Louis J. Ignarro

In 1998, Dr. Louis Ignarro won the Nobel Prize for Medicine, (along with Robert F. Furchgott and Ferid Murad), for his research discoveries showing the powerful ability of nitric oxide (or NO) to improve cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease. His ground-breaking work— the basis for his 2005 best-selling book, NO More Heart Disease— established Dr. Ignarro as perhaps the world’s leading authority on the nutritional approach to cardiac wellness, along with making possible the development of Viagra. He holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology, is a distinguished professor of pharmacology at UCLA, and is a part-time professor at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Ignarro has spent more than 30 years as a research scientist; seeking to understand the incredible role that nitric oxide plays in fostering optimal human health. One of his most important discoveries was that antioxidants, which reduce cell damage fromfree radicals, also increase nitric oxide levels by protecting blood vessel walls—which secrete nitric oxide—from damage. He has received countless awards in addition to his Nobel Prize, including the 2008 Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Heart Association and the 2007 Medal of Merit from the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences. He edits the journal Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry, sits on numerous scientific advisory boards, and travels the world speaking to professional and lay audiences about the incredible power of nitric oxide.