Replied by Art from California on 01/28/2022

Hi Lori,

I think this is referencing a 2007 study in mice.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC1952618/

Since that study, rat studies have shown benefit for pulmonary hypertension with the use of NAC.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5996671/

As for humans, there are no long term studies that replicate the mice study, that I could find. Considering the number of people who use NAC regularly as part of their supplement regimens over the long term for health issues such as COPD, Cystic Fibrosis or chronic bronchitis, if pulmonary hypertension was an issue with long term use of NAC, it seems that it would have been exposed a long time ago. The following human study does not show that NAC causes pulmonary hypertension in Cystic Fibrosis patients with longer term use.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1569199314002082

On the other hand, the following article suggests that NAC may be of benefit in people who have pulmonary hypertension:

https://pulmonaryhypertensionnews.com/2014/06/20/nutritional-supplement-nac-studied-ph-treatment/

If you are not comfortable with using NAC, there are alternatives such as Alpha Lipoic Acid or Melatonin which both have very good safety profiles, as does NAC.

Art

Replied by Lori from Queens on 01/28/2022

Thanks, Art. I used Ala before but had the worst headache, as for melatonin, I wasn't aware that this helps with blood pressure….appreciate you taking the time to respond to my post. Have a great weekend.

Replied by Art from California on 01/28/2022

Yes, melatonin is noted for having blood pressure lowering effects, but I have not noticed this effect myself at doses as high as 180 mg/day, nor did I notice the blood pressure lowering effect of NAC at dosing as high as 2400 mg/day.

You may find the following article of interest regarding natural means of lowering blood pressure :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5338151/

On a related note, I did find significant blood pressure lowering effects of Arginine in combination with NAC and have posted this previously on EC. Using arginine alone gave no benefit and using NAC alone gave no benefit. On the downside, I also found that the regular use of Arginine altered my Arginine / Lysine ratio and I found that this caused me to get colds one after another and I suspect it would also cause herpes exacerbations in people with herpes. I also believe it could make you more susceptible to viral infections in general, which in the age of Covid-19 sounds like a really bad idea. To offset this problem, I had to add Lysine to the regimen, which worked, but I found it hard to justify using 3 supplements for one health issue. Here is a link to the study :

https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/31/5/940/29974/Long-Term-N-Acetylcysteine-and-l-Arginine

Also on a related note, I will soon be testing beet root extract for the purpose of trying to lower blood pressure and will report on that when I have further information.

Art

Replied by Lori from Queens on 01/29/2022

Hey Art: forgot to ask you about l citruline safety for blood pressure… saw a couple of posts online that says it's hard on the kidneys . Your input on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Replied by Art from California on 01/29/2022

Lori,

L Citrulline is a precursor for arginine which is at least partially the reason it has BP lowering effects. The other being its effect on increasing NO. These two conversions occur in the kidneys. If you are trying to avoid arginine or not alter the arginine/lysine ratio, this might not be the best way to go, but it has shown potential to at least modestly lower BP.

To answer your question about kidney damage from L Citrulline, there are quite a few studies suggesting kidney protective effects, but L Citrulline can cause an increase in creatinine and that would not be good if you have kidney disease and possibly not aware of it. I think the main issue is when the dosing gets too high as might be seen in body builders. In any case, it is always best to check with your doctor to make sure it is compatible with all medications you are taking.

One main cause of HBP is salt intake. Potassium intake helps to displace salt. Potassium supplements are limited to 99 mg, but you can get potassium from potassium rich foods such as bananas. One large banana has approximately 400 mg of potassium. Here is a list of potassium rich foods :

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-loaded-with-potassium

Potassium can also help blood vessels relax as can magnesium which can all work together to help lower blood pressure. A good absorbable form of magnesium such as magnesium glycinate is also health promoting.

Art

Replied by Betty from CA on 01/29/2022

I have been on L-Citrulline for almost 2 years at 1/2 teaspoon per day.

I have naturally low BP and it remains that way. Renal function based on bloodwork is always really good.

Replied by Lori from Queens on 01/30/2022

Thank you so much, Art… you are very helpful and a blessing to everyone on EC. I actually developed hp after covid became it affected my adrenal glands. So in my case, I have to increase my sea salt and magnesium because that’s how I keep my bp under control because of electrolyte imbalance. Thanks again for all your input. Very much appreciated.

Replied by Lori from Queens on 01/31/2022

Thanks Betty.. appreciate your feedback.