Palatable arginine compounds and uses thereof for cardiovascular health

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a compound having the structure (I): and acceptable salts, polypeptides, and pro-forms thereof, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: (a) substituted glycerols; wherein n is an integer from 1 to 2; (b) vitamins; wherein n is 1; (c) sterols; wherein n is 1; (d) stanols; wherein n is 1; and (e) C6-C32 alkyl; and (f) C6-C32 alkenyl; wherein n is 1. The present invention is further directed to compositions and kits comprising these compounds as well as methods of using the compounds. The compounds, compositions, kits, and methods herein are useful for providing general health benefits to the consumer, particularly cardiovascular benefits, anti-menopausal benefits and/or treating sexual dysfunction (particularly, erectile dysfunction). Most particularly, the compounds, compositions, kits, and methods herein are useful for providing cardiovascular benefits, including lowering cholesterol in the consumer, treating, preventing, and/or inhibiting heart disease (e.g., atherosclerosis, restenosis, thrombosis) and, for example, treating other conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, poor circulation, and complications associated with diabetes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.