Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs)

OPCs are primarily derived from grape seed, pine bark and red wine. Each source has its own unique structure and exerts its own distinct biological activity, thus research scientists recommend an OPC product that contains a diverse blend of OPCs. Grape seed extract contains 90-95% OPCs, while pine bark extract contains 80-85% OPCs. These are the two most potent sources of OPCs. The third most abundant source of OPCs is red "wine" extract, as it is extracted from the OPC-rich skins and seeds of red grapes. Science shows OPCs' potential benefits include the following areas:

• Cholesterol: In vitro studies show OPCs neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting against oxidation of LDL and promoting healthy cholesterol levels.

• Heart tissue: OPCs help maintain normal heart function.

• Vascular system: OPCs have been found to promote circulation, support healthy aortic tissue, plus improve capillary and microcapillary strength.

• Immune system: OPCs support healthy immune responses. In vitro, OPCs are shown to stimulate the secretion of gamma interferon – a cytokine that boosts immune responses.

• Blood Sugar Maintenance: OPCs from grape seed extract, in combination with niacin-bound chromium, have been found to combat free radical formation and promote healthy blood sugar maintenance.

• Brain tissue: In vitro studies show OPCs from pine bark and grape seed extracts offer protection against cellular damage, including DNA breakage within brain tissue (commonly found with exposure to free radicals and toxic agents).

• Absorption: Isotonic supplements are formulated for 90-95% absorption. Pills or capsules may only deliver 10-40% absorption.

References

• J Med Food. 2003 Winter; 6(4):291-9.; Polyphenolics in grape seeds-biochemistry and functionality.; Shi J, Yu J, Pohorly JE, Kakuda Y.

• Curr Med Chem. 2004 May;11(10):1345-59.; Proanthocyanidins in health care: current and new trends.; Caos P, De Bruyne T, Hermans N, Apers S, Berghe DV, Vlietinck AJ.

• Altern Med Rev. 2003 Nov;8(4):442-50.Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Monograph.; [No authors listed]

• Biochem Pharmacol. 2003 Sep 15;66(6):947-54.; Antioxidant protection of low density lipoprotein by procyanidins: structure/activity relationships.; da Silva Porto PA, Laranjinha JA, de Freitas VA.

• New Phytol. 2005 Jan; 165(1):9-28; Proanthocyanidins -- a final frontier in flavonoid research? Dixon RA, Xie DY, Sharma SB.

• ISSN 1007-9327 CN 14-1219/R World J Gastroenterol 2005 August 14;11(30): 4674-4678 Anticancer effects of oligomeric proanthocyanidins on human colorectal cancer cell line, SNU-C4; Youn-Jung Kim, Hae-Jeong Park, Seo-Hyun Yoon, Mi-Ja Kim, Kang-Hyun Leem, Joo-Ho Chung, Hye-Kyung Kim H.

• J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Dec 29;52(26):7872-83.; Proteomics analysis of rat brain protein modulations by grapeseed extract.; Deshane J, Chaves L, Sarikonda KV, Isbell S, Wilson L, Kirk M, Grubbs C, Barnes S, Meleth S, Kim H.

• J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Oct 20; 52(21): 6433-42.Effective separation of potent antiproliferation and antiadhesion components from wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) fruits.

• Clin Sci (Lond). 2004 Nov; 107(5):513-7. The procyanidin-induced pseudo laminarshear stress response: a new concept for the reversal of endothelialdysfunction.; Corder R, Warburton RC, Khan NQ, Brown RE, Wood EG, Lees DM.;Schmidt BM, Howell AB, McEniry B, Knight CT, Seigler D, Erdman JW Jr, Lila MA.

• Res Vet Sci. 2004 Dec; 77(3): 239-43.; Green tea flavan-3-ols and oligomeric proanthocyanidins inhibit the motility of infective larvae of Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in vitro.; Molan AL, Sivakumaran S, Spencer PA, Meagher LP.

• Endocrinology. 2004 Nov; 145(11):4985-90. Epub 2004 Jul 22. Grapeseed-derived procyanidins have an antihyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabeticrats and insulinomimetic activity in insulin-sensitive cell lines.; Pinent M, Blay M, Blade MC, Salvado MJ, Arola L, Ardevol A.