Oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC) is a class of flavonoids that has high antioxidant properties. The discovery was made in 1948 by Jacques Masquelier who isolated that substance – OPC from peanut skin, and subsequently developed techniques for its extraction from pine bark and grape seed, both were waste products of the lumber and winemaking industry then.
This naturally occurring plant metabolites are present on the skin, seeds and seed coverings of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flowers and bark. Cocoa beans, grape seed extract and pine bark extract contain the highest concentrations, and also abundantly found in apples, cinnamon, cocoa beans, red wines, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea and acai berry.
As an antioxidant....
Studies have shown that OPCs are 20 times more potent than Vitamin C and 50 times more potent than Vitamin E, both are also water-soluble antioxidants. Given this unique quality, they are able to penetrate into stubborn blood-brain barriers found in the brain and nervous system. Such benefits can be extended to the trillion of cells in our body as well.
Health benefits
Hence, foods rich in proanthocyanidins have high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) or rapid absorption, suitable for promoting health benefits relating to weight management, cellular health and cardiovascular health. ORAC values measure the antioxidant activity both chemically and physiologically. Thus it promotes the development of normal cells and inhibits the growth of abnormal cells.
+ Proanthocyanidins are the principal vasoactive polyphenols in red wine associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and to lower overall mortality because they can suppress production of a protein endothelin-1 that constricts blood vessels. By so doing, they support the heart function by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol level by protecting against lipid perioxidation (rancidity of fat in cell membranes).
+ Proanthocyanidins have antioxidant activity that protects capillaries by neutralising free radicals that contribute to the breakdown of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (responsible for fibrous breakup) thus aid in strengthening all the blood vessels, reducing inflammation and improving the delivery of oxygen to the cells. This is useful in preventing vascular disorder like varicose veins and fragile capillaries. One large study found some evidence that use of OPCs from pine bark (pycnogenol) might help to prevent the leg blood clots that can develop on a long airplane.
+ As it penetrates the bloodstream fast and supports blood platelet flow, eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That is because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue.
+ Studies have shown their ability to improve micro-circulation, retinal edema and visual acuity in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy by normalizing blood glucose levels and delaying sugar absorption. For normal maintenance, they provide supportive nutrients to promote better vision health.
+ Evidence from one small, double-blind trial suggests that OPCs from bilberry and grape seed may reduce the general fluid retention and swelling that can occur in premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
+ Some studies suggest OPCs from pine bark alone or with arginine, may be helpful for erectile dysfunction (impotence). In a clinical trial, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 124 men (aged 30-50) with moderate erectile dysfunction were randomized to take Prelox (a formulation of pine bark extract and arginine) or placebo for 6 months. The men who took Prelox experienced improvement in their condition over placebo.
+ Those suffering from respiratory conditions such as allergies, sinusitis and asthma would benefit as OPCs help to inhibit the production of histamine and reduce the sensitivity of allergens and inflammation in the body.
+ Their oxidative reactions in the body can help to counteract against the effects of internal and environmental stresses as well as supporting normal metabolic processes. Note as many as 60,000 chemical toxins of different kinds enter our body at different time, including cigarette smoke, car exhaust vapors from cleaning fluids and solvents, chemical agents, a variety of chemical food additives such as preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, emulsifiers, lubricants, bleaching agents, flavor enhancers and synthetic sweeteners.
Word of caution
OPCs may have some anticoagulant properties when taken in high doses, and therefore should be used only under medical supervision by individuals on blood-thinner drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), pentoxifylline (Trental), or aspirin.
Source: http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21765
VIVA corner
VIVA Cellpex is a powerful antioxidant formulation that contains the two important OPC nutrients, namely grape seed extract and pine bark extract. The seeds of the white grapes are of high water-soluble nature enabling easy absorption by the body.
A third vital ingredient is milk thistle, known to help to prevent a variety of liver diseases like Hepatitis B, C, cirrhosis and fatty liver. Its components - silymarin and silibinin have two therapeutic mechanisms. First, they alter the structure of the outer cell membrane of the hepatocyte to prevent penetration of liver poison into the interior of the cell. Second, they stimulate the action of nucleolar polymerase A, resulting in an increase in ribosomal protein synthesis, thus stimulating the regenerative ability of the liver and the formation of new hepatocytes. This is vital for liver damage cases in helping to stimulate the growth of liver cells to replenish the outgoing ones. Another benefit is to help in the conversion of LDL (bad) cholesterol into HDL (good) cholesterol.
Other ingredients include decaffeinated green tea extract, L-arginine, rosehips, white willow bark extract, digestive enzymes, boswellia extract and tomato lycopene that carry a host of health benefits.
* L-Arginine
- An amino acid which has marked effects on several major endocrine hormones and plays an important role in muscle growth and wound healing.
- It helps to regulate and support key components of the immune system. Research indicates it stimulates the thymus gland and promotes the production of lymphocytes (crucial for immunity). This enables the body to fight infection and boost immunity due to its anti-tumor properties.
- Its anti-cancer properties has been proven to work on breast cancer patients.
- Also, clinical studies showed that it improved sperm motility in infertile men and had positive effects in heart failure patients.
* Botanical Pancreatin
- The vegetarian digestive enzymes present, help with the absorption of nutrients from food -
+ Protease – breaks down the peptide bonds in proteins
+ Amylase – breaks down carbohydrates including major sugars (sucrose, fructose and lactose)
+ Lipase – breaks down fats and lipids, oils, phospholipids and sterols (cholesterol)
* Lycopene
A natural carotenoid (similar to beta-carotene) from tomatoes contains powerful antioxidant properties and bioactive phytonutrients
- Reduces oxidative stress and thereby susceptibility to degenerative diseases
- Protects the prostate, digestive tract and against radiation damage
* Decaffeinated green tea extract
This extract from green tea contains phenolic bioflavonoids, much essential for stability and absorption of vitamin C. Rich in phytochemicals and minerals, it also contains vitamins B1, B2, B5 and C.
- Protects against digestive dysfunction
- Reduces carcinogenic DNA damage
- Relaxes the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract for easy breathing and protects against respiratory dysfunction
- Blocks estrogen receptor sites in cells with its polyphenols compound and protects tissues from estrogenic activity
- Helps prevent viruses from replicating
* Rosehips
The fruit of the rose contains bioflavonoids, citric acid, malic acid, tannins, zinc, vitamin A, B3, C, D and E.
- Protects the bladder against all infections
- Reduces the effect of diarrhoea
- Supports immune system functions
* White willow bark extract
The bark extract contains phytochemicals like quercetin, tannin, beta-carotene, minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. Certain compounds are used to make aspirin, providing quick pain relief.
- Inhibits the activity of enzymes associated with the production of inflammatory molecules, and thus eases general discomforts
- Relieve pain such as headache, backache, nerve pain, joint pain, menstrual cramps, toothache and injuries
* Boswellia extract
A gum resin from the Boswellia serrata tree that acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antifungal and antibacterial. Used topically as pain relief for arthritis, gout, low back pain and fibromyalgia. Traditionally used as a remedy for obesity, diarrhoea, dysentery, pulmonary diseases, ringworm and boils.
- Rejuvenates the skin by inducing new cell development and helps oil production in dry skin
- Lowers cholesterol and protects the liver
- Stimulates blood circulation and repairs blood vessels damaged by inflammation
Overall functions
+ Supports the liver’s detoxifying function
+ Increases cellular regeneration by stimulating protein synthesis (best results combine with VIVA Ageguard)
+ Improves circulation and enhances cardiovascular health
+ Participates in enzymatic and hormonal activity
+ Assists in absorption of nutrients from food with its vegetarian digestive enzymes
+ Reduces oxidative stress which causes cancer, degenerative diseases, weakened immune system and aging.
As an antioxidant....
Health benefits
Hence, foods rich in proanthocyanidins have high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) or rapid absorption, suitable for promoting health benefits relating to weight management, cellular health and cardiovascular health. ORAC values measure the antioxidant activity both chemically and physiologically. Thus it promotes the development of normal cells and inhibits the growth of abnormal cells.
+ Proanthocyanidins are the principal vasoactive polyphenols in red wine associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and to lower overall mortality because they can suppress production of a protein endothelin-1 that constricts blood vessels. By so doing, they support the heart function by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol level by protecting against lipid perioxidation (rancidity of fat in cell membranes).
+ Proanthocyanidins have antioxidant activity that protects capillaries by neutralising free radicals that contribute to the breakdown of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (responsible for fibrous breakup) thus aid in strengthening all the blood vessels, reducing inflammation and improving the delivery of oxygen to the cells. This is useful in preventing vascular disorder like varicose veins and fragile capillaries. One large study found some evidence that use of OPCs from pine bark (pycnogenol) might help to prevent the leg blood clots that can develop on a long airplane.
+ Studies have shown their ability to improve micro-circulation, retinal edema and visual acuity in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy by normalizing blood glucose levels and delaying sugar absorption. For normal maintenance, they provide supportive nutrients to promote better vision health.
+ Evidence from one small, double-blind trial suggests that OPCs from bilberry and grape seed may reduce the general fluid retention and swelling that can occur in premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
+ Some studies suggest OPCs from pine bark alone or with arginine, may be helpful for erectile dysfunction (impotence). In a clinical trial, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 124 men (aged 30-50) with moderate erectile dysfunction were randomized to take Prelox (a formulation of pine bark extract and arginine) or placebo for 6 months. The men who took Prelox experienced improvement in their condition over placebo.
+ Those suffering from respiratory conditions such as allergies, sinusitis and asthma would benefit as OPCs help to inhibit the production of histamine and reduce the sensitivity of allergens and inflammation in the body.
Word of caution
OPCs may have some anticoagulant properties when taken in high doses, and therefore should be used only under medical supervision by individuals on blood-thinner drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), pentoxifylline (Trental), or aspirin.
Source: http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21765
VIVA corner
A third vital ingredient is milk thistle, known to help to prevent a variety of liver diseases like Hepatitis B, C, cirrhosis and fatty liver. Its components - silymarin and silibinin have two therapeutic mechanisms. First, they alter the structure of the outer cell membrane of the hepatocyte to prevent penetration of liver poison into the interior of the cell. Second, they stimulate the action of nucleolar polymerase A, resulting in an increase in ribosomal protein synthesis, thus stimulating the regenerative ability of the liver and the formation of new hepatocytes. This is vital for liver damage cases in helping to stimulate the growth of liver cells to replenish the outgoing ones. Another benefit is to help in the conversion of LDL (bad) cholesterol into HDL (good) cholesterol.
Other ingredients include decaffeinated green tea extract, L-arginine, rosehips, white willow bark extract, digestive enzymes, boswellia extract and tomato lycopene that carry a host of health benefits.
* L-Arginine
- An amino acid which has marked effects on several major endocrine hormones and plays an important role in muscle growth and wound healing.
- It helps to regulate and support key components of the immune system. Research indicates it stimulates the thymus gland and promotes the production of lymphocytes (crucial for immunity). This enables the body to fight infection and boost immunity due to its anti-tumor properties.
- Its anti-cancer properties has been proven to work on breast cancer patients.
- Also, clinical studies showed that it improved sperm motility in infertile men and had positive effects in heart failure patients.
| Amount Per 2 Tablets | % Daily Value* | |
| Potassium (as potassium citrate) |
75 mg
|
2%
|
| Grape seed extract | 50 mg |
*
|
| Pine bark extract | 25 mg | * |
| Decaffeinated green tea extract | 60 mg | * |
| Milk thistle extract | 50 mg | * |
| L-arginine | 50 mg | * |
| Rosehips | 40 mg | * |
| White willow bark extract | 40 mg | * |
| Digestive enzymes (Botanical pancreatin) | 37.5 mg | * |
| Protease | 4000 USP units | * |
| Amylase | 4000 USP units | * |
| Lipase | 300 USP units | * |
| Boswellia extract | 30 mg | * |
| Tomato lycopene | 20 mg |
* Botanical Pancreatin
- The vegetarian digestive enzymes present, help with the absorption of nutrients from food -
+ Protease – breaks down the peptide bonds in proteins
+ Amylase – breaks down carbohydrates including major sugars (sucrose, fructose and lactose)
+ Lipase – breaks down fats and lipids, oils, phospholipids and sterols (cholesterol)
* Lycopene
A natural carotenoid (similar to beta-carotene) from tomatoes contains powerful antioxidant properties and bioactive phytonutrients
- Reduces oxidative stress and thereby susceptibility to degenerative diseases
- Protects the prostate, digestive tract and against radiation damage
* Decaffeinated green tea extract
This extract from green tea contains phenolic bioflavonoids, much essential for stability and absorption of vitamin C. Rich in phytochemicals and minerals, it also contains vitamins B1, B2, B5 and C.
- Protects against digestive dysfunction
- Reduces carcinogenic DNA damage
- Relaxes the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract for easy breathing and protects against respiratory dysfunction
- Blocks estrogen receptor sites in cells with its polyphenols compound and protects tissues from estrogenic activity
- Helps prevent viruses from replicating
* Rosehips
The fruit of the rose contains bioflavonoids, citric acid, malic acid, tannins, zinc, vitamin A, B3, C, D and E.
- Protects the bladder against all infections
- Reduces the effect of diarrhoea
- Supports immune system functions
* White willow bark extract
The bark extract contains phytochemicals like quercetin, tannin, beta-carotene, minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. Certain compounds are used to make aspirin, providing quick pain relief.
- Inhibits the activity of enzymes associated with the production of inflammatory molecules, and thus eases general discomforts
- Relieve pain such as headache, backache, nerve pain, joint pain, menstrual cramps, toothache and injuries
* Boswellia extract
A gum resin from the Boswellia serrata tree that acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antifungal and antibacterial. Used topically as pain relief for arthritis, gout, low back pain and fibromyalgia. Traditionally used as a remedy for obesity, diarrhoea, dysentery, pulmonary diseases, ringworm and boils.
- Rejuvenates the skin by inducing new cell development and helps oil production in dry skin
- Lowers cholesterol and protects the liver
- Stimulates blood circulation and repairs blood vessels damaged by inflammation
Overall functions
+ Increases cellular regeneration by stimulating protein synthesis (best results combine with VIVA Ageguard)
+ Improves circulation and enhances cardiovascular health
+ Participates in enzymatic and hormonal activity
+ Assists in absorption of nutrients from food with its vegetarian digestive enzymes
+ Reduces oxidative stress which causes cancer, degenerative diseases, weakened immune system and aging.
Who should use more?
- Drinkers
- Smokers
- Patients on drug medications
- Liver damage patients
As the active ingredients are plant-based with extracts in high concentration working in harmony, much therapeutic benefits can be derived naturally. The essence is quick absorption by our trillion of cells for optimal effect, without the accompanying side effect of drugs.
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