tree Oil to assist in fighting topical bacteria and L-Arginine to help promote circulation and toenail growth. In a 60 day pilot study performed at the Scottsdale Neuropathy Institute on the efficacy of TNT Cream, subjects showed an over 100% increase in the rate of nail growth. Subjects also reported: healthier looking toenails, appearance of nails were less yellow and clearer, and nails were less brittle and easier to clip.