Does Viagra That Boosts Cancer-Fighting Cells?

This article published on FoxNews on November 28, 2011 discusses cancer fighting effects of Viagra.  The article sites a study performed in Germany involving mice genetically engineered to develop melanoma.  Mice drinking water with Viagra in it lived twice as long as the non-Viagra water drinking mice.  The researchers attributed the findings to Viagra improving immune function.

The FoxNews article does not offer an explanation as to why Viagra might improve immune function, but I will offer one here.  NITRIC OXIDE!  Recently we published articles discussing the benefits of nitric oxide – enhance immune function is another of it’s many health benefits.

Viagra and Nitric Oxide

Viagra causes vasodilation in erectile dysfunction by increasing availability of nitric oxide and nitric oxide has long been known to affect immune function (see this review article from 2001 on nitric oxide and immune response).  If nitric oxide is a key to improve immune function in the mice studied then Viagra would not be the only drug or substance that might possess these cancer fighting properties.

Better nutrition (eating foods that enhance nitric oxide production), exercise that increases nitric oxide production, and supplements like L-argrinine, L-citrulline, and NEO40 could be expected to improve immune response as well.

The point is not every problem needs a blue pill.

Related articles:

“What is Nitric Oxide?”

“Nitric Oxide Foods”

“Boosting Nitric Oxide with Exercise”