Proanthocyanidins
Proanthodyn
Grape
Seed Extract (Source Naturals), Activin Grape Seed Extract (Natrol),
Grape Seed Power (Nature's Herbs), Grape Pips (Nutricology), Grape
Seed Phytosome (Enzymatic Therapy), Grapenol (Solaray)
Grape
seed proanthocyanidins refer to procyanidin mixtures extracted from
grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds. Procyanidins are derivatives of the
flavan-3-o1 class of flavonoids. This class includes (+)-catechin,
commonly referred to as catechin, and (-)-epicatechin, commonly
referred to as epicatechin. Procyanidins are dimers and oligomers
of catechin and epicatechin and their gallic acid esters. Procyanidins
are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and, in addition to
being found in grape seeds, are found in cocoa and chocolate, apples,
peanuts, almonds, cranberries, blueberries and in the bark of pines,
among other plant sources.
Grape
seed proanthocyanidins are mainly comprised of dimers, trimers and
tetramers of catechin and epicatechin and their gallates. They also
contain smaller amounts of pentamers, hexamers and heptamers of
these flavan-3-o1s and their gallates. The procyanidin dimers and
oligomers are also known as oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs) and procyanidolic
oligomers or PCOs. Grape seed proanthocyanidins comprise approximately
60 to 70% of the polyphenol content of grapes. The procyanidins
are colorless in their pure state. .
Grape
Seed Extract is an herb that helps to protect cells from free
radical damage while promoting healthy circulation. This is known
as a powerful antioxidant similar in effect to the ever popular
and patented Pycnogenol, but far less expensive. Grape
Seed Extract is rich in polyphenols, a beneficial compound shown
as being high in antioxidants that helps to improve circulation.
People have been using grapes since ancient times not only for eating
and drinking but for medicinal purposes as well. Different parts
of the plant including the grapes themselves, the leaves, and the
stems, have been used. It was not until the 1970’s when a French
biochemist isolated from grape seed the substance called oligomeric
proanthocyandin (OPC). This substance was said to improve blood
circulation and to have some protective properties against heart
disease. Experimental data does suggest that grape seed also has
anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties and prevents
the formation of plaque in the arteries. All of this information
is great for cardiovascular health, but there have been no findings
to indicate that it can aid in weight loss or exercise.
However,
grape
seed extract may cause excessive bleeding in those taking blood
thinners. Additionally, it is vital that you not take grape seed
extract if you are allergic to grapes. Other concerns include that
it may cause dizziness or nausea, it may interfere with cholesterol
lowering drugs, and it can interact with other herbs changing the
way they are absorbed.
Consult
your physician before begining any dietary supplement regimen. HEALTH
NEWS Breaking
Health News Updated every 15 minutes click
here FEDERAL
HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS Food
and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA regulates dietary supplements under a
different set of regulations than those covering "conventional" foods and drug
products (prescription and Over-the-Counter). Under the Dietary Supplement Health
and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible
for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible
for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches
the market. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register with FDA nor get
FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements. Manufacturers must
make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading. United
States Department of Health and Human Services
Thee United States government's
principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential
human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.The
department has more than 300 programs. Nutrition.gov
Nutrition
and health information on government websites. | 
