OPC(Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins)-3 Review

Q: For 11 years I have been getting from two to nine sores on my body and finally was diagnosed with a mild case of vasculitis of the skin. I’ve been on antibiotics for almost a year now. Can you recommend anything else?

A: Vasculitis is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels that can affect any number of organs, including the skin. The sores that you get result from leakages of blood from damaged blood vessels. The cause of vasculitis is unknown, but there is probably an autoimmune aspect to it. That is, the immune systemdefine is mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Vasculitis can occur on its own or be a component of other autoimmune disorders such as lupus. In addition to localized injury, patients with vasculitis often experience generalized symptoms: fevers, weight loss, fatigue, and diffuse aches and pains.

Because vasculitis appears to be autoimmune in nature and is not an infectious disease, antibiotics (which work against bacteria) are unlikely to help. The conventional medical treatments for autoimmune disorders are steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs that are useful for short-term management
of the worst crises but can cause terrible toxicity when they are used long term. Instead, I recommend several measures that can bring about dramatic improvement in patients with autoimmune disorders. First, follow my anti-inflammatory diet.

In particular:

* Eliminate cow’s milk and cow’s milk products (substitute other calcium sources).

* Eat more fruits and vegetables
(make sure that they are organically grown).

* Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods (such as deep-fried foods) that might contain trans-fatty acids. Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.

* Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Take two to three grams of fish oil a day.

Several supplements can also help:

* Take anti-inflammatory herbs such as ginger and turmeric. Try my new unsweetened turmeric tea. Take Zyflamend, a combination of ginger, turmeric and other botanicals with anti-inflammatory properties.

* Consider taking grape seed extract, a source of powerful antioxidant compounds called OPCS (oligomeric proanthocyanidins). Research has shown these compounds to be useful in protecting blood vessels, making them more elastic and less likely to leak.

Aside from dietary measures, note that:

* Because autoimmune diseases tend to flare up in response to emotional ups and downs, I suggest that you also try some form of mind/body treatment — hypnosis may be especially helpful. Psychotherapy, biofeedback and guided imagery are other good options.

* You might try consulting a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine
. I have seen this system produce good results with vasculitis and other forms of autoimmunity.

“Ask Dr. Weil” does not provide specific medical advice and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health-care professional. You should always consult your physician to discuss specific symptoms and conditions.

COPYRIGHT 2009 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE and Weil Lifestyle, LLC

Grapes have a long and abundant history. While they’ve grown wild since prehistoric times, evidence suggests they were cultivated in Asia as early as 5000 BC. The grape also played a role in numerous religious stories, being referred to as the “fruit of the vine.” Grapes were also pictured in hieroglyphics in ancient Egyptian burial tombs.

The fruit grows in clusters of 6 to 300, and can be of a wide range of colors including black, dark blue, yellow, green, crimson, and pink. The grape skin contains many of the fruit’s vital nutrients.

Grapes can be eaten raw or used for making jam, juice, jelly, vinegar, wine, grape seed extracts and grape seed oil.

Health benefits

A one cup serving of grapes yields 57 calories, 6 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbohydrates, 2 mg of sodium, 1 gram of dietary fiber and vitamins A and C. Grape seeds, grape skin, and grape juice contain several types of polyphenols, including resveratrol, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Flavonoids, an amazing array of over 6,000 different substances found in virtually all plants, are responsible for many of the plant color, the stronger the color, the higher the concentration of flavonoids.

Protecting against heart disease

Grapes and products made from grapes, such as wine and grape juice, may protect from their high-fat diets. Diets high in saturated fats like butter and lard, and lifestyle habits like smoking are risk factors for heart disease. Yet, the French that have these habits have a lower risk of heart attack than Americans do. One clue that may help explain this “French paradox” is their frequent consumption of grapes and in various forms.

Two flavonoid quercitin, and resveratrol appear to decrease the risk of heart disease by, Reducing platelet clumping and harmful blood clots and Protecting LDL cholesterol from the free radical damage that initiates LDL’s artery-damaging actions.

May help battle obesity

According to a new study, resveratrol reduces the number of fat cells and may one day be used to treat or prevent obesity. is consistent with the theory that the resveratrol in red wine explains the French paradox, the observation that French people eat a relatively high-fat diet but have a low death rate from heart disease.

Protecting against cancer

Recently, several studies have also identified resveratrol as an excellent candidate for use as a cancer-preventive agent in prostate, lung, liver and breast cancer. Resveratrol has demonstrated striking inhibitory effects on the cellular events involved in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, and its safety in animal studies of cancer development resulting from exposure to chemical toxins is excellent.

Minimize brain damage in stroke victims

A stroke can happen in a matter of seconds, but can incapacitate people for the rest of their lives. Strokes are sudden, quick and, in many cases, permanent.

When a stroke happens due to a blockage of blood flow to the brain, no oxygen or nutrients can enter the affected region of the brain. Soon after, neurons in the affected area of the brain begin to release excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters that encourage calcium to move into the neurons. This calcium influx generates “reactive oxygen species,” or “free radicals,” that can be very damaging. Studies with animal models indicate that the influx of calcium and generation of free radicals can result in delayed cell death, a process that occurs over the next few days. Resveratrol can absorb the free radicals and stop them from doing any further damage to the brain or individual cells.

Grape seed extract is a naturally occurring plant substance that contains a concentrated source of antioxidant nutrients known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins more commonly known as OPCs. These antioxidants can help protect against the effects of internal and external stresses. Scientists have demonstrated that OPCs, are more powerful antioxidants than vitamins C, E and beta-carotene.

More than 90 research presentations, publications and abstracts have been reported the health benefits regarding grape seed extract focusing on areas related to antioxidant activity, cardiovascular health, gastric health and anti-inflammatory properties.

You would reportedly have to eat large amounts of grape seeds to get the same benefit of manufactured grape seed extract

Grape seed extracts could be tainted with chemicals that result from the antioxidant extraction technique. Some brands use chemical solvents for extraction, which can alter the integrity of proanthocyanidins or leave residues.

Grape seed oil

As early as in the Middle Ages, it was known that high-value edible oil can be obtained from grape seeds by cold-pressing. This oil, which is a by-product of wine, was further employed as an effective agent in cosmetics and as a remedy for treating small wounds, such as burns and skin lesions, and for the treatment of chapped skin. The traditional method of grape seed cold-pressing has completely fallen into oblivion and was replaced by modern extraction methods.

Extracting grape seed oil is more difficult than other oils because the grape itself is small, has a hard shell, and contains only a small amount of oil, only 16-21 percent of the grape seed is oil. This actually contributes to the nutritional value of the oil since the seeds are well protected against, agricultural sprays such as pesticides.

Grape seed oil has a high concentration of the anti-oxidant Vitamin E. It is also a highly concentrated source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid also known as omega-6 acid. This fatty acid is important for normal cell metabolism and maintenance. Furthermore, the oil is naturally cholesterol free and among cooking oils, it contains one of the lowest levels of saturated fat, only fiver percent.

In all products grape seed oil is a preferred cosmetic ingredient for damaged tissues because it possesses regenerative and restructuring qualities which allow a better control of skin moisturization.

Threatened future of grapes in Yemen

Forty years ago, Yemen was rich in natural resources. The country was practically self-sufficient in cereal and other crop supplies. Today that is not the case.

Among Yemen’s top two most valued food assets, alongside with coffee, the production of grapes is under threat from climate change and urbanization.

Discouraged by a looming poverty, Yemeni farmers have progressively traded their vulnerable food crops for qat, considered a much more profitable commodity.

Rawdha, just 7 km north of Sana’a, being so close to Sana’a, is suffering the results of rapid urbanization, in terms of the survival of its famed grapes Large government infrastructure projects, military and civilian, are consuming large tracts of rich agriculture land, where there are existing farms, that provide the livelihood for hundreds of families, and where these grapes are grown.

Tips for consumption

If you are not going to consume the whole bunch at one time, use scissors to separate small clusters of grapes from the stem instead of removing individual grapes.

This will help keep the remaining grapes fresher by preventing the stem from drying out.

If you are drinking grape juice for health benefits, avoid products labeled as grape “drinks.” This is often an imitation high-sugar product with little real grape juice.

Research conducted at the in Austria suggests that as fruits fully ripen, almost to the point of spoilage, their antioxidant levels actually increase hence their health value.

Since grapes tend to spoil and ferment at room temperature, they should always be stored in the refrigerator.

Loosely wrap unwashed grapes in a paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.

This way, they’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for several days.

http://yementimes.com/print_article.shtml?i=1220&p=health&a=1

The History of Pycnogenols (or Proanthocyanidins)

In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier was leading an expedition up the St. Lawrence River in Canada where he and his men were trapped by bad weather. Cartier and his crew tried to subsist on biscuits and salted meat, but lacking fresh fruit and vegetables, his crew fell victim to scurvy.  Some 25 crewmembers died before friendly Quebec Indians rescued the sailors, including Cartier. Cartier observed that the group of Indians was the same he had seen 10 or 12 days before suffering from the same illness that affected his crew. Now they appeared healthy and alert. One of the Indians named Agaya informed Cartier that he was cured by the liquid and residue from the leaves of a pine tree. In less than a week Cartier’s crew was cured as well.

More than 400 years later, Jacques Masquelier read Cartier’s diary and launched his own research. Eventually the doctor came upon the discovery of a whole new subclass of bioflavonoids called flavones when he closely examined the pine bark. These flavones molecules are called Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

Dr. Masquelier laid the foundation for much research into OPCs, a powerful combination of grape seed extract red wine extract and pine bark extract.

OPC-3^™

Free radicals are produced in the human body because of normal occurrences in our lives such as eating processed foods, breathing and exposure to toxins. For example, while sitting in the sunlight, a person can be exposed to ultraviolet B radiation, an ionizing radiation that damages skin cells by stripping electrons from atoms in small and large molecules. Atoms left with unbalanced (unpaired) electrons then become free radicals. OPC-3^™ neutralizes these free radicals and stops internal destruction. The ingredients of OPC-3^™ have been tested for decades at centers including the Pasteur Institute in Lyon, France and Cytotest Cell Research in Darmstadt, Germany. OPC-3^™ has been found to be non-toxic, non-teratogenic, non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, and non-antigenic.

OPCs Outstanding Safety Record

OPCs have been used in Europe under medical supervision for over 30 years with no reports of adverse effects. Over one million people worldwide use these valuable bioflavonoids daily. OPCs have been tested for safety by conventional scientific methods at leading research centers worldwide, including the Pasteur Institute.

The OPC-3^™ Advantage

OPC-3^™ contains a combination of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) from sources that include grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts. The grape seed extract is the superior source of OPCs, containing 92% of active ingredients compared to pine bark’s 84% of active OPC ingredients*. The red wine extract contains flavonoids called leucocyanidins from the skin of red grapes. Leucocyanidins are bioflavonoids with powerful antioxidant properties crucial to their role in supporting the circulatory system. OPC-3^™ also contains bilberry and citrus extracts, which are known to have effects of vision and histamine release, respectively. Together, this combination of OPCs is superior to any OPC product on the market in active ingredients and isotonic capability. This powerful formula will be delivered to your system the way nature intended it to be – in an isotonic solution that maximizes absorption. OPC-3^™ has a pleasant natural grape flavor, is a vegetarian product, and mixes instantly when added to water. This product should be taken on an empty stomach for the fastest, most effective delivery of the active ingredient.

*Percentages established by D. Marie-Claude Dumon, University of Bordeaux, France.

How OPC-3^™ Works

Our bodies are made up of molecules held together by electromagnetic forces. These chemical bonds are created with paired electrons. Free radicals are unstable molecules that have lost an electron and are unbalanced. Free radicals seek to replace the lost electron by randomly attacking nearby molecules and extracting desired electrons. One free radical can damage a million or more molecules in a chain reaction referred to as radical propagation, which leads to oxidative stress. Uncontrolled oxidation is very destructive. It is analogous to effects we see in our environment, such as the rusting of metal, the rotting of meat, the browning of apples or the hardening of old rubber. Oxidation in our body by free radicals is thought to be responsible for premature aging, wrinkling of skin, hardening of arteries, stiffening of joints, formation of cataracts, the initiation of cancer and much more. We are constantly exposed to free radicals via such processes as antimicrobial activity by white blood cells and the absorption of chemical additives in our foods. Our ability to fight free radical damage effectively is compromised by our inadequate nutritional choices or diets that contain limited amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidant supplementation is necessary if we are unable to reduce our exposure to free radicals, but wish to counter their effect. OPCs should be taken in conjunction with foods or dietary supplements rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium.

Things to Know About OPC-3^™

What is OPC-3^™?

OPC-3^™ is a natural food supplement that is made up of a combination of three very powerful bioflavonoids known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, referred to as OPC.  They are: grape seed extract red wine extract and pine bark extract. These are natural plant products, often referred to as bioflavonoids, and can also be found in cranberries, peanuts and citrus peels. They have been shown to have powerful free radical scavenging activity.

What are Bioflavonoids?

Bioflavonoids are a group of low molecular weight plant substances with recognized antioxidant properties and with the ability to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes that cause inflammation in the body. Bioflavonoids are complex organic plant compounds found mostly in fruits and vegetables. They function as a co-factor or helper to the body’s immune response to inflammation, allergy and infection.

Are oligomeric proanthocyanidins toxic?

Not at all. They are non-toxic, non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, and non-teratogenic (i.e., do not cause birth defects).

Why should I be afraid of free radicals?

Free radicals cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Damage caused by free radicals contributes to premature aging, the development of stiff joints and wrinkled skin. Free radical damage also plays a part in the degenerative diseases we associate with aging, such as arthritis, circulatory disorders, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and others.

What does OPC-3^™ do?

It delivers a powerful combination of natural free radical scavengers. OPCs can help to regenerate vitamin C and vitamin E to full antioxidant activity. OPC-3^™ inhibits enzymes that cause inflammation. It reduces histamine production, thereby helping the lining of arteries resist attack by mutagens that can cause cardiovascular disease. It restores capillary integrity and improves circulation, making it a little easier for each cell to get the food it needs. For women, it has been known to help correct abnormal menstrual bleeding and cramps.

*The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What makes OPC-3^™ different from other pycnogenol products?

OPC-3^™ offers three rich sources of OPC that are rated highest in total polyphenol content in a range of four to 92%. It is totally bioavailable, water-soluble and delivered the way nature intended it to be, in an isotonic solution. This product is in position to be absorbed within five minutes. This combination of OPCs makes OPC-3^™ the most powerful, natural free radical scavenger, anti-aging and antioxidant product yet manufactured.

Is OPC-3^™ safe?

Absolutely! OPC products have been used for over twenty years throughout Europe. Extensive clinical studies and laboratory research have revealed no evidence of human toxicity, allergic reactions, birth defects or carcinogenesis.

How long do OPCs remain in the body?

Approximately three days. OPCs circulate through body fluids and are bound to the collagen for about 72 hours before they are gradually eliminated through urine and perspiration.

Why should everyone take OPC-3^™?

Free radical damage or oxidative stress is real. Everyone is subject to it. Free radicals have been linked directly to premature aging, arthritis, circulatory disorders, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, arteriosclerosis and more. If you don’t have adequate protection from free radicals, you could very likely age faster, and experience health problems you could have avoided. OPC is the most powerful natural free radical neutralizer and antioxidant discovered, and you get the best of all OPCs in OPC-3^™. This product should be taken for life.

Where does the grape seed extract in the OPC-3^™ comes from?

Grape seed extract comes from two companies in the USA and Europe. You can imagine that anywhere there are grapes there will be proanthocyanidin/bioflavonoid extraction facilities. Due to the proprietary nature of our business, the names of the companies cannot be given out; however, we have found them to be reputable and have found that they have significant quality control procedures in place. The extraction process for grape seed OPCs is the same one used by the Pycnogenol producers, Horphag Ltd. The process involves isolating, drying and powdering grape seeds; extracting the proanthocyanidins using a combination of pressurized hot water, butanol and acetone as well as concentrating and drying the isolated compounds. The specific variety of grape is not known, but it is likely that a spectrum of red grape varieties is used for extraction. Remember that it is the extraction process that is selective for flavonoids and can be used on material from a variety of plant sources (pine bark, bilberries, and citrus rinds).

Is there an elemental analysis of OPC-3^™?

We do not have an elemental analysis on OPC-3^™, although the individual extracts are checked for the presence of heavy metals on a lot-to-lot basis. OPC-3^™ is not a significant source of minerals, but rather a complex mixture of literally scores of polyphenolic compounds.

Is there alcohol or sulfite in OPC-3^™ from the Red Wine Extract?

The red wine extract that is used in Isotonix^® OPC-3^™ is a completely non-alcoholic product. The extract is made from the skin of grapes used to make red wine, but the crushed grapes are not allowed to undergo fermentation. Therefore, ethyl alcohol is never formed and does not have to be removed. “Red wine” extract is an inaccurate use of words. Also, alcohol evaporates on exposure to air. Since OPC-3^™ is a dried product; by definition it cannot contain alcohol. Sulfites are usually added as a preservative for finished wine. Sulfite is not added to the initial grape crush or at any stage of the extraction process.

Are chemicals used in processing OPC-3^™?

Water, butanol, and acetone are used in the extraction process. They are completely evaporated during processing.

Does OPC-3^™ contain beta-carotene?

No.

Does OPC-3^™ contain caffeine?

It does not, but it may contain caffeic acid, which is a low molecular weight phenolic compound. Caffeic acid is isolated along with other polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids including proanthocyanidins. Caffeine is not an antioxidant (it does not transfer electrons or hydrogens to electron-hungry free radicals), but caffeic acid does have documented antioxidant properties. Coffee (fruit seeds) and tea (Camellia sinensis leaves) are likely to contain both caffeine and caffeic acid.

Can OPC-3^™ be taken with steroids?

You should take one or the other. Your physician needs to make a thorough assessment of steroids (e.g. prednisone) before you mix two products and confound the results. If you have been taking steroids, give yourself four to six weeks before taking the OPC-3^™. Our experience is that there is no adverse interaction.

Can you take OPC-3^™ or any other of the Isotonix^® products in soda, juice, coffee, etc. rather than water?

It is not recommended. In order to keep the products in an isotonic form and to achieve the maximum delivery time it needs to be taken on an empty stomach with two ounces of water per capful of powder. To mix the products with anything else slows down the delivery time. Also, the extent of absorption may be lessened.

How to Take OPC-3^™

Each capful of OPC-3^™ contains 125 milligrams of bioflavonoids, of which five milligrams are oligomeric proanthocyanidins in an isotonic-capable base. That means that the OPC-3^™ active ingredients will be delivered in the highest concentration to the small intestine, where most absorption of nutrients occurs. To start using OPC-3^™ for its benefit as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, take two level capfuls for every 150 pounds of body weight for the first seven days. This is referred to as the saturation dosage. Then, switch to a daily dosage of one capful per 150 pounds of body weight, as a maintenance dose. For example, if you weigh 190 pounds, you would take three servings of OPC-3^™ per day for seven days, and then switch to two servings per day for long-term health maintenance. Any excess OPC-3^™ will not be harmful since OPC-3^™ is non-toxic.

OPC-3^™ Ingredients

Grape Seed Extract 25 mg

Red Wine Extract 25 mg

Pine Bark Extract 25 mg

Bilberry Extract 25 mg

Derived from leaves and berry like fruit of a common European shrub closely related to the blueberry. Scientific studies confirm a positive effect on vision. Bilberry may prevent acute glaucoma attacks or play a role in the treatment of chronic glaucoma. It may also play a role in relieving menstrual problems; studies have found it helps to relax smooth muscles like those found in the uterine wall. Bilberry is non-toxic.

Citrus Extract (Bioflavonoids) 25 mg

Bioflavonoids are found in certain plants to act as light filters protecting the delicate DNA chains and other important macromolecules by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. They have been found to suppress the tumor-causing aromatase enzyme activity in human cells, which suggests they may contribute to the reduction of estrogen-dependent diseases such as breast cancer. Flavonoids also brought about a marked inhibition of liver damage caused by another toxin, carbon tetrachloride.

Only a few decades ago, allergies were considered to be a childhood disease. That has all changed because today, more and more adults are developing some form of allergy. Don’t be fooled into thinking that unless you have a rash, teary eyes and sneezing, you dont have an allergy. Surprisingly, fatigue, back pain and recurring colds are common symptoms indicating a recently required allergy. So, what can you do to prevent an allergy or treat an existing one? It’s simple and can be achieved with one natural compound: grape seed extract.

Why is grape seed good for you?

Grape seeds contain more than 300 different natural substances. Some of the best known are the oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). OPCs are natural compounds that have many exciting health promoting properties.

Resveratrol, found in grape seed extract and other fruits and plants, is one of the most important OPCs as it has a wide variety of health benefits including: reducing the influence of asthma provocative factors; normalizing immune response to allergens in hay fever; reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases; has highly potent cancer preventative agents; and has several different anti-inflammatory properties.

Why do we develop allergies? An allergy releases chemical reactions in the body called inflammation, which is a condition that can evolve into chronic inflammation - when our body’s own anti-inflammatory defence mechanisms have given up. People develop allergies and inflammation because of increasing global pollution and a lack of detoxifying nutrients (antioxidants) and this puts a tremendous strain on their body’s defence systems.

References:

* “The secret killer.” The role of inflammation for developing allergy, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimers and many other diseases described in TIME magazine. Source: Jack Challem.
* The Inflammation Syndrome. J. Wiley & Sons. 2005. Asthma-allergy Association. Medline 2006.
* Fairfield KM & al: Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults. Scientific Review. JAMA. 2002; 287:3116-3126 and JAMA 287(23):312-0.
* Lau, B.H. & all. “Pycnogenol as an adjunct in the management of childhood asthma.” Alternative Medical Review. 41:825-32. 2004.
* Blesa, S. & all. “Oral n-acetylcysteine attenuates the rat pulmonary inflammatory response to antigen.” Eur Respir. Mar21(3):394-400. 2003.
* Bagchi, D. & all. “Oxygen Free Radical Scavenging Abilities of Vitamins C and E and a Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract in Vitro.” Res Comun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 95(2):179-98. 1997.

Enjoy an allergy-free life! Try allergy prevention and treatment plan for women and men or Grapavita for children now. It’s 100% natural, safe and effective and is based on the most recent scientific research.

Bo Nielsen, M.D.

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It was not so long ago that terms such as “antioxidants” and “reactive oxygen species” were unheard of. Today, much is known about these two chemical species that somehow work against each other. The body’s natural chemical and biological processes produce harmful reactive oxygen species that are distributed to the cells and tissues, which then cause death and cell destruction. Moreover, natural and man-made things like cigarettes also add to the concentration of these destructive species. Even the sun has been credited to adding to the reactive species content of the human body. This is the reason why people who are more exposed to the sun in their daily activities grow older much faster than those who have minimal exposure.

One of the most potent soldiers against the reactive species is the antioxidant OPC3. Antioxidants have been studied for years by dedicated scientists and were proven to stop the harmful actions that are characteristic of these reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants do an extensive search in the cells and tissues of the body to fight and neutralize the reactive species and stop their destructive rampage.

Antioxidant OPC3 is a combination of various oligomeric procyanthocyanidins, which can be found from grape seeds and the bark of pine trees. This antioxidant is sometimes called proanthocyanidin or procyanidin or, even, proanthocyanidolic oligomers (PCO). To make the name of the oligomeric procyanthocyanidins more easily remembered, scientists use the acronym OPC3 to denote this type of molecules. This way, scientists and ordinary people can recognize the name easily.

One of the most potent actions that antioxidant OPC3 can do is to scavenge, and react with, the reactive oxygen species that target the cells that line the walls of blood vessels. Because cell walls are healthier, the risk of angina and high blood pressure is minimized. This would also contribute to overall wellness of the body as the improved cell walls allow the blood circulation all over the body to function properly. Also, owing to the many effects in the body’s blood system, stress and overfatigue can be minimized.

Got those ugly-looking varicose veins making spidery webs across your legs? Well, a lot of researchers are trying to prove that the application of antioxidant OPC3 would reduce the size of these varicose veins because these veins have similar properties to those of the blood vessels that line the heart. However, no definite conclusion has yet been made, but the application might be realized sooner.

Because various reactive oxygen species threaten to cause cell death, tissue and muscle degenerations, tumors, and other illnesses, the antioxidant OPC3 helps in neutralizing them. Some tests have shown that this antioxidant is more powerful than vitamin E. Some scientists even claim that it can be as much as 50 times the potency of that vitamin. And because vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants, this goes to prove that antioxidant OPC3 is truly a potent agent against the harmful reactive oxygen species.

If natural sources of this antioxidant are not easily available in your locality, it is always available as a natural vitamin supplement and is being sold in most pharmacies.

As you pick up the next natural vitamin supplement at the pharmacy, look out for the ingredient Antioxidant OPC3

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Janson

Department of Biomedical Science, G D’Annunzio University Chieti, Pescara, Italy.

This study investigated the efficacy of isotonic bioflavonoid supplementation, OPC-3 on 61 individuals presenting with risk factors meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Subjects were supplemented with a proprietary isotonic bioflavonoid OPC-3 or placebo over 2 months. Plasma oxidative stress status was significantly lowered by 10.1% with OPC-3. All major cardiovascular risk factors were improved with blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose lowered. OPC-3 significantly improved endothelial function as evaluated by increased vasorelaxation in reactive hyperemia and enhanced diastolic carotid artery flow. Cardiac ultrasound scanning revealed a significant increase of left ventricular ejection fraction. Skin microcirculation was enhanced, and better tissue perfusion led to significantly increased transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure and decreased pCO(2). With OPC-3 a dramatic and significant plasma C-reactive protein decrease by 52.1% occurred. Individuals may improve key cardiovascular risk factors by daily supplementation with the bioflavonoid OPC-3 as an important part of a healthier lifestyle.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18628275?dopt=abstract

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A free radical is an atomic structure with an unpaired electron in its outermost shell. These unpaired electrons tend to be highly reactive, resulting in chemical reactions such as oxidation. Because they have one or more unpaired electrons, free radicals are highly unstable. They scavenge the body to grab or donate electrons, causing damage to cells, proteins and DNA. Free radicals are naturally occurring; however, air pollution, stress, smoking, heavy exercising and aging all contribute to the creation of harmful free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative damage to the body, potentially leading to serious health problems. Normally the body is able to protect itself from the damaging effects of free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if free radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur.

Antioxidants are natural cell protectors, neutralizing free radicals by pairing an electron to the outermost shell of radical oxygen molecules, rendering them harmless. Antioxidants are nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and enzymes that are capable of counteracting the damaging, but normal, effects of the physiological process of oxidation in bodily tissues. Antioxidants work in two ways, chain breaking and prevention. A chain-breaking antioxidant such as vitamins A, C and E, stabilize free radicals or cause them to decay into harmless atomic structures. A preventative antioxidant prevents the oxidation process by scavenging free radicals.

Isotonix OPC-3^® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be potent antioxidants. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol^® in the world. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, and the most clinically researched and potent bioflavonoid.

Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.

Isotonix^® dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.