Nitrogen monoxide is a molecular, chemical compound with chemical formula of NO. One of several oxides of nitrogen, it is a colorless gas under standard conditions. Nitric oxide is a free radical.

Free radicals can be defined as chemical species that contain single unpaired electron in an outer orbit.

In mammals including humans, NO is an important cellular signaling molecule involved in many physiological and pathological processes

Nitric oxide has been shown to be important in the following cellular activities:

+ Help memory and behavior by transmitting information between nerve cells in the brain

＊ Assist the immune system a fighting off bacteria and defending against tumors

＊ Regulate blood pressure by dilating arteries

＊ Reduce inflammation

＊ Improve sleep quality

＊ Increase your recognition of sense (i.e. smell)

＊ Increase endurance and strength

＊ Assist in gastric motility

Nitric oxide and erectile dysfunction

Viagra and other impotence medications work due to their action on the nitric oxide pathway. One cause of impotence is unhealthy and aged arteries that feed blood to the sexual organs. Viagra works by influencing enzymes in the nitric oxide pathway, causing a cascade of enzymatic reactions that enhance nitric oxide, causing more blood flow and better erections

How to increase nitric oxide in your body

The most common way to increase nitric oxide is through exercise. When you run or lift weights, your muscles need more oxygen which is supplied by the blood. As the heart pumps with more pressure to supply the muscles with blood, the lining in your arteries releases nitric oxide into the blood, which relaxes and widens he vessel wall, allowing for more blood to pass through. As we age, our blood vessels and nitric oxide system become less efficient due to free radical damage, inactivity, and poor diet, causing our veins and arteries to deteriorate.